Libraries have always served as safe havens for young readers and curious adults, providing an affirming environment that fosters learning, self-expression and community engagement. In an era of escalating library censorship, programs that uplift and center LGBTQ+ voices have become more crucial than ever.
Recognizing the importance of libraries in queer people’s lives, Dayton Metro Library (DML) is one of the few libraries in the country with a role specifically dedicated to supporting the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. The LGBTQIA+ services specialist at DML is responsible for system-wide planning, community partnership development and the coordination of direct services to the LGBTQ+ community.
“I have not seen any other place in the country that has this specific role,” says Jordan Ostrum, a cited-scholar, community organizer and seasoned library professional who currently holds this unique position at DML. “What I do know is that DML has complete support from the board and the executive director for this role and for other initiatives that are helping create a space where everyone is free to belong.”
Ostrum’s role is particularly groundbreaking in Ohio, where House Bill 556 threatens to defund libraries deemed offensive. This bill, vague in its definition of “obscenity,” could criminalize librarians and teachers for simply doing their jobs—educating and providing access to diverse perspectives.
“We can’t wave a magic wand to make our patrons’ home life, school life or work life better, but what we can do is make the library an affirming space,” Ostrum says.
Sober trivia nights and legal-name-change clinics
In his role, Ostrum develops inclusive services, fosters community partnerships, delivers ongoing training, advises on public service policies, supports system-wide programming, contributes to the Equity Diversity and Inclusion Department and collaborates on collection development—all to ensure the library remains a welcoming and affirming space for all.
“I view my job as helping to support and empower our employees across the system, making sure that it’s a safe and affirming space internally, but also helping to empower everyone who’s working with patrons who come through the door,” Ostrum says.
At the heart of this work is programming that resonates with the LGBTQ+ community. Events include Rainbow Reels, a film series highlighting each letter of the LGBTQ+ acronym; Rainbow Alliance, a safe space for LGBTQ+ teens and allies to discuss history, current events and pop culture; Sober Trivia Night, a queer-friendly trivia event in a sober environment; and, most recently, a legal-name-change clinic.
“I was excited to partner with the Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyers Project to make our legal-name-change clinic happen,” Ostrum says. “We had about eight attendees, and while that might not seem like a lot, it made a huge difference for those who came. They were able to speak with a lawyer, get expert advice and take steps toward living their lives authentically. We were very excited about that.”
A book sanctuary
Ostrum’s work extends beyond programming; he also plays a crucial role in curating a library collection that reflects the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. By focusing on auxiliary collection development, he helps ensure that the library’s shelves include nonfiction works that explore the experiences of queer and trans individuals in complex ways.
“We have a lot of folks who care about making sure our collection is diverse,” Ostrum says. “But one of the things I love doing—I’m a bit of a nerd—is specifically focusing on nonfiction books. I’m constantly looking for new trans nonfiction titles or queer nonfiction titles that we can add to the collection.”
In light of Ohio House Bill 556, the work of Ostrum and DML takes center stage in offering protections to queer literature and maintaining an affirming third space for LGBTQ+ Ohioans. Although the proposed bill currently targets school libraries, the implications for further attacks on public libraries is clear, and DML has taken steps to safeguard its mission of inclusivity.
“As of 2023, Dayton Metro Library is a book sanctuary,” Ostrum explains. “This means we’ve essentially banned book banning. We’ve pledged, with support from our board, to protect people’s right to exercise intellectual freedom and to safeguard books that might otherwise be endangered.”
Looking ahead, Ostrum hopes to expand his role’s outreach across Dayton Metro Libraries’ 17 branches, ensuring that every corner of the community benefits. His vision includes more robust collaborations with other organizations and continued innovation in programming, including a daylong summit called “We’ve Always Been Here: A Summit on Trans Lives Past, Present, & Future” in October.
“My hopes and plans for the future all rely on collaboration, networking and working with other organizations and individuals in our community,” Ostrum says. “We can’t do this work alone; it’s all dependent on joining together and working toward shared visions.” 🔥
IGNITE ACTION
- To access a full listing of LGBTQ+ events at the Dayton Metro Library, click here.
- To read the Dayton Metro Library’s “Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion,” statement, click here.
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