Hi all!

My name is Maggie Keenan-Bolger and I'm the summer intern for the LGBT Collections at the New York Public library.  That means you'll be getting more blog posts, facebook updates and information about all the incredible LGBT resources here at the public library!

As someone who considers herself fairly well-versed in the ways of LGBT History and Information (I did attend Oberlin College for undergrad after all), I was shocked and surprised to see how many incredible things are at the library that I had no idea existed.  For instance, did you know:

1. The NYPL has an extensive digital collection of  photographs, posters and images from LGBT and AIDS Activist Movements dating back to the 1950's.  Here is one of my favorites:



That somewhat frightening looking fellow next to Barbara Gittings and Frank Kameny is in fact Dr. H. Anonymous, (later revealed as John E. Fryer) a gay psychiatrist and a crucial figure in getting homosexuality removed from the DSM. This American Life (one of my very favorite podcasts) did an incredible story on it here.

2. There is a traveling exhibition of photographs and original documents from the wake of the Stonewall Riots aptly titled: 1969: The Year of Gay Liberation.  Right now, those of you in Staten Island can check the exhibit out at the Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library, now till June 19th. If you're not in Staten Island, you can visit the exhibition online at this site.

3. The Stephen A. Schwarzman Library was recently host to a few apparitions as Improv Anywhere re-created the Ghostbusters Movie in the Reading Room. What would YOUR reaction be if your study-buddy donned a bed sheet  pulled out their laptop only to be chased by fellows in yellow jumpsuits?

Needless to say there's still a lot to learn in this place. Join me as I scour the stacks, enjoy the events and learn more about our history.

Queerly Yours,

Maggie