When incorporating GLBTQ programming into your library's already existing programs, one of the most important aspects pertains to letting all teen patrons know that GLBTQ programs are for individuals of any sexuality. In addition to the programming ideas detailed below, you can also create themes and displays around the topical booklists provided here. Finally, bringing in special guests is one sure way to attract teens to the library and add some flair to your GLBTQ programming.
* denotes adapted from Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Teens: A How-to-do-
it-Manual for Librarians by Martin Jr., Hillias J. and James R. Murdock.
GLBTQ Coffee House*
Materials:
Title Tie-Ins:
What to do: This one is simple, take the DVD's, pop 'em in and let the fun begin!!
Why it Works: Teens who are questioning or are hesitant to join the GLBTQ fun can get their foot in the door, and will feel comfortable attending the program, due to the fact that the library will be virtually deserted, and also because the activity of watching TV shows corresponds to a low-pressure situation. Selecting generally well-received and uncontroversial titles such as the above-mentioned television shows pertains to a good way to kick off GLBTQ programming without making too big of a splash. If you feel the audience would welcome more interactivity, consider integrating an open mic element into the festivities. Teens can read poetry, play music/sing, tell stories, read passages from their favorite GLBTQ-themed books, or even share/perform fan fiction based off of the aforementioned TV shows. "...the idea is to create a relaxed, safe space for kids to meet, make friends, and share ideas" (Martin and Murdock, 216).
GLBTQ Book Discussion Group*
Materials:
Title Tie-Ins: Any of the tiles listed on the Recommended Titles page will do, but be sure that a variety of sexual/gender identities are represented.
What to do: The success of a GLBTQ book discussion group ultimately depends upon assembling a variety of teens for a thought-provoking discussion. Therefore, it is tantamount that you publicize the book discussion group on the library's web page, through social media, through fliers posted in the library, and at community centers, the mall, local schools, etc. - bascially anywhere teens hang out. Utilize the library's teen advisory board to spread the word, or even consider collaborating with school librarians in the area to publicize the program to their students.
For the first meeting, decide how your group will function - will everyone read the same book, or different books? "Teens often prefer the latter option and there several reasons this approach is a good one. Teens value freedom of choice and letting them choose books individually will draw a broader audience. Allowing teens to choose their own books also lets other participants in the group to see the range of titles available to them and thereby make a better decision about what to read next. When teens begin to recommend books to each other, that's the ultimate form of empowerment and participation in your library. And remember, whichever strategy you choose, you can always change it later" (ibid, 206).
Decide where you will hold the GLBTQ book discussion group. Although it may be noisy in the open space of the library, holding the group here sends the message that the library openly supports GLBTQ teens, and also encourages participation from any teens passing by. For the first meeting, it is a good idea to assemble an assortment of titles that you can quickly booktalk to participants. Group members can then select titles to read for next time. "In subsequent meetings, lead off with a discussion about a title that you've read recently and then go around the table and ask everyone to talk about the title they've chosen. This helps gets the discussion going and spurs participants to ask questions and voice their own opinions. The other advantage to booktalking is that it introduces group participants to the library's method of talking about books. After hearing a couple of booktalks, teens start to follow the same format on their own, which helps them feel more confident discussing literature" (ibid, 206).
Why it Works: There is convincing evidence that through reading, a person's life can be transformed. GLBTQ book discussion groups let these teens know they are not alone, and also allows allies to tap into the experience of what their GLBTQ counterparts must deal with.
National Day of Silence:
What it Is: An excellent program for school libraries, "The Day of Silence is a student-led national event that brings attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools. Students from middle school to college take a vow of silence in an effort to encourage schools and classmates to address the problem of anti-LGBT behavior by illustrating the silencing effect of bullying and harassment on LGBT students and those perceived to be LGBT" (http://www.dayofsilence.org/FAQs/).
Why it Works: Silence truly is powerful, and research has proven that GLBTQ teens are frequently harassed on account of their sexual orientation and gender expression. The Day of Silence unites GLBTQ students with their non-GLBTQ classmates and sends a powerful message to all that we support everyone in the community.
Check out the PDF linked below for information on how to bring the National Day of Silence to life at your library!!
* denotes adapted from Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Teens: A How-to-do-
it-Manual for Librarians by Martin Jr., Hillias J. and James R. Murdock.
GLBTQ Coffee House*
Materials:
- TV Monitor and DVD Player, or Computer with Smartboard or Projection Screen
- A welcoming space with comfortable seating - chairs, pillows, tables, etc.
