Gay Library Project records
Finding aid created by GLBT Historical Society staff using RecordEXPRESS
GLBT Historical Society
2023
989 Market Street, Lower Level
San Francisco, California 94103
(415) 777-5455
reference@glbthistory.org
http://www.glbthistory.org/
Title: Gay Library Project records
Dates: 1981-1983
Collection Number: 1998-12
Creator/Collector:
Extent: .2 linear feet (1 box)
Repository:
GLBT Historical Society
San Francisco, California 94103
Abstract: The bulk of the collection is the operating policies of the library which lists scope of materials, gifts and exchanges. Also
included in the records are minutes, letters and funding sources.
Language of Material: English
Collection is open for research.
Funding for processing this collection was provided by the National
Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).
[Identification of item]. Gay Library Project records. Collection Number: 1998-12. GLBT Historical Society
Biography/Administrative History
The idea of creating a library of homosexual reading material and resources started in 1977 with a group of people, including
Terry Mangan who wanted the public to have access to a collection documenting the homosexual experience. With the death of
Mangan, Harvey Milk took over in 1978 and with his assassination Charles Gilman organized a meeting. Funds were made available
by the San Francisco Public Library to establish a gay section in the Eureka Valley branch.
Scope and Content of Collection
This collection contains records of the Gay Library project, an effort to form a gay and lesbian library in the late 1970s
and early 1980s. The Gay Library Project Records document the Project’s system of operation, membership, and board of directors.
The classifications folder has subject headings of gay material and a subject classification system for gay history (i.e.
sex clubs, drag balls, theater, gay children). The bulk of the collection is the Operating policies of the library which lists
scope of materials, gifts and exchanges. Also included in the records are minutes, letters and funding sources. GSSO linked
terms: http://purl.bioontology.org/ontology/MESH/D008091
Literature