Representation in books serves as a mirror, reflecting and validating a reader\u2019s identity and lived experiences.<\/p>\n
It allows readers not only to see themselves in the stories they engage with, but also to better understand and connect with perspectives and realities different from their own, whether fictional or rooted in real life.<\/p>\n
On April 7, Oakland University\u2019s Kresge Library<\/a>, in collaboration with the Educational Resource Lab (ERL)<\/a>, hosted a \u201cRead with Pride: a browse-and-borrow event\u201d<\/a> \u00a0as an early celebration of Pride Month, highlighting diverse LGBTQ+ voices and narratives.<\/p>\n Students, faculty and staff were invited to explore a curated book display featuring works by and about LGBTQ+ individuals, with titles representing a wide range of identities and experiences.<\/p>\n \u201cOU celebrates Pride Month right now, as opposed to in June, because the students are here,\u201d Erin Smith, manager of circulation services and resource sharing, said. \u201cSo that\u2019s why we\u2019re doing it this month and the ERL will also basically repeat this entire display in June.\u201d<\/p>\n The books featured in the display were provided by and selected with the assistance of the ERL, ensuring a thoughtfully curated collection that highlighted diverse LGBTQ+ voices and experiences. The display included sections organized around different queer identities, as well as a section for questioning students, making it accessible and welcoming to a broad audience.<\/p>\n In addition to the books, the event included interactive activities such as \u201cFlags Roll and Race\u201d and a word scramble.<\/p>\n Attendees could also take coloring bookmarks, buttons and stickers, adding a creative and engaging element to the experience.<\/p>\n \u201cI really wanted to work there [ERL] because I\u2019m passionate about art, but also reading and representation in books is something that I\u2019ve cared about for a long time,\u201d Leah Bowyer, graphic design and marketing specialist at the ERL, said. \u201cI read a lot of LGBTQ+ books and that\u2019s my favorite genre. The opportunity to comb through the shelves of books that we have at the ERL that I know really well was an absolute delight for me.\u201d<\/p>\n The event emphasized the importance of authentic representation in books, which plays a key role in combating harmful stereotypes, fostering inclusivity and strengthening reader engagement.<\/p>\n \u201cI think it\u2019s really important for people to be able to see themselves in a book,\u201d Melissa Kempski, director of the Educational Resources Lab, said.<\/p>\n Beth Wallis, associate dean of Kresge Library, elaborated on Kempski\u2019s point.<\/p>\n \u201cI mean, it\u2019s vital. Especially in the political climate in the country today, it\u2019s more important than ever to create safe spaces for everybody,\u201d Wallis said.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m the mom of four kids and so since they were in their teenage years, I\u2019ve learned a lot and have grown myself,\u201d Wallis said. \u201cI just think it\u2019s really important for people to keep growing and learning. We want allies to feel comfortable in these spaces. We want queer students to feel comfortable in these spaces. The library is always trying to find new ways to engage with students beyond providing an important space for study and providing important resources for their school work,\u201d Wallis said.<\/p>\n Although this marked Kresge Library and the Educational Resource Lab\u2019s first Pride Month book event, the groups had earlier in the year hosted a banned books fair<\/a>, continuing their commitment to highlighting diverse and often underrepresented voices.<\/p>\n \u201cThe banned book fair in the fall was the first time that we\u2019d hosted this kind of event,\u201d Smith said. \u201cThis is the first Pride event, but I feel like they\u2019ve been successful and we would want to keep doing them going on into the future.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI really like the collaboration between Kresge and the educational resources lab. This is the first school year that we\u2019ve ever really collaborated and I think that has been very successful,\u201d Kempski said.<\/p>\n