- Permission from library officials to allow the library to stay open late
- Snacks/Beverages - popcorn, soda, coffee, tea, cookies
- A public performance rights license
Title Tie-Ins:
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer
- Will & Grace
- My So-Called Life
What to do: This one is simple, take the DVD's, pop 'em in and let the fun begin!!
Why it Works: Teens who are questioning or are hesitant to join the GLBTQ fun can get their foot in the door, and will feel comfortable attending the program, due to the fact that the library will be virtually deserted, and also because the activity of watching TV shows corresponds to a low-pressure situation. Selecting generally well-received and uncontroversial titles such as the above-mentioned television shows pertains to a good way to kick off GLBTQ programming without making too big of a splash. If you feel the audience would welcome more interactivity, consider integrating an open mic element into the festivities. Teens can read poetry, play music/sing, tell stories, read passages from their favorite GLBTQ-themed books, or even share/perform fan fiction based off of the aforementioned TV shows. "...the idea is to create a relaxed, safe space for kids to meet, make friends, and share ideas" (Martin and Murdock, 216).
GLBTQ Book Discussion Group*
Materials:
- Table and Chairs
- GLBTQ-themed books (multiple copies)
- Promotional materials to advertise the discussion group
- A list of open-ended discussion questions and ice-breakers
- Snacks and beverages
Title Tie-Ins: Any of the tiles listed on the Recommended Titles page will do, but be sure that a variety of sexual/gender identities are represented.
What to do: The success of a GLBTQ book discussion group ultimately depends upon assembling a variety of teens for a thought-provoking discussion. Therefore, it is tantamount that you publicize the book discussion group on the library's web page, through social media, through fliers posted in the library, and at community centers, the mall, local schools, etc. - bascially anywhere teens hang out. Utilize the library's teen advisory board to spread the word, or even consider collaborating with school librarians in the area to publicize the program to their students.
For the first meeting, decide how your group will function - will everyone read the same book, or different books? "Teens often prefer the latter option and there several reasons this approach is a good one. Teens value freedom of choice and letting them choose books individually will draw a broader audience. Allowing teens to choose their own books also lets other participants in the group to see the range of titles available to them and thereby make a better decision about what to read next. When teens begin to recommend books to each other, that's the ultimate form of empowerment and participation in your library. And remember, whichever strategy you choose, you can always change it later" (ibid, 206).
Decide where you will hold the GLBTQ book discussion group. Although it may be noisy in the open space of the library, holding the group here sends the message that the library openly supports GLBTQ teens, and also encourages participation from any teens passing by. For the first meeting, it is a good idea to assemble an assortment of titles that you can quickly booktalk to participants. Group members can then select titles to read for next time. "In subsequent meetings, lead off with a discussion about a title that you've read recently and then go around the table and ask everyone to talk about the title they've chosen. This helps gets the discussion going and spurs participants to ask questions and voice their own opinions. The other advantage to booktalking is that it introduces group participants to the library's method of talking about books. After hearing a couple of booktalks, teens start to follow the same format on their own, which helps them feel more confident discussing literature" (ibid, 206).
Why it Works: There is convincing evidence that through reading, a person's life can be transformed. GLBTQ book discussion groups let these teens know they are not alone, and also allows allies to tap into the experience of what their GLBTQ counterparts must deal with.
National Day of Silence:
What it Is: An excellent program for school libraries, "The Day of Silence is a student-led national event that brings attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools. Students from middle school to college take a vow of silence in an effort to encourage schools and classmates to address the problem of anti-LGBT behavior by illustrating the silencing effect of bullying and harassment on LGBT students and those perceived to be LGBT" (http://www.dayofsilence.org/FAQs/).
Why it Works: Silence truly is powerful, and research has proven that GLBTQ teens are frequently harassed on account of their sexual orientation and gender expression. The Day of Silence unites GLBTQ students with their non-GLBTQ classmates and sends a powerful message to all that we support everyone in the community.
Check out the PDF linked below for information on how to bring the National Day of Silence to life at your library!!
dos_ideas.pdf | |
File Size: | 196 kb |
File Type: |
Sources:
Martin Jr., Hillias J. and James R. Murdock. Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Teens: A How-to-do-
it-Manual for Librarians. New York: Neal Schulman Publishers, Inc., 2007. Print.
GLSEN Day of Silence FAQ's, http://www.dayofsilence.org/FAQs/, Web 07 November 2012.
Martin Jr., Hillias J. and James R. Murdock. Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Teens: A How-to-do-
it-Manual for Librarians. New York: Neal Schulman Publishers, Inc., 2007. Print.
GLSEN Day of Silence FAQ's, http://www.dayofsilence.org/FAQs/, Web 07 November 2012.