For immediate release | April 27, 2020

GLBT Book Monthâ„¢ given new name

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CHICAGO – Formerly known as GLBT Book Month™, the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (ALA) will now observe the month of June as Rainbow Book Month™, a nationwide celebration of the authors and writings that reflect the lives and experiences of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, pansexual, genderqueer, queer, intersex, agender and asexual community.

Originally established in the early 1990s by The Publishing Triangle as National Lesbian and Gay Book Month, Rainbow Book Month™, provides an opportunity for book lovers and libraries to highlight the very best in LGBTQIA+ literature. Since 2015, the ¾«¶«´«Ã½continues to lend support to the month, with activities coordinated through its and (RRT).

Library professionals are encouraged to take advantage of free resources and tools to support Rainbow Book Month activities and share event photos and information over social platforms under the hashtag #RainbowBookMonth. ALA’s RRT to support virtual LGBTQIA+ literature programing, author engagement and book discussion groups.

Kayla Kuni, the chair of RRT’s Advocacy and Resources committee said, "I am interested in seeing what kind of virtual programming Rainbow Book Month™ will inspire. My biggest hope is that the wonderful programs, ideas, and conversations that have happened in so many past celebrations still happen, even if they are online.”

The Rainbow Round Table (RRT) is committed to serving the information needs of the LGBTQIA+ professional library community and the LGBTQIA+ information and access needs of individuals at large. The group’s mission is to encourage and support the free and necessary access to all information, as reflected by the mission of the ALA.

¾«¶«´«Ã½ (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, ¾«¶«´«Ã½has been the trusted voice of libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.

Contact:

Briana Jarnagin

Program Coordinator, Community Engagement

Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services

bjarnagin@ala.org