B247 reports on the continuing success of the LGBT+ Little Library, which pops up once a month in the Bristol eco-centre SPARKS, in the heart of the Broadmead shopping district.

With trans and LGBT+ rights facing mounting pressure, the need for dedicated safe spaces has never been more acute. That is the thinking behind the LGBT+ Little Library, the brainchild of creator Emily Hallett.

Emily launched the LGBTQIA+ Little Free Library towards the end of 2023. The project grew from a deep fondness for working with young people, something Emily could no longer do in a school setting after ill health ended a career as a school librarian. Spotting a gap, Emily recognised how many queer young people lacked access to books that could validate and support their sense of self.

“I had a collection of LGBTQ+ books already, so I decided to get the library going. You can keep the books for as long as you like, and bring them back once you’re done,” Emily explained. The library initially travelled to LGBT+ youth groups across Bristol, she added.

Since October 2024, the library has been a monthly fixture at Sparks. Thanks to funding from Bristol Pride, it was able to run five days a week throughout August.

“Young people are reading less, and LGBT+ young people are facing growing difficulties. Guidance for schools that erases trans identities and the EHRC bathroom guidance could leave them feeling unwelcome and unsafe,” Emily said. With that in mind, she stressed the importance of offering books that are affirmative and reassuring.

Bristol boasts a brilliant network of LGBT+ youth groups, Emily noted, and the library works closely with them. This collaboration helps the project reach parts of the city where mainstream library services are harder to access.

The library has set up home in Sparks, Bristol, and welcomes visitors Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 6pm, with a 5pm close on Sundays. “We’ve created a cosy corner where people can relax. There are crafts, zines and, of course, plenty of books to borrow. On Sundays we run craft activities, and there are storytimes during the week,” Emily said.

When the Sparks residency draws to a close at the end of August, the library will head back out to local schools and youth groups. It will return to Sparks for the Pride Comic Art Festival on 19 September.

“I really enjoy working with brilliant youth organisations, and chatting to so many inspiring young people about books is a great joy,” Emily added.

https://www.instagram.com/lgbtlittlefreelibrary/

https://sparksbristol.co.uk/