All 30 books – which were posted on an Amazon wish list – were purchased within 24 hours by local residents on behalf of the library. In addition, Peekskill Pride donated $500 for the library to purchase additional books with LBGTQIA+ themes for the children’s and young adult’s collections.
The missing books were discovered when Rachel Mandel, a Children’s Librarian, began putting together the children’s Pride Month book display. The missing books were not checked out and not on the shelves. On three separate occasions one particular title has gone missing.
“The Field Library offers a wide variety of books for every person in our community,” said Jennifer Brown, The Field Library’s Executive Director. “We understand that some books may not be to the liking of some local residents. However, we cannot tolerate books being deliberately taken to prevent other people from taking them out. We support the LGBTQIA+ community not only in June but also from July through May.”
In addition to the replacement books, Peekskill Pride’s donation will allow the expansion of the children’s and young adult selections.
“The support from the community has been overwhelming,” said Ms. Brown. “Peekskill is truly a wonderful community.”
For more information, contact: Jennifer Brown, jbrown@thefieldlibrary.org.