Purpose and History of the Library
The Lavender Library supports the general and popular interests of students and members of the campus community. It is a free library, and patrons may return books, keep books, or give books to another.
Managed by UCA’s Learning Communities, the Lavender Library is part of a campus-wide initiative to meet the needs of students in a safe, life-affirming space. In 2021, representatives from Gender Studies, Housing & Residence Life, Academic and Student Affairs, Torreyson Library, & UCA’s Learning Communities collaborated to define the scope, procure resources, and establish policies. The Lavender Library is open and located in Old Main 203.
Format of Resources Collected
- Printed books (monographs)
- Comics/graphic novels
- Ephemera
Treatment of Subject
Primarily popular but also scholarly. The primary focus includes representation of identities and experiences. Materials focus on all aspects of life including art; drama; health and medicine; history; legal issues; literature; music; politics; psychology; philosophy; religion; theory; work or career issues.
Collecting Priorities
- Activism
- Art/Photography
- Comics/Graphic Novels/Zines
- Popular Fiction
- Serials/Periodicals
Donations to the Collection
The Lavender Library gladly accepts donations of new and gently used books. For ideas about what to donate or to purchase a book to add to the collection, visit our Amazon Gift Registry. While Amazon was intentionally chosen for ease-of-use, please feel welcome to purchase from your preferred bookstore. Not sure where your local bookstore is? You can use Bookshop.org to find a store in your area, or you can purchase from Bookshop to generally support independent bookstores. Have any book recommendations you would like to share? Fill out a Feedback Form, we would love to hear your suggestions (must use your UCA email to access the form)! View our current inventory here!
The Lavender