The Need

According to the 2019 GLSEN New Jersey School Climate survey, less than half of New Jersey students say they have access to LGBTQ-related library resources at school.

Just 26% of New Jersey students say they were taught positive representations of LGBTQ people, history, or events at school. A collection of texts that positively represent LGBTQ+ characters and historical figures is critical for any school to be an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students and those with LGBTQ+ family members.

The Plan

Thanks to the leadership of GLSEN's New Jersey chapters, in the 2021-2022 school year, we sent LGBTQ+ affirming text sets to over 200 schools and libraries across New Jersey.

Any full-time staff member at a New Jersey K-12 school or public library is welcome to request a Rainbow Library. All types of K-12 schools are eligible: district, magnet, charter, and independent.

Each school that applies will be eligible for one Rainbow Library set, which contains 10 LGBTQ+ affirming grade-aligned books, as well as posters and supplemental resources. School-aged readers are encouraged to submit Rainbow Reader Reviews about Rainbow Library books through the Rainbow Library website.

At the New Jersey Rainbow Reader Summit, youth, families, librarians, and school staff will virtually come together from across the state to hear from an author of an LGBTQ affirming book, get to know area LGBTQ organizations, and win prizes. Readers who had submitted top-quality Rainbow Reader Reviews about Rainbow Library books in advance of the event are recognized with awards at the event.