The Queer Liberation Library (QLL, pronounced "quill")[1] is an LGBT digital library based in the United States. QLL aims to provide resources representing LGBT communities in an online space that is accessible to anyone in the United States, especially those living in areas where physical access to LGBT books is limited.[2] QLL is run by a steering committee composed of volunteers, led by founder Kieran Hickey.[3] The library began fundraising in the summer of 2023 and launched the collection of LGBT ebooks and audiobooks on October 23, 2023.[1][3]
| Queer Liberation Library | |
|---|---|
| Type | Digital library |
| Established | 2023 |
| Collection | |
| Items collected | ebooks, digital audiobooks |
| Size | 1,200 (2024) |
| Access and use | |
| Access requirements | Residency in United States |
| Members | 50,000+ (2024) |
| Other information | |
| Website | www |
Book bans
editThe Queer Liberation Library is in part a response to the increasing number of book bans and challenges targeting LGBT materials in the United States.[4] In 2022 the American Library Association, which has compiled data from book challenges reported to their Office for Intellectual Freedom since 1990,[5] reported the greatest number of ban attempts to date, 38% more than in the prior year.[6] Preliminary data from the first eight months of 2023 shows a 20% increase in challenges in the same reporting period of 2022.[7] Book challenges in libraries and schools are key component of the 2020s anti-LGBT movement in the United States. Because QLL is available to users anywhere in the United States, it can provide access to the most frequently banned LGBT books, including in states with high numbers of bans like Florida, Texas, and Pennsylvania.[8]
Membership
editMembership with QLL is open to any person with a mailing address within the United States, with no age restrictions.[9] The Queer Liberation Library had over 50,000 patrons as of February 13, 2024.[10]
Collection
editThe library collection contains LGBT books including banned books, LGBT classics, and newly published fiction and nonfiction for children, youth, and adults. At the end of 2023 QLL had 557 books in the collection.[3] As of June 2024, QLL's digital catalog has expanded to over 1,200 titles.[10]
Users can access the Queer Liberation Library collection from desktop or mobile device through the Overdrive website or Libby app.[4]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b Roliff, Riley (4 July 2023). "This new Ohio-based digital Queer Liberation Library is made 'by and for the queer community' [AUDIO]". The Buckeye Flame. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ^ Rhodes, Adam (1 August 2023). "Queer libraries are on the front lines of the fight against book bans". Xtra Magazine. Pink Triangle Press. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ^ a b c Garnand, Ileana (25 October 2023). "New LGBTQ+ library launches online". Lonestar Live. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ^ a b Wolfe, Elizabeth (16 December 2023). "Book bans are harming LGBTQ people, advocates say. This online library is fighting back". CNN. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ^ "Challenge Reporting". American Library Association. 24 February 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ^ Garcia, Raymond (22 March 2023). "American Library Association reports record number of demands to censor library books and materials in 2022". ALA News. American Library Association. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ^ Garcia, Raymond (19 September 2023). "American Library Association Releases Preliminary Data on 2023 Book Challenges". ALA News. American Library Association. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ^ Figueroa, Ariana (9 October 2023). "First Amendment advocates fight growing number of U.S. book bans". Nebraska Examiner. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ^ "Membership Policy". Queer Liberation Library. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ^ a b Valle, Jay (June 11, 2024). "A digital library offers hundreds of free LGBTQ books in response to wave of school bans". NBC News. Retrieved June 20, 2024.