AFAIK this is not on the 'Net and was sent to me via email.
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Oak Park Library Builds Transgender Resource Collection

Contact: Bleue Benton, Collection Development, (708) 697-6952
             Deborah Preiser, Public Information, (708) 697-6915


            Oak Park Public Library has received a prestigious $3,000 grant to create the first focused transgender resource collection in a U.S. public library. "Transgender" is an umbrella term that applies to people whose gender identity does not conform to what society has commonly associated with their birth sex.

            The library is purchasing materials that will serve, reflect, and welcome transgender people. The collection will also increase public awareness and understanding of gender identity and gender expression issues. This unique public library collection consists mainly of nonfiction materials and includes medical information, legal concerns, and social issues. With its own resources, Oak Park Public Library has added popular and lesser known fiction titles as well as films.

            As a Village, Oak Park has long been nationally recognized for its commitment to diversity. "We believe strongly that the library is the place for all residents to have access to a full range of information sources," notes Bleue Benton, Collection Development Librarian and creator of the transgender collection grant. "This collection will serve not only transgender people, but also anyone seeking information, including employers, medical providers, allies, friends and family members."

            In addition to purchasing materials, Oak Park Public Library provided
awareness workshops for staff.  "We want to make certain that all library staff are prepared to provide excellent customer service to people who are transgender," says Executive Director Deirdre Brennan.  Shannon Sullivan, Executive Director of the Coalition for Education on Sexual Orientation, facilitated four workshops for staff to increase their knowledge about gender identity and heighten awareness for working with others.

            The collection contains general works, memoirs and personal stories, medical and legal concerns, and historical, cultural, and global views. Books include a wide range of titles such as Transgender Warriors: Making History from Joan of Arc to Dennis Rodman;  Sex Changes and the Politics for ->-bleeped-<-;  Christine Jorgensen: A Personal Autobiography;  Current Issues in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health;  Voice and Communication Therapy for the Transgender/Transsexual Client ;  Transgender on Screen;  In a Queer Time and Place: Transgender Bodies, Subcultural Lives ;  Intersex and Identity;  and  Clothes Make the Man: Female Cross Dressing in Medieval Europe.

            Funding for this grant was awarded by the Illinois State Library, a division of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the federal Library Services and Technology Act. Oak Park Public Library is committed to expanding the collection as new materials become available. For more information, contact Bleue Benton at collections@oppl.org.


Bleue J. Benton
Collection Development Coordinator

Oak Park Public Library
834 Lake Street
Oak Park, IL 60301
(708) 697-6952
bbenton@oppl.org