By A. Faulkner
What is your role in the GLBTRT?
I’m a general member. I also did a GLBTRT panel discussion at Midwinter this year.
What does the GLBTRT mean to you?
The biggest thing for me is support and community. Support for all of the work we are doing in libraries and the library community. Especially in this political climate.
The GLBTRT also means recognition. Every year they recognize people doing important political activism and authors writing great LGBTQ books and having an organization like that to take a minute and honor the work that is being done is a big part of why I love the GLBTRT.
Are you involved in ALA in other ways?
I’m an ALSC member (American Libraries Services to Children). They are doing great work and are strong allies of the LGBT community.
What professional work do you perform?
I manage a youth services department at a public library.
What would you like to share about your personal life?
Reading a great book while sitting on the beach is my absolute favorite thing to do.
What are you most proud of?
The work we have been able to do at the LGBT Center of Raleigh. When I have a family who says, “I just became a parent. I don’t know any other gay parents and now I’m here and look around…” THAT is when I think this is why we do what we do.
Who inspires you?
My mom, who has always volunteered her time and been active member of her community. She has taught me not to dwell on all of the people you can’t help or all of the problems you can’t solve and focus on helping those you are able. To make a difference where you can.
What are your goals? (Professional and/or personal.)
One of my personal goals this year was to support my local independent bookstore. It sounds silly but I realized I love having a great indy bookstore in my community but I bought all of my books on Amazon.
What do you think (or predict) is the future of libraries?
I think libraries will become less of a place to run in and grab a book and more of a place to meet and engage with each other. Already libraries are becoming more a community space for storytimes, work meetings and craft sessions. Not to say books are going away, but space is becoming more and more important and well thought out.
In what direction would you like the GLBTRT to move in the future?
I think there are still a lot of people in ALA and in the library world in general who have no idea the work the GLBTRT is doing–or the resources they provide. I would just like to see us continue to promote ourselves and our work to the greater library community.
If you could be transported into the fictional world of any book, where would you go?
Hogwarts! I’m sure their library could use a little updating.
What would be the title of your autobiography?
Complications of a modern day life.
If you could only choose one song to play every time you entered a room for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Bitch is Back by Elton John (Can you print the b-word? I dunno.)
If you could have a dinner party with 5 culturally or historically significant figures, living or dead, who would you invite?
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What is the meaning of life?
Ahh these last two questions are too hard!
