Photo by Eliza Aldrich ’27/The Choate News
By Sabrina Liu ’28, Reporter
This October, the Andrew Mellon Library created a vibrant and meaningful display in honor of LGBTQ+ History Month, continuing its tradition of celebrating Choate’s diverse student voices. In collaboration with the Spectrum Club, the display was curated to ensure that the representation of the community was both authentic and inclusive. The Library worked closely with Spectrum’s members and gave students a chance to highlight media and resources that reflect their own stories and experiences. The club’s members suggested books, films, music, and other media for LGBTQ+ individuals at Choate to resonate with and allies to learn from.
The Library’s main goal is to foster an environment where all students feel represented and heard. As Assistant Director of the Library Ms. Sam Nelson explained, the effort is about “making sure that [students’] voices were represented here in the library, that they can see stories that reflect their own stories, and that they have access to media that they want access to, that reflects their community and their voices.” This philosophy drives the library’s commitment to making the space inclusive, welcoming, and celebratory of every student’s identity.
The display, filled with diverse resources, showcases not only books but also eBooks, audiobooks, films, and curated playlists accessible through QR codes. These resources allow students to explore LGBTQ+ history in numerous ways, acknowledging that some may not have the time to read for leisure but can still engage with the material.
One standout feature of the display is its thoughtful use of visual aids. LGBTQ+ flags are placed next to specific books, indicating themes that portray aspects of the LBGTQ+ experience. Additionally, pronoun stickers are available for students to take and use.
The Library will continue to collaborate with student clubs and work towards ensuring that “the resources we have actually reflect the needs of the community,” Ms. Nelson said. With their dedication to creating an inclusive and meaningful display for everyone to feel represented and valued, the Library strives to equally and accurately represent the plethora of diverse voices within the School.
