Library 

Stories Matter 🌈 

Article by Paige Witcombe, Library Leader – Yirramboi Campus 

This week, our school libraries are recognising IDAHOBIT Day, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia, through a range of inclusive and creative activities designed to celebrate diversity, kindness, belonging and respect. Splashes of rainbow can be found throughout the library spaces, including curated book displays, progress flag bookmarks, a friendship bracelet making station, rainbow origami, colouring activities, games, and opportunities to explore stories that reflect a wide range of identities, experiences and families. 

At the heart of these activities is the belief that stories matter. 

School libraries play an important role in helping young people see themselves and others represented in literature. Research consistently shows that inclusive literature can foster empathy, improve students’ sense of belonging, and contribute to safer and more supportive school environments for all young people. 

Studies examining LGBTQIA+ inclusion in school libraries highlight that access to diverse stories helps students develop understanding and acceptance, while also allowing many young people to feel visible and valued within their school community (Jorm, 2023). 

Importantly, these stories benefit all readers - not just LGBTQIA+ students. Literature provides students with windows into experiences beyond their own and mirrors that help them feel recognised and understood. Through reading, students build empathy, perspective-taking skills, and an appreciation for the diversity that exists within our broader community. 

Libraries are uniquely positioned to support this work because they are spaces centred around curiosity, learning and inclusion. Representation within library collections and programs contributes positively to student wellbeing and helps create welcoming environments where students feel safe to explore ideas, identities and perspectives (Jorm, 2023). 

As always, our focus remains on creating a library environment where every student feels welcome, respected and connected through reading, creativity and community. 

Parents who would like to learn more about IDAHOBIT Day can visit IDAHOBIT Australia. 

References 

Jorm, M. (2023). Reading the rainbow-queer friendly school libraries. Access, 37(2), 41-47.