Serving ALL Families in Your Library: Inclusive Library Collections and Programs for LGBTQ Families & Children

Serving ALL Families in Your Library: Inclusive Library Collections & Programs for LGBTQ Families & Children
Jamie Campbell Naidoo, University of Alabama- SLIS
Megan Roberts, LGBT Center of Raleigh Library


This session began by reminding viewers that even though we may think our communities do not include a large number of LGBTQ+ patrons, the incidence of diverse families occurs more frequently than many expect. As librarians offering access to information and resources to all, it is important to keep in mind all of the populations we are serving and to work towards being inclusive.


Presenters shared some eye-opening statistics and information regarding diverse families, which they refer to as “Rainbow Families.”
The criteria for the rainbow family description is-
o Single of partnered LGBTQ parent/caregiver
o Child/tween with LGBTQ parent/caregiver
o LGBTQ children/teens
o Gender nonconforming individuals



It is important to keep in mind that these are our patrons, even if we may be unaware of it. In 2014 UNICEF affirmed universal rights for child & caregivers in Rainbow families. As information professionals offering access, it is important to address the needs of our population in an inclusive, accepting way. In the time that I’ve been here at the library, I’ve heard time and again that we treat everyone like a VIP when we provide service. It seems as though this can be extended to the more passive services that we offer—for instance, making sure relevant materials do get to make their way to the collections and that we mainstream those materials, rather than hiding them away.
In order to provide the best service to rainbow families, presenters highlighted some of their needs that libraries should be aware of:


o Developmentally appropriate high quality print & digital materials that normalize experience of rainbow families (available across all Youth services collections)

o Current, accurate info re: local organizations serving Rainbow families
o Make materials readily available/included in regular handouts, displays, etc.
o Inclusive language in library programs (avoid bring your mom to our “Mother’s Day” celebration)

o Opportunities to learn about LGBTQ individuals via inclusive displays, collections & programs.
o Confidentiality in patron records & discretion when helping rainbow families locate materials
o Ability to locate LGBTQ materials within the library’s catalog and collections


There were some great tips shared to help make sure that we are being intentional as we strive towards full inclusion-
Inclusive Language DO’s
:
o Remain neutral & non-judgmental
o Use words like parent, caregiver, grownup (I hear “grownup” all the time in storytimes & from children’s reference staff—great job!)
o Use language that reflects what people call themselves
o Use person centered language
o Avoiding labeling—see people as individuals



There are so many ways in which we can work towards inclusion in both our programs and our other library services. This is a significant action because when we do this, we are not only striving for inclusion for rainbow families, but towards greater understanding and acceptance for all. Our library environment is often the first educational experience that parents and young children experience together. When we promote acceptance and positive attitudes towards diversity and differences it creates opportunities for children to learn about all kinds of families and fosters their development of positive understanding of both themselves and others. This can lead to increased empathy and compassion—all warm, fuzzy things that can help make the world a better place!

Why Inclusive Storytimes/Programming
o LGBTQ+ patrons live in every community
o Everyone benefits! Examples of ALL different families, celebrates each patron
o This is not limited to rainbow families

With that in mind, some further tips were offered. Many of these can be incorporated into children’s programs. In my experiences, it can be a struggle to adjust language that you are so accustomed to using, but it can be done! It definitely takes time to be intentional in your speaking, especially if you are very used to specific phrases.  Practicing the language you would like to use can be very helpful :)



How to Be Inclusive in Children’s Programs
o Incorporate gender neutral names
o Feature ambiguous animal family books/incorporate single parent families
o Use names; avoid gender pronouns when telling stories, using puppets, flannel board, etc.
o Avoid making assumptions about family dynamics
o Be aware of older nursery rhymes & songs that may be inappropriate (this is so true! There are many violent nursery rhymes & rhymes that send negative messages to children. However, that are many adjusted version that promote a kinder perspective—if you are interested in seeing them, please stop by my desk or ask me! I have fantastic book at my desk, called “I Love You Rituals,” which has many adapted nursery rhymes. Feel free to take a look through the book—it is from my personal collection, just let me know if you’ve borrowed it, please!)

The presenters raised an interesting point regarding balance as well—if inclusive materials are part of a library’s collection, should anti materials be also? No! Rather, the use of inclusive materials for rainbow families is offering a balance to the materials that feature mainstream heterosexual families. Both presenters were very clear that as librarians, our emphasis should be on building children’s understanding, not on promoting intolerance.

This session provided a lot of food for thought in how best to serve as many patrons as possible. It was very lively and incredibly thought-provoking. It is great to see how far we’ve come in a fairly short time span—it makes any additional progress seem attainable :)