Out of the Closet, Onto the Bookshelf: LGBTQ Literature 

LGBTQ literature (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning) encompasses every genre and appeals to readers beyond those who fall in those demographics.  This workshop will provide you with the history of LGBTQ literature, trends, and major classic and contemporary authors.  We will also cover LGBTQ fiction in young adult literature and hear from a published author in the growing field of LGBTQ romance.

Agenda:

9:30 – 9:45:  Welcome and housekeeping 

9:45-10:30 Webcast: LGBTQ Fiction - with Leah White presenting

10:30-11:15   LGBTQ Non-fiction - Angie Strathman

11:15-11:30 Break

11:30-1:00 LGBTQ Young Adult - Molly Wetta

Sessions:

LGBTQ Non-Fiction: Many popular LGBTQ books can also be found in the nonfiction stacks.  In this session, participants will be introduced to memoirs that document everything from the coming out experience to LGBTQ parenting, as well as other nonfiction resources addressing LGBTQ topics. This session will be presented by Angie Strathman.

The Diversity of LGBTQ Romance: This session is led by author Raine O'Tierney, and covers a little bit of everything. Attendees can expect to learn about LGBTQ romance, popular titles and authors, LGBTQ-friendly publishers, and current trends in the romance market. Raine will also discuss her own adventures in publishing gay romance.

LGBTQ Fiction Webinar with Leah White: A once obscure sub-set of literature, LGBTQ fiction continues to grow in popularity, with no sign of ceasing. From romance to coming of age, learn about the subgenres and major authors in LGTBQ fiction. After this session, you will have a greater understanding of the background of the genre, along with a clear view of the future. Upcoming trends and authors, what kind of appeal factors are at play, and important literary awards will all be covered.

Young Adult LGBTQ Fiction with Molly Wetta, Lawrence Public Library: By exploring the history of LGBTQ young adult fiction as well as new and forthcoming releases, participants will become more familiar with the increasingly popular category. Appeal factors and booktalking strategies will also be discussed.

Presenters:

Angie Strathman is a Readers’ Advisory Librarian at Woodneath Library Center, the newest branch of Mid-Continent Public Library, where she developed the opening day collection. She loves to read and talk about books almost as much as reading them, which led to her passion for readers’ advisory and helping other readers discover a new favorite book, author, or genre.  She has presented on various readers’ advisory topics at MLA and the Celebrate the Book! RA Conference.

Mariah Hone works in the Mid-Continent Public Library Information and Reader Services Department. She is passionate about National Novel Writing Month and currently serves on the MCPL NaNoWriMo Planning committee. During her off hours, Mariah becomes Raine O'Tierney, author of the Amazon.com and All Romance eBooks best-seller Bowl Full of Cherries. She has been writing since the third grade and considers it her mission to spread the word that everyone has a story to tell. Raine publishes sweet gay romance with Dreamspinner Press and Beaten Track Publishing.

Leah White is the Head of Popular Materials department and Manager of Information Desk at the Ela Area Public Library in Illinois.  Leah is a 2012 Library Journal Mover & Shaker and specializes in change management and dynamic reader services.

Molly Wetta is the Young Adult and Media Selector at Lawrence Public Library, where she is also a member of the social media team, where she manages the library's Tumblr and Pinterest accounts. She also writes for YALSA's The Hub YA literature blog and NoveList Readers' Advisory and Kids and Books Newsletters. Her Readers' Advisory graphics and flowcharts have been featured in Tumblrs' Year in Review, Publisher Weekly, and other media outlets and blogs.

MALA Certificate Program: Reader's Advisory - Special Topic - 4 hrs

• MALA member: $35.00
• Non-member: $70.00

MALA Workshop Billing/Refund/Credit Policy:

We prefer all workshops to be prepaid or paid at the door.  If you prefer to be billed, please add $5.  Full refunds or credits are available for cancellations made a minimum of seven (7) days prior to the workshop date less a $5 administrative fee.  You can transfer to another workshop a minimum of seven (7) days prior to the workshop date with no administrative fee.  Cancellations made less than seven (7) days prior to the workshop date receive no refund or credit and you or your organization will be billed.  No shows are billed to you or your organization.

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