Taking Pride in the Library

LGBTQ experience reflected in Lavender Collection
By Brandon Macken
June 5, 2019
Sacramento Public Library’s Lavender Collection represents LGBTQ individuals, allies and those who want to learn more about the community.

Books in the Lavender Collection have been a part of the library since it was established. The everlasting supply of books written with LGBTQ characters and/or themes include classic novels like Giovanni’s Room, Stone Butch Blues and Rubyfruit Jungle to more under the radar books like Gender Failure, Real Queer America: LGBT Stories from Red States and Guapa.

C.J. McCort, the library’s acquisition and collection development supervisor, oversees this collection and is proud of what the organization has been able to accomplish with its installation. “We collect books for everyone in our community,” McCort said. “Everybody should be able to see their experiences represented in their library's collection.”

Librarian Justin Azevedo is a selector of the children and teen's books that get included in the Lavender Collection. “It’s very important to me that all children and families in the Sacramento area can see themselves and their experiences authentically reflected in a book,” Azevedo said.

The collection is composed of thousands of books that range across every genre and age group. Books are researched and carefully selected based upon the judgement of the selectors.

“The first place I saw people like myself was in a book  I understand how validating and valuable that experience is," McCort said. "I'm glad the library can provide a collection where everyone can have that experience."

SacPride selection from the Lavender Collection (all ages)

Books from the Lavender Collection come in all formats — books, ebooks and audiobooks — and are accessible via our catalog and across each of our locations. Depending on availability, you can download from Overdrive and Hoopla, or have them delivered to the branch most convenient for you.



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See us at SacPride

We’re celebrating Pride with you. Look for our bookmobile in the parade and then visit us at our booth between 4th and 5th Streets to learn more about what we offer LGBTQ patrons.