Issue link: https://lpl.uberflip.com/i/969771
25 The Library partnered with Lethbridge Pride Fest, OUTreach Southern Alberta, and Fairy Tales Film Festival this year to offer Pride programming with LGBTQ+ Wednesday movies, an evening with author Ruby Swanson, and the community Queer Straight Alliance (QSA) group that meets at the Library held a clothing swap. A month of programming around Pride began with a public education session from OUTreach called Queer 101, a primer to LGBTQ+ terminology, issues, and how to be a good ally. Rainbow book displays In 2017, the Library announced a new liaison with Community LINKS, a free, comprehensive information and referral service that connects individuals to non- emergency, community, government, health, and social services. Community The Library responded to the country-wide opioid crisis with its Shaping Safe Library Spaces strategy which clearly notes that drug use, trafficking or the sale of drugs is prohibited at the Library. The Library is one of 16 local organizations which form the Executive Leaders Coalition on Opioid Use. popped up all over the Library. Lethbridge Public Library strives to be an inclusive space, a common-ground neutral space, and a place to come and learn and connect, and this past June, during Pride month, the Library highlighted all of those aspects. Part of the Library's commitment to being inclusive and serving our diverse community involves going out to meet people where they are. Twenty-seven Library staff and volunteers headed out with giant book covers, rainbow streamers, kids, and strollers to participate in the Pride Parade. LINKS is operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association, and employs social workers who will work at the Library, and with Library staff, to provide expertise and expand the Library's role as a community hub and connector. During 2017, as a way to connect the community with information about the opioid crisis, the Library partnered with ARCHES and Alberta Health Services to provide a general awareness session and also hosted several Naloxone information and training sessions. Library Focuses on LGBTQ+ Events Community LINKS Partnership Shaping Safe Library Spaces