Public Library Project

In 1995, we started our Public Library Project, when a mother went to the library for information after finding out that her daughter was a lesbian. Her only resource was a Masters and Johnson's book defining homosexuality. Through PFLAG support groups, she learned the true lives of gays and lesbians. Realizing the lack of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender resources in our public libraries, she helped PFLAG Detroit initiate the Public Library Project.

The First Wave of our Library Project was dedicated to donating gay-positive books to public libraries for a greater understanding of the real lives of our children. At that time, PFLAG Detroit donated six books to over 100 libraries across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

When the Second Wave of the project began, three of the Michigan Library Cooperatives in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties received a copy of Kevin Jennings book "Always My Child". A total of 153 books were purchased with a Ferndale fundraiser. PFLAG Detroit contacted eleven other Michigan Library Cooperatives and was able to deliver 383 more books across Michigan.

We are currently in Wave Three of our project to donate three more books to Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, thanks to PFLAG Detroit support members and a grant from The Chrysler Foundation.

We lost Barbara, but her determination to educating people about our children continues and lives through this project. We graciously accept donations in Barbara's name. Please make checks payable to PFLAG Detroit, with Barbara Christiansen in the memo section.