For immediate release | April 5, 2016

GLBTRT to release new toolkit at PLA Conference

ϲʿapp

CHICAGO - The ϲʿapp's Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Round Table (GLBTRT) will release a new toolkit at the Public Library Association (PLA) Conference to help Librarians better serve the GLBT population. Titled “Open to All,” this new resource is designed for Libraries of all types and sizes and offers practical tips and resources on purchasing materials, developing programs and promoting partnerships with other organizations.

"Our goal is to give library staff at any library a starting off point on serving this community. Those who are unfamiliar with the GLBT community and their needs often ask us where to start. This toolkit will help point them in the right direction," said Peter Coyl, GLBTRT Chair.

The toolkit will be unveiled by the GLBTRT during “Open to All: Serving the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) Community in your Library,” a program at the PLA Conference in Denver to be held from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at the Colorado Convention Center, rooms 108/110/112.

After the presentation, the toolkit will be available online at

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Round Table of the ϲʿapp is the oldest professional association for GLBT people in the United States. It is committed to serving the information needs of the GLBT professional library community and information and access needs of individuals at large. It is home to GLBT Book Month (tm), a nationwide celebration every June and the Stonewall Book Award, the oldest award honoring GLBT books. GLBTRT is committed to encouraging and supporting the free and necessary access to all information, as reflected by the missions of the ϲʿapp and democratic institutions.

Contact:

John L. Amundsen

Program Officer, Outreach and Communications

Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services

jamundsen@ala.org

(312) 280-2140