Ferndale Library Seeking Book Donations After Hide the Pride Effort Targets LGBTQ+ Book Displays
(Crystal A. Proxmire, June 7, 2023)
Ferndale, MI -The Ferndale Area District Library is asking the public to help purchase more LGBTQ+ books for their collection after a number of similar books were checked out en masse as part of a Hide the Pride effort to prevent others from having access to the materials.
Two individuals worked together to check out the books and to replace them with books about Christianity, and there are unconfirmed posts online claiming credit that include pictures of the displays before and after.
The Ferndale Area District Library posted on Facebok about the incident, stating “Hide the Pride” is a campaign encouraging individuals to check out LGBTQ+ books featured in a library display with the intent of denying other patrons access to them for the month of June, and that appears to be the case here in Ferndale. Thankfully, we were able to pull more titles from our extensive collection to restock these displays.
“But YOU CAN HELP the library increase accessibility to these books in the future by purchasing any of the titles listed in our Amazon Wishlist.
“Or, if you prefer to support an independent bookstore, we encourage you to shop locally for any of these titles and drop them off at a library service desk. We’ll be storing these extra copies in case this campaign of censorship continues. If you aren’t able to help with the book drive, we encourage Ferndale residents to show their support by signing up for a library card or using the library during June. Your kind words and support of our staff will go a long way.
The Pride Books Wish List on Amazon includes a variety of books for readers of all ages, including You Be You: The Kid’s Guide to Gender, Sexuality and Family by Jonathan Branfmas and Julie Benbassat, The Book of Pride: LGBT Heroes Who Changed the World by Mason Funk, and Unconditional: A Guide to Loving and Supporting Your LGBTQ Child by Telaina Eriksen.
Library Director Jenny Marr said “It’s important for readers to be able to see themselves in stories. Books also offer a view of the world beyond our own experiences which builds empathy and understanding,” adding that “FADL will fight censorship in all its forms.”
According to Marr, checking out books on a topic “actually increases the circulation statistics on those items, which guarantees that not only will we keep the books longer, but will most likely acquire additional copies.”
The books were checked out with a library card, and are anticipated to be returned. If the books aren’t returned, Marr said ” they will be charged for the replacement cost of the books, and then we’ll buy more copies.”
Learn more about Ferndale Area District Library at https://www.ferndalepubliclibrary.org/.