Find stories that reflect you – and others – at the library

At the County of Prince Edward Public Library, we know that representation matters. It’s important that people can find characters they can relate to in books, and have the opportunity to learn about other people’s lives as well. The library’s strategic plan identifies inclusion and diversity, including diverse backgrounds, perspectives and cultures as a priority area, and we work hard to make that happen every day.

I was involved in a meeting with other libraries this week and one library staff member made the comment that she is so lucky to be able to come to the library every day and work to make her neighbour’s lives better, and that comment really resonated with me. There’s nothing like the smile on a young person’s face when they find a book that they can relate to or when they “meet” a character that feels like a friend. There’s an anonymous quote that “we lose ourselves in books – we find ourselves there too,” and helping people find the book that they can find themselves in is very gratifying.

One way we work to ensure that everyone can find stories that reflect themselves is by recognizing and celebrating Pride month with book lists and book displays. The library’s Discover YOUth group, a group of 2SLGBTQIA+ teens who meet regularly to hang out, create art projects and more, are excited to participate in Bay of Quinte Pride’s Picton Pride parade this year. Last year they created a rainbow flag using a chainmail inspired method and we’re excited to see what they come up with this year.

We will also participate in the vendor and information fair at the Crystal Palace and have information about Discover YOUth, volunteer opportunities at the library and book lists with suggested titles for all ages and interests. For more information about Discover YOUth, check out peclibrary.org/lgbtq

There are so many great titles available for all ages that centre the stories and experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+people – whether you are interested in thoughtful nonfiction, poetry, fiction of all genres, we can help you find something that will suit you. I’ll share two suggestions here and encourage you to drop by for more.

Is this a Cry for Help? by Emily Austin might be a great pick if you’re a library-lover. It’s the story of a librarian forced to face book-banners and people who are trying to limit free speech in the public library. Along with her wife Joy, they reconcile with intellectual freedom, what it means to live in a community, and the role of her own past as they move through the very readable novel.

If you want to be transported to Palm Springs and spend time with some very memorable characters, The Guncle by Steven Rowley might be just the book for you. Patrick O’Hara, a retired TV star, is enjoying life in Palm Springs before his sister dies, leaving him in charge of two extremely entertaining children. Though the grief at the loss of his sister is present throughout the book, it’s also funny, heartwarming, and very entertaining.

Drop into any branch of the library for suggestions and to browse the collection.