PFLAG Detroit Chapter
In Memory of The Kell Lending Library
PFLAG Detroit has been around for over thirty-six years, and from the beginning, we offered books and tapes to lend. Vivienne and Ray Kell were one of the original PFLAG Detroit librarians.
The Kells believed in the value of having information and resources available to those in need. It was vital to our mission of Support, Education, and Advocacy.
Over the years the library has grown, acquired DVD's, and fallen into changing times. It’s the twenty-first century, and information and resources are literally at our fingertips. We realize what the Kells said to be true, “The work never ends". We rededicated the library with the Kells in May of 2018.
Even with the world now at our fingertips, we should remember that it’s still not easy for many parents, families, and friends. Sometimes a careful, tactile, personal journey into a good book, or perhaps watching a video, can take us where our iPhone cannot. It can lead to greater understanding and connects us with the stories of others, who have already been there. The work truly never ends.
We carried a variety of items, such as “Heather Has Two Mommies", and “Prayers For Bobby”, (based on a true story). We offered recommended reading from Detroit’s own John Corvino, Bishop John S. Spong, Ellen DeGeneres (and her mom!). We had personal narratives by Chasity Bono, and Margarethe Cammermeyer.
These and other books of suggested reading can be found now on our website, in your local library or affiliated library network.
Although, we served our LGBTQI+ friends, families and allies for many years with our lending library, we found it necessary to donate our collection to local bookstores and other libraries.
The Kells activism, love of family, and keen sense of social justice, has made a difference in countless lives and will NOT be forgotten.
Support, Education, and Advocacy are alive and well in the twenty-first century, and at PFLAG Detroit.
*See Suggested Reading section
