US librarians tackle ‘manufactured crisis’ of book bans to protect LGBTQ+ rights

In at least half a dozen states, librarians have joined forces with civil rights groups to oppose book bans, often facing personal and professional repercussions

For decades, libraries served as a safe haven for many queer and marginalized youths in eastern Texas, says former county library director Rhea Young. Unlike the school cafeteria, the library was a space where they could explore and find acceptance in who they wanted to be.

There were books where they can find characters like them, and realize it's okay to be who they are," Young said. There needs to be more places like that, not fewer."