Little Queer Libraries offer banned books across the Pittsburgh region; Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, June 16, 2026

 SONO MOTOYAMA, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ; Little Queer Libraries offer banned books across the Pittsburgh region

The Pittsburgh Equality Center has stocked free libraries at community spaces in Pittsburgh and three counties

"Inspired by those colorful outdoor boxes that invite you to take books or small objects for free, the Pittsburgh Equality Center has launched a network of Little Queer Libraries in time for Pride Month.

“I saw all these little free libraries out there in people’s lawns and throughout neighborhoods, and I thought, well, we could put LGBTQ+ literature in those,” said Ray Sidney-Smith, president and board chair of the Pittsburgh Equality Center.

In keeping with the nonprofit’s mission to advocate and support the LGBTQ+ community, it is supplying a selection of adult, young adult and children’s literature in accessible sites around the region. Borrowers can take the books and then return them when they’re done.

Community members can also donate books by placing them inside the libraries or by contacting the center.   

The center has made a point of stocking the boxes with titles on the list of books banned by public schools and libraries compiled by the writers organization PEN America.

“We are saddened that our rights are under attack in a lot of ways, and the LGBTQ+ community deserves the ability to access books [that reflect] all of our identities readily and accessibly,” Sidney-Smith said...

The first five libraries — out of projected 10 — are at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg; Penn Hills Library; Garfield’s Soft Spot Café; SoulLumination, a Canonsburg spiritual and wellness center; and Proud Haven, a North Side organization serving LGBTQIA+ youth.

Each library holds 10-20 books and the first five were designed and painted by volunteers."

Why could closing a library silence music groups?; BBC, June 11, 2026

 Martin Heath , BBC; Why could closing a library silence music groups?

"The conductor of a long-established orchestra has warned that some music and drama groups could fold if a performing arts library is closed.

Hertfordshire County Council has consulted on a plan to shut down the facility, which provides music and scripts for about 230 groups.

It says it is having to make savings to ensure essential library services are protected.

So why would getting rid of the performing arts collection have such an impact?...

Could groups close if they cannot rely on the library?

Ross said: "My colleagues who are the librarians in our society, and in all other comparable organisations, are all volunteers doing this in their own time. [They] are going to find what's already quite a complex job... [becomes] something that's almost going to be impossible. 

"So, in short, yes, I think some groups may close down and for others, they're going to be spending a lot more money from what are inevitably very limited budgets on music hire, which means they can't spend that money then on other activities that serve the community."

Bryony Woods, co-founder of the Stotfold Singers, said closure "would really negatively impact a lot of people". 

"I think we're living in a time where you know we're becoming more isolated and lonely than ever and I think something that is bringing people out of their homes to join in something like communal singing is only a positive thing and I think we should be encouraging it.""