Are you a bookish LGBTQ2IA+ person living in Metro Vancouver? Well you’re in luck, because an awesome event right up your alley is coming up in February: Out On The Shelves LGBTQ2IA+ Library is having a Grand Opening Party!
You might have missed it, but I have talked about Out On The Shelves a few times already on my blog: once back in October 2017 when we had our soft open, and again in December when we had a holiday book drive. (The book drive was really successful, and if you had a hand in that by sharing the info about the drive or donating books, thank you!). I’m the co-coordinator of the library. Now that we’ve got ourselves sorted, we’re having a celebratory Grand Opening Party which I would love to see lots of people at!
Out On The Shelves is an entirely-volunteer run library whose history goes back to the early 1980s in Vancouver! After losing our downtown space two years ago, we’ve finally re-established ourselves on UBC’s West Point Grey campus in the Student Nest building. Although we are now located at UBC, you do NOT have to be a student or staff to get a library card. Our library cards are free for everyone! Our library’s mission is:
Out On The Shelves aims to foster a free, accessible, and safe space for LGBTQ2IA+ people and their allies to discover and share stories and resources centring LGBTQ2IA+ experiences. We understand that LGBTQ2IA+ people stand at the intersection of multiple communities and identities, and we seek to empower and support them by providing access to materials that reflect their realities.
Our values include accessibility, social justice, decolonization, intersectionality, own voices, and more! Check out the Out On The Shelves website for more info on values and practical details like our hours, how many books and DVDs you can check out, and other important stuff.
Recent donations from the amazing Arsenal Pulp Press!
We’re really excited about introducing people to our new space and (re)-introducing people to our diverse collection of books and DVDs at the Grand Opening Party. We have received a ton of amazing donations recently that we would love people to take out and appreciate (see above photo!). Of course, there will an opportunity to get a library card and check out materials at the party, but also special things like music, snacks, a fundraiser raffle with queer book prizes (among other things!), and a used (queer) book sale. You can drop by anytime between 6pm and 8pm, or come for the full two hours!
RSVP to the Facebook Event if you’re planning on coming. Hopefully see some of you there! If you want to keep up to speed with what Out On The Shelves is up to, follow us on your social media of choice: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Tumblr.
Where: Room 2112, AMS Student Nest, 6133 University Boulevard, UBC West Point Grey Campus, Musqeaum Territory
When: February 15th, 6pm – 8pm
How Much: Free! But bring cash to buy used books and raffle tickets in support of the library if you want.
