The LGBT Services Committee's archives are
on display at the Joel D Valdez Main Library
in the 3rd floor display cases through July.
Come check them out and grab a rainbow PCPL logo button!
About Us
Find our book recommendations in the catalog here!
Pima County Public Library's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Services Committee was established in 1997 to better serve southern Arizona's LGBT library users.
The committee is dedicated to upholding the Library’s Mission as well as the Library Bill of Rights for all of our customers. It seeks to fulfill this mission by creating exciting programs such as LGBT author visits, rainbow storytimes, and through participation at various outreach events such as Pride in the Desert, Pride on Parade, and EON Youth Lounge. On a daily basis we review, order, and make LGBT materials available for all PCPL users.
PCPL is one of the few public libraries in the country to have an established LGBT Services Committee.
Our History
February 1997: an off-duty group of library staff met to discuss Domestic Partner Benefits for all city of Tucson employees and services to library customers.
April 1, 1997: staff submitted a proposal for Domestic Partner Benefits to the City of Tucson.
April 14, 1997: the GLBT Services Committee was created after a presentation to the Library's Administrative Council.
April 28, 1997: Tucson Mayor and Council voted 6-0 in favor of Domestic Partner Benefits, effective in July 1997. Thus, the City of Tucson became the first governmental body in Arizona to offer these health benefits to their gay and lesbian staff.
The committee began by improving our collection of LGBT materials, producing book reviews and reading lists, presenting several puppet shows at OUToberFEST, marching in the Pride Parade, and bringing an LGBT author to Tucson every year. Previous authors include: Susie Bright, Chaz Bono, Patrick Califia, Alison Bechdel, Dan Savage, Edmund White, Michelle Tea, Dorothy Allison, and Armistead Maupin.
Titles from authors from our previous LGBT Author Talks:
Patrick Califia: Blue Mesa Review
Walter Naegal: Brother Outsider
