While individual efforts over the years were forged to serve LGBTQ+ patrons and support LGBTQ+ staff sporadically, the Roundtable takes a more comprehensive, inclusive approach to these efforts by making inclusion a standard practice. Efforts to build programming and promotional templates as well as partnerships and services that go beyond Pride Month were the first issues tackled in order to support staff interest and confidence in serving and engaging queer communities both inside and outside library walls.

With the goal of increasing staff confidence and comfort the Roundtable focuses on high-impact, low-effort initiatives that reduce the barrier to entry for staff. We plan and distribute “Displays in a Bag” and “Programs in a Bag” to all Library staff. These focus on people, observances and events with an eye to intersectional opportunities. Displays include signage, context, and book lists of fiction and nonfiction by age group. Programming templates include outlines, expert presenter suggestions, materials and resources.

Since its inception in June of 2021, the Roundtable has facilitated over 20 events with nearly 500 live and recorded views. For the first time, an ongoing relationship with Compass, a local queer community center, was developed to bring book discussions and volunteer opportunities to underserved teens. In addition to the first annual Pride Day celebration for staff and patrons to kick off the roundtable’s existence, staff learn on a monthly basis about other observances such as bi visibility and transgender awareness.