Until 2020, a gap existed in services for LGBTQ+ patrons in the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS). This panel will talk about the team specifically created to address this gap. The issues addressed by the team included the need for internal and external education about LGBTQ+ issues, growth in the library’s programming and resources for LGBTQ+ customers, and enthusiastic celebration of the LGBTQ+ experience. The team was able to accomplish much in a short time, including the creation of extensive staff development materials and robust programming initiatives. Programming highlights included planning of the county’s Pride Festival - the Rainbow Family Festival - and author talks from queer authors, as well as a LGBTQ+ heritage page for the PGCMLS website. Other topics to be discussed will include pivoting quickly to fit a digital environment for Pride month events in response to COVID-19, and the challenges and benefits of those adjustments; social media best practices; and advice on how to start a similar team in your own organization. This program is worth 1 contact hour of continuing education.
