Silver Award Project, The Little Rainbow Library, Celebrates LGBTQ+ Literature

Whatever your genre—mystery, romance, sci-fi, horror—The Little Rainbow Library has amazing stories for everyone. Best of all? All the books celebrate LGBTQ+ experiences! ?

In a school without an on-site library, accessing diverse and inclusive literature was even more of a challenge. So, Girl Scout Cadette Norah S. set out to complete her Girl Scout Silver Award by constructing and supplying a little library within her school. ?

To earn the Silver Award, Cadettes in sixth, seventh, or eighth grade identify an issue they care about, either individually or with a small team, and develop a project that addresses that issue in a meaningful and sustainable way. Norah created the little rainbow library to provide her peers with access to LGBTQ+ literature, fostering understanding and inclusion. This library is not just any collection of books; it is a carefully curated selection of LGBTQ+ graphic novels, stories, and non-fiction books that represent and celebrate diverse LGBTQ+ experiences. ?

The motivation behind this project was both personal and community-focused. Norah recognized the importance of providing resources that reflect the diverse identities of her peers. By doing so, Norah aimed to foster a deeper understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals, ensuring every student feels seen and included. She carefully selected each book from local bookstores in Austin, supporting the community and sourcing a wide variety of voices and stories to be represented.?

Since launching six months ago, Norah says the library is a success.

“My friends take books from the library a lot. It is nice that they can see themselves in these books. We also keep adding books to it when new ones come out, which keeps the library new!”?

At Girl Scouts of Central Texas, we are incredibly proud of our youth who take bold steps to support inclusivity and diversity. Their efforts remind us that every action can make a profound difference, no matter how little. As we continue to celebrate Pride Month and beyond, we remain committed to creating a world where every Girl Scout is empowered to be their true self and every person is respected and valued. Norah’s initiative is a testament to the core values of the Girl Scouts: making the world a better place and supporting every Girl Scout, no matter their background or identity.