For Immediate Release Media Contact: Glen Medders, Chair, Board of Trustees (919) 832-4484
LGBT Center of Raleigh Library to Open on October 14, 2011
-- Announcing the Triangle's Only LGBT Community Library -- -- Overwhelming Amount of Donations Received From Across US --
 RALEIGH, NC, September 30, 2011: The LGBT Center of Raleigh Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the Center's Library will open on October 14, 2011.
The Library's mission is to provide access to resources for LGBT study and entertainment, and to encourage exploration of the LGBT experience in a safe and welcoming environment. "We at the Center are excited to offer such a great collection of books. We're proud to fulfill the previously unmet need for a community lending library exclusively focused on and celebrating LGBT life," says Erin Iannacchione, the Center's Librarian and Board of Trustees member.
The Library first received donations over two years ago, and began creating the fully-automated library catalog this summer. Word spread across the country, and donations started to increase from coast to coast. "The entire collection was generously donated; the Center did not spend one penny on any book," Iannacchione says.
About the Collection
The Library will provide Triangle residents with access to a rich collection of over 1,000 items of LGBT fiction, nonfiction, and reference materials. Books are color-coded according to the following categories for easy browsing:
Red=Bisexual Interest Orange=Gay Male Interest Yellow=Lesbian Interest Green=Transgender Interest Blue=Queer/Gender Fluid Interest
The Library is also proud to offer an extensive collection of teen books, including the recently published "Queer: The Ultimate LGBT Guide for Teens" by Kathy Belge. This manual is described by the publisher as a "humorous, engaging, and honest guide that helps LGBT teens come out to friends and family, navigate their new LGBT social life, figure out if a crush is also queer, and rise up against bigotry and homophobia."
In December, the Library will debut the A. Norman Sturdivant Special Non-Circulating Collection. DVD and CD materials will also become available for borrowing at this time.
Pre-registration of Library Cards
Beginning today, the Library is pleased to offer pre-registration of library cards to people currently residing in Wake, Durham, and Orange counties. Library borrowing privileges require a one-time membership fee of $5 per individual or $10 per household and are valid for three years. Proof of current residence in the NC Triangle area and an active email address or phone number are also required. Application forms are available at the Center and via download from the Center's website. Forms must be completed and submitted in person at the Center during regular business hours. Library cards will be available for pick-up at the Library starting on October 14, at which time patrons will be permitted to borrow materials.
Please consult the Library Policies located on the LGBT Center of Raleigh's website for information regarding registering for a library card; borrowing library materials; returning library materials; confidentiality of patron records; and limitations of use of the library catalog computer.
October 14 Grand Opening
The Grand Opening will feature an author reading and book signing by Lambda Literary Award finalist Tom Mendicino at 6:30pm in the Library.
Mendicino will read from Probation, his smart, engaging, and witty debut novel set in North Carolina. This timely and provocative story explores how a closeted gay man's decision to marry impacts his life and the people he loves, and what happens when the lie unravels. His second novel, Away, In a Manger is being published in the collection Remembering Christmas this month.
Leadership Donors
The LGBT Center of Raleigh extends its appreciation to the following individuals and organizations for providing extraordinary generosity of resources to the Library:
- Diana Denza, Lambda Literary Foundation, New York City
- Justine Hollingshead, Director of the NC State University GLBT Center
- Karen Sendziak, Gerber-Hart Library and Archives, Chicago
- A. Norman Sturdivant, Fayetteville, NC
- Anna Watson, former Director of Free Books of Boston
Library Steering Committee
The LGBT Center of Raleigh would also like to recognize the Library Steering Committee for providing guidance on the design and implementation of the Library:
- Rochelle Richardson, Librarian, San Francisco Bay Area
- Justin Kadel, Center Volunteer and Software Specialist
- Matt Mirarchi, Center Volunteer and Liaison to A. Norman Sturdivant
- Les Geller, Executive Committee Member, LGBT Center Board of Trustees
For more information on the Library and the LGBT Center of Raleigh, please visit www.lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.
The LGBT Center of Raleigh is a 501(c)3 Community Center that strives to strengthen individual and community development through social and educational activities, facilitate the incubation of supportive services and groups, and identify needs and advocate for resources benefiting the diverse population of lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual people, their friends and supporters within and beyond central North Carolina.
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