A Note on Interdependence and Accountability

(adapted from language by the New York Foundation for the Arts)

The QT Library recognizes the historic and systemic marginalization of people by race, ethnicity, immigration status, religion, age, geography, ability, sexual orientation, and/or gender and gender-identity. The QT Library will continuously work to identify, acknowledge, understand, and dismantle both its own institutional structures of oppression and those of the larger world. The QT Library continually strengthens its partnerships locally, nationally, and internationally, believing that only through collective action and collaboration can the QT Library build a practice that upholds its values of equity, diversity, inclusion, and disability access and support.We believe that accountability is an active and sustained practice of reducing the harms we cause and investing in our potential to grow. We are accountable to ourselves, to our values, to our community, and to our community’s values. We believe that accountability relies on transparency of practice, clarity in communication, collaborative decision-making, and investment in systems change within and outside of our organization. We believe that we should always be actively learning.

What is the QT Library?

The QT Library is a brick-and-mortar LGBTQ+ lending library and sober community space for all ages coming to Boston, MA in June 2024. Just like a public library, the QT Library will be a warm and welcoming physical space where our community can gather around shared interests and free resources.

Why is it called the QT Library?

The Q stands for Queer and the T stands for Trans – we're here to serve, support, and celebrate the queer and trans community: our community.(Also – QT looks like “quiet” and sounds like “cutie.”)

Who is the QT Library for?

While all are welcome at the QT Library, we’re focused on providing resources to the queer and trans community of Boston. To that end, the resources we provide will be authored by and curated by members of the queer & trans community – with foundational commitments to abolition, intersectionality, and accessibility grounding our curatorial and programmatic practice.We're aiming to serve patrons of all ages and identities – including families (both inherited and chosen), queer and trans parents, queer and trans elders, queer and trans youth, those seeking family, or those aiming to deepen or repair existing family relationships.If you are interested in joining our curatorial team, please reach out and we’ll be in touch.

Why are y’all building the QT Library?

We, as members of the LGBTQ+ community, are currently facing:

In the face of all this, we believe that we deserve a safe and affirming space where our community can thrive.

So…what’s the plan?

Here’s the easiest, simplest version of an answer to that big, big question:

Where will the library be located?

We don’t know yet! We’re looking to rent or buy commercial space in Boston proper. However, we’re intentionally waiting to procure real estate until we’ve gathered comprehensive community input. We want to ensure that the library is public transit and pedestrian accessible, increases and enriches the civic wellbeing of the local community, does not contribute to the displacement of current neighborhood residents, and is, of course, safe for our queer and trans community members to access. We are striving for a Boston placement where all feel enthusiastic to show up as their full selves, so we are waiting to declare a specific location until we are confident that all will feel embraced in the space.If you would like to connect with us about free or low-cost space rental opportunities in Boston, please reach out.

How would you describe the QT Library?

What is your accessibility plan?

Our building will be fully physically accessible. This is foundational to our vision for the space, and we see accessibility as an imperative and all-encompassing core value. Accessibility to us means:

How can I help?!?

The quickest and most impactful ways to help are:

You can learn more about other opportunities to join the QT Library community here.

What will I be able to check out from this library?

We are building a collection of 5000+ books, comics, magazines, and other physical materials created by and for the queer and trans communities. We’re focusing on building a contemporary circulating collection of books for all ages, including children’s and young adult literature.

How will the library be funded?

The biggest of questions – and somehow, too, the smallest. We’ll be accruing funds through a combination of individual donations, foundation grants, government grants, and values-aligned business partnerships. That said, we are unequivocally committed to keeping our doors open to all and to eliminating any and all financial (and other) barriers to entry, access, and participation. Our programs will be free or pay-what-you-can and our lending library will not charge membership or late fees. We’re invested in creative funding strategies and solutions.If you are interested in making a contribution to the QT Library or otherwise supporting us in our fundraising efforts, please contact us.

Where will the books come from?

