This article was submitted for publication by members of Girl Scouts Troop 974.

Three Junior Girl Scouts from Troop 974 have completed a Bronze Award project aimed at increasing the visibility and accessibility of LGBTQ+ literature for young readers at the Chestnut Hill Library. 

The project, which launched on September 23rd, features a curated collection of book reviews and a rotating display to highlight queer kids' books.

The trio started by researching the library to see what books were easily visible and accessible. They found that while the library already had lots of books about queer kids, it was sometimes hard to find them. Some books didn’t have the Free Library’s sticker identifying them as LGBTQ+ books, and it was difficult to figure out what keywords to use in searching for them. The books might also help them get comfortable with being queer, they said, because sometimes it can be hard to tell their parents or their friends. 

"This project helps people find LGBTQ+ representation more easily," explained girl scout Lucy Doyle. 

The scouts said they chose the project because stories featuring diverse characters and experiences can help children feel part of a community and less alone. They also emphasized the value of these books for non-LGBTQ+ children, as they provide knowledge and history about the LGBTQ+ community, fostering understanding and inclusivity.

One scout who identifies as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, and gave her first name of Naomi, said “Being an LGBTQIA+ youth, it has been so awesome to do a project that means a lot to me, and it was so fun to see our ideas come together."

The project began with thorough research at the library to assess the current visibility of LGBTQ+ books. The scouts found that while the library had a substantial collection, many books lacked proper identification or were difficult to locate. "It didn't feel like the books were being highlighted," they observed. Some books didn't have the Free Library's sticker identifying them as LGBTQ+ books, and the scouts found it challenging to determine effective keywords for searching.

To address these issues, the team compiled a comprehensive list of picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, and non-fiction works about queer kids and the LGBTQ+ community. 

Working closely with librarian Prather and with support from parents Abby Doyle and Mike Gallagher, the scouts then embarked on a reading journey, carefully selecting and reviewing books from their curated list.

For each title, the scouts created detailed information sheets including the author, title, summary, personal review, and library location details. This thorough approach ensures that young readers can easily find books that interest them and reflect diverse experiences and identities.

The final project consists of two main components: a binder containing all the information sheets, which makes it easy for kids to browse and discover new books, and a rotating display of framed reviews in the children's section of the library. This dynamic setup allows for continuous updates and additions to the collection, ensuring its relevance over time.

The Bronze Award, one of the highest honors in Girl Scouts, requires Junior scouts to create a sustainable solution to a community problem. 

“This project helped us learn how to collaborate and work together as a group,” said one of the scouts, Katherine Longo. 

“It was really fun working with everyone,” said Lucy. “We found a way to balance messing around and getting work done.”

To ensure the project's longevity and continued relevance, the scouts have set up a Google form to gather more book recommendations from the community. They hope that Troop 974 and other library patrons will continue to add reviews, expanding the collection and further supporting queer kids in the community.

"More reviews would help queer kids in our community feel stronger and even more supported," the scouts said, highlighting the potential long-term impact of their initiative.

Community members interested in contributing to this growing resource can submit reviews at tinyurl.com/CHLibLGBTQ