Sara Katherine noticed a lack of support for LGBTQ youth in her hometown of Valparaiso, Indiana, and started volunteering at a local nonprofit to mentor queer teens who lacked representation in media and their community. She discovered the Queer Liberation Library (QLL), a digital catalog of over 1,200 LGBTQ books that anyone across the country can access for free. The QLL was founded by a team of volunteers to fill the gap in queer literature amid challenges to LGBTQ-themed books in various states and schools. Providing access to these books is crucial for LGBTQ youth to see themselves reflected in stories and feel validated in their identities.
The QLL allows readers to check out digital books by providing their name and U.S. mailing address, ensuring privacy and security of information. While some public libraries offer nationwide access to their collections, QLL focuses specifically on curating books with queer themes or by queer authors. Since its launch, QLL has attracted nearly 4,000 readers and has a readership exceeding 50,000. The team of volunteers, including financial and legal experts like Erik Lundstrom, work remotely to grow the library’s titles, reach, and access. Through social media platforms, the library shares updates on new releases, merchandise launches, and fundraising initiatives to engage readers.
The impact of the QLL is especially significant at a time when book bans have been implemented in 42 states, targeting titles with LGBTQ themes. Books with LGBTQ characters and narratives help queer youth feel seen and accepted, while bans send a message of punishment and erasure. Organizations like GLSEN emphasize the importance of providing access to queer literature for LGBTQ youth to have positive role models and affirmation of their identities. Non-LGBTQ students also benefit from exposure to queer representation, fostering inclusivity, understanding, and a sense of community among readers. By making queer literature accessible to all, platforms like QLL promote lifelong learning and support social and emotional growth.
QLL continues to expand its collection and membership by addressing the needs and concerns of its audience. Through surveys, the library gathers feedback from users who express gratitude for being able to borrow LGBTQ books and see themselves reflected in the texts. In places like Valparaiso, where visibility and diversity are lacking, queer youth find solace in books that validate their experiences and identities. Looking ahead, QLL plans to host in-person events like book clubs, summer reading programs, and meetups to further support LGBTQ youth and foster a sense of community. The team is dedicated to providing resources and support to LGBTQ individuals that were lacking in their own experiences, emphasizing the importance of shared liberation and inclusivity.
