The Need
According to the 2017 GLSEN Washington School Climate survey, just over half of Washington State students say they have access to LGBTQ-related library resources at school.
Just 25% of Washington State 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.
Overview
Thanks to the leadership of GLSEN Washington, Rainbow Library Washington has sent LGBTQ+ affirming text sets to over 240 schools and libraries across Washington State - for free.
Each school that was selected received one Rainbow Library set, which contains 10 LGBTQ+ affirming grade-aligned books, as well as posters and supplemental resources.
At the Washington 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.
Request a Rainbow Library for Your Washington State School or Library
Find a Washington State LGBTQ+ Community Center
LGBTQ+ Community Centers offer programming for LGBTQ+ youth, such as group meetups, Queer Prom, volunteer opportunities, and LGBTQ+ focused scholarships. LGBTQ+ Community Centers also have information and resources on safe sex practices. Many Centers have virtual programming during COVID-19 closures.
LGBTQ/Pride Centers
Gay City: Seattle's LGBTQ Center (Seattle)
Ingersoll Gender Center (Seattle)
Palouse Inland Oasis (Pullman, WA/Moscow, ID)
LGBTQ Youth Centers or Drop-In Centers
Odyssey Youth Movement (Spokane)
Thank you to our
Winter 2021 Washington State Sponsors!
Sponsor the Rainbow Library Washington
The Rainbow Library is entirely volunteer-driven, so all funds are directed toward the program’s costs.
Rainbow Library sponsors will be recognized behind the covers of all the books mailed out to participating Washington State schools and libraries. Sponsors will also be listed on the Rainbow Library posters that come with the collections, and on this website.
Sponsorship levels are as follows:
Platinum Sponsor - $8,000 and up
Gold Sponsor - $5,000 and up
Silver Sponsor - $3,000 and up
Bronze Sponsor - $1,500 and up
To learn more about becoming a sponsor for the Rainbow Library Washington, email info@rainbowlibrary.org.
Not interested in becoming a sponsor, but still want to contribute? Click here!