Outhouse Book Drive
While
visiting Dublin yesterday I decided to at last do something I’d wanted to do
for months; visit The Outhouse, a
Community and Resource centre for LGBT people, their families and friends in
Dublin’s city centre. The Outhouse offers a wide range of services—have a look
at their website here—but
I was particularly interested in their library. (Well, I would be, wouldn’t I?
Occupational hazard and such.)
The
images of the library show a comfortable room, filled with books. I could imagine
myself happily spending hours there, reading in one of the comfy chairs. However,
what I didn’t find on those shelves, were any LGBTQ titles like those we write.
And the thing is, as far as I know there is no bookshop or library in Dublin
(or Ireland) where those books can be found.
I
stood in the middle of that room, looking around and imagined how wonderful it
would be if there was a shelf or bookcase filled with books by the authors I’ve
come to love.
So
I came up with this rather ambitious idea for a book drive. But I need help
to make it happen. I would like to ask all authors writing LGBTQ books to send
(a) paperback(s) to me. I’ll collect all the books and then bring them to The
Outhouse at a future date. Right now I’m looking at January 26th,
which would give me the time to get this organised and would allow for books to
reach me without getting caught up in the postal madness over the Christmas
season. That date also happens to be my birthday, and it is a good Dutch
tradition to give to others on that occasion.
This
is a general call out. The Outhouse operates as a lending library, therefore
books for all ages and all tastes would be welcome. In fact, I would do a happy
dance if one or more Young Adult authors were willing to participate. The one
shelf of titles aimed at that age group did disappoint me, especially since I
firmly believe teenagers benefit most from being able to read about people and
situations they recognise.
Please
contact me if you would be interested in participating. My email address is helenastone63@gmail.com
or you can send me a PM on Facebook. If we all work together we’ll be able to
transform this library and turn a wonderful space into a small piece of heaven.
It's a great idea. I'll be in touch, hon.
ReplyDeleteWonderful, thank you so much!
DeleteGreat idea, Helena! Emailing you now x
ReplyDeleteI saw and responded to your mail. Thank you so much!
DeleteGreat idea. Happy to donate print copy of my book and the new one if it comes out in time.
ReplyDeleteThank you Alexa!
DeleteI'll send you books.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sue! I'm so appreciating everybody's enthusiasm.
DeleteSending email now :) Good cause.
ReplyDeleteI saw it :) Thank you so much!
DeleteHappy to donate mine too.
ReplyDeleteThank you. It is very much appreciated.
DeleteEmailed you, hun x
ReplyDeleteI saw your mail. Thank you so much!
Delete