Our collection will be drawn from numerous sources, including:

If you are an author or publisher who would like to donate a copy or copies of your work to the library, we'd love to hear from you!

What kinds of programming will you offer?

Our programming will open doors to creative expression, celebrate our similarities and differences, and deepen our connections to our community and our planet. You can learn more about our past and upcoming programming – along with our wider and wilder dreams for this project – here.

Can I join the team?

Yes! We’re actively looking to expand our team. Our team meets weekly and operates non-hierarchically; we are the strategic decision-makers and day-to-day makers of and advocates for the QT Library. We’re looking for folks who are passionate about supporting the queer and trans community of Boston and the greater Boston area, and who are interested in contributing fully and regularly to the making of this project.If you’re interested in joining our team or if you know someone who might, reach out to us.

Can I join the Board of Directors?

Yes! We're actively looking to grow our board. Board members are, broadly, responsible for the financial, legal, and administrative oversight of the organization. Board members play an important role in fundraising and strategic planning, as well as serving as ambassadors for the QT Library community in Boston and beyond.If you’re interested in joining our board or if you know someone who might, reach out to us.

Where can I find y'all on social media?

We're on Instagram at @qt.library, on Twitter at @qt_library and on LinkedIn.(If you're interested in managing our social media, we'd love to hear from you.)

How can I ask more questions about this project?

You can email us, message us on Instagram, or fill out the form on the Contact Us page of our website and we'll be in touch.

When will the QT Library be open to the community?

We are aiming for a June 2024 library launch – just in time for Pride!

Board of Directors

Jake Stepansky, President
Hunter Malone, Treasurer
Emily Ann Talley, Clerk
Madison Deming, Director

• QT Library Bylaws

• Board of Directors – Agendas and Minutes

HomeAboutFAQPrograms & EventsDonateThe TeamGet InvolvedContact UsPress KitWe are committed to radical inclusion and accessibility. Please reach out to suggest accessibility improvements to this site.

What kinds of programming will you offer?

The QT Library will offer a variety of inclusive, free / affordable programming for patrons of all ages and identities that will be held in our physical space. These programs will be led by and co-created with local artists, educators, community leaders, and the community itself.All of our programs will address community needs and desires. Some programs will focus on books and literacy; some will simply exist to create joy.We are developing a training program that will enable folks of all backgrounds to co-create and co-lead programs, and are excited to create programming that will open doors to creative expression, celebrate our similarities and differences, and deepen our connections to our community and our planet.

Can you give us some examples?

Children’s Story Time
A storyteller wears a dress so big that it becomes a rug!I’m Jazzed About This Book!
An event that invites folks of different generations and backgrounds to share the book they are currently JAZZED about and ends in a jazz concert/open mic with queer musicians.Inter-generational Exchanges
Ongoing meetings and collaborative creative projects that allow for elder and younger LGBTQ individuals to come together, share stories, and create community.Queer Grief Group
Intentional space for healing and discussion, facilitated by a licensed social worker or therapist. Thoughtful in its holding of complexity; inclusive of HIV/AIDS, but not limited to that.Queer History Series
LGBTQ+ educators share history lessons that have been historically excluded from curricula. Programs for all ages!QT Movie Night
Support local queer and trans filmmakers, actors, producers, and screenwriters by enjoying their art at a cozy film night at the library. Bring a pillow!Vendor Partnerships
Partnerships with local queer-owned stores or bakeries – we’ll provide them with space to sell their products for free (like a pop-up space for local queer vendors!). Maybe, also, some sort of goods/food pantry where people can take home necessities or treats (pantry staples, fresh produce, menstrual materials, shampoos, cookies, things that bring people joy, etc.).Workshops
Resume writing, general job prep, ESL, art night, improv, yoga, writing workshops led by queer and trans authors.

Below, you'll find a PDF download of our Press Kit, as well as a Google Drive folder of graphics that your organization can use when sharing information about the QT Library.

• QT Library Press Kit PDF
• QT Library Press Kit Graphics