Reversing Vandalism Collection
Finding aid created by James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center staff using RecordEXPRESS
San Francisco Public Library. James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center
2016
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, California 94102
(415) 557-4400
info@sfpl.org
http://sfpl.org/gaylesbian
Title: Reversing Vandalism Collection
Dates: 2003-2005
Collection Number: GLC 132
Creator/Collector:
San Francisco Public Library.
Extent: 2 cubic feet (in 2 boxes)
Online items available
Repository:
San Francisco Public Library. James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center
San Francisco, California 94102
Abstract: The collection includes organizational files, correspondence, programs, clippings, flyers and press coverage that document
the Reversing Vandalism project and exhibition.
Language of Material: English
The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours, with photographs available during Photo Desk
hours.
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission
for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.
Reversing Vandalism Collection. San Francisco Public Library. James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center
Transferred from the Library's Exhibitions and Programs Department, 2005.
Biography/Administrative History
In early 2001, San Francisco Public Library staff began finding vandalized books shoved under shelves, hidden throughout the
Main Library. Ultimately over 600 torn and sliced books, on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender topics, women’s issues
and HIV/AIDS, were deemed beyond repair and withdrawn from the Library’s collection. Rather than discard the damaged books,
the Library distributed them to interested community members in the hope of creating art. The wide variety of artistic responses
to this hate crime resulted in “Reversing Vandalism,” an exhibition of over 200 original works of art, displayed in the Main
Library from January 31 through May 2, 2004.
Scope and Content of Collection
The collection includes organizational files, correspondence, programs, clippings, flyers and press coverage that document
the Reversing Vandalism project and exhibition. There is information on submissions, the exhibition layout, titles of the
artwork, and sales. There are 12 vandalized books and a few examples of artwork from George Mason University students who
created handmade books, and audiovisual works based materials they received. The catalog "Insight Out" from the Center of
Contemporary Arts (Santa Fe, NM) exhibition and the television program "Not In Out Town" Northern California feature the project
and its response to a hate crime.
Books--Mutilation, defacement, etc.
Homophobia--California--San Francisco.
Hate crimes--California, Northern.
San Francisco Public Library--Exhibitions.