Ottawa Trans Library

Last updated
Ottawa Trans Library
FoundedMay 29, 2022;3 years ago (2022-05-29)
FounderTara Sypniewski
TypeNot-for-Profit Corporation November 1, 2022 (2022-11-01)
Location
ProductsBooks by trans authors, historical works on trans issues and people, non-trans titles, and future plans include a music library.
ServicesLending library
Resource center
Safe community space
Community events
Book donations
Online catalog
Website Ottawa Trans Library
"Trans Flag" by Ottawa graphic designer Michelle Lindsay, debuted at the 2010 Ottawa Transgender Day of Remembrance. Trans Flag Lindsay Design.png
"Trans Flag" by Ottawa graphic designer Michelle Lindsay, debuted at the 2010 Ottawa Transgender Day of Remembrance.

The Ottawa Trans Library, founded by Tara Sypniewski in the Hintonburg neighbourhood, opened on May 29, 2022, [1] reflecting Sypniewski's deep involvement in Ottawa's transgender community since the 1980s. Functioning as a non-profit lending library and community center. [2]

Contents

Early Inspirations and Background

In the late 1970s, Tara Sypniewski sought to comprehend transgender experiences using limited resources like Deborah Heller Feinbloom's "Transvestites & Transexuals" from the Ottawa Public Library. Her academic journey at Carleton University introduced her to diverse narratives through works like British sexologist Henry Havelock Ellis's case histories. Motivated by these experiences, Sypniewski established the Ottawa Trans Library, addressing the scarcity of resources during her early exploration of transgender identity. [3]

Library Features and Philosophy

Structured into a lending section dedicated to trans-themed books and a free library housing non-trans titles, donations, including graphic novels, local zines, and even transphobic titles, contribute to an expanding collection. [4]

Community engagement

Beyond its book-focused initiatives, the library operates as a philanthropic venture. Funding secured by Tara Sypniewski covers two years of lease and book acquisitions. [5]

Evolution and Future

Since its inception, the Ottawa Trans Library has experienced significant growth, expanding its collection from 190 titles to approximately 700 by February 2024. Plans to establish a music library, supported by a donation of 500 albums from trans musicians, underscore the library's widening scope. Serving as both a resource center and a community hub, it offers access to materials and hosts inclusive events for various age groups and identities. [6] [7]

References

  1. ↑ Bradley Turcotte (5 August 2022). "Curating community: Ottawa Trans Library turns the page in Hintonburg". Kitchissippi Times. Retrieved 27 May 2023.
  2. ↑ Joshua Soucie (22 June 2022). "Ottawa Trans Library opens in Hintonburg". apt613. Retrieved 27 May 2023.
  3. ↑ Joanne Laucius (22 July 2022). "A non-judgmental space". Ottawa Citizen. Retrieved 27 May 2023.
  4. ↑ "About the Ottawa Trans Library". Trans Ottawa. 1 March 2023. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  5. ↑ "Canadian Trans Activists". Trans Ottawa. 1 December 2020. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  6. ↑ Arielle Hughes (23 April 2023). "Ottawa Trans Library reflects on successful first year". Kitchissippi Times. Retrieved 27 May 2023.
  7. ↑ Vasileios Tselios (23 February 2024). "The Ottawa Trans Library continues its growth as a safe space and community resource". apt613.

See also

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