Campbelltown City Library has received the 2022 NSW Public Libraries Association’s Highly Commended Award for ‘Innovation in Outreach Services’ for its work creating welcoming and safe spaces and inclusive services for the local LGBTQI+ community.

This award recognises the diversity and high quality of outreach services provided by Public Libraries in NSW, and acknowledges innovation in providing services to meet the needs of our communities.

“Our Community Strategic Plan and Library Strategic Plan outlined the importance of making our libraries a place for everyone in our community, and this award is a recognition of the hard work our library team has put into making this a reality,” Mayor of Campbelltown George Greiss said.

Commended at the annual conference in November, the Campbelltown Library team were celebrated for their work in the LGBTQIA+ space with the Library’s Sense of Pride project, which focused on making library spaces inclusive and welcoming for LGBTQIA+ members and other intersectional communities.

Initiatives highlighted in the award, included Rainbow Storytime, LGBTea Party for Youth, Drag Bingo, themed film screenings, D&D group for women, female-identifying, non-binary, trans and gender fluid and Rainbow Forum for LGBTQIA+ individuals to share their life experiences.

“Our libraries are places of comfort for many in our community. These programs have been a great step to increasing the inclusiveness and accessibility of our services,” Cr Greiss said.

Upcoming LGBTQIA+ events hosted by Campbelltown City Library can be accessed here.