LONDON, February 23  –  Haringey Libraries in London are launching a new LGBT book collection to mark the UK’s first ever Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month.

The new collection, featuring books by LGBT authors and about LGBT issues, will be launched at a special event on Sunday, February 27 at Wood Green Central Library.  The event begins at 2pm, is free and open to all.  It has been organised by Haringey Libraries in partnership with Haringey Council’s Equalities & Diversity Unit.

“Haringey Council is committed to providing the best library service for all of Haringey’s diverse communities. Introducing a dedicated LGBT collection underlines this commitment,” said Councillor George Meehan, the council’s executive member for Education and lifelong learning who added that the scheme forms part of Haringey Libraries’ social inclusion and cultural diversity programme.

Initially the collection of more than 150 books will be housed at Wood Green Central Library and will be accessible to users of all Haringey Libraries through the library catalogue.

All books in the collection are easily identifiable and placed together making it easier for users to browse. In addition to the central collection, Haringey Libraries are introducing LGBT interest magazines at a number of branches. Haringey Libraries have worked closely with local arts organisation Wisethoughts and other community groups to ensure that the collection meets the needs of Haringey’s LGBT communities.

Launching the collection to the public will be Councillor Alan Dobbie, Haringey Council member and ‘People’s Champion’ for LGBT issues.

“For too many years LGBT people have been an invisible minority,” Cllr. Dobbie says. “This collection demonstrates how LGBT people make a significant contribution to society in general.

“I am really delighted that Haringey Council will be celebrating LGBT History Month.  We have a proud record of equality and the month gives us the opportunity to recognise Haringey's diverse community”.

Joining Councillor Dobbie will be Femi Otitoju, managing director of Challenge, one of the leading providers for diversity and equalities training in the UK.  Femi, who has been actively campaigning for LGBT equality for many years, is returning to Haringey, where she worked in the Lesbian & Gay Unit.

Also speaking at the event will be David Smith, a former editor of the Gay Times who now works as a health promotion specialist for the Camden & Islington Gay Men's Team (part of he NHS in Camden).

The Wood Green Central Library is located on High Road (nearest Underground is Wood Green – two minutes walk).

■ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender History Month has been running throughout February and is an opportunity to learn more about the histories of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Britain and Northern Ireland.

LINKS

Haringey Libraries website
Listing of LGBT History Month Events nationwide

23  February  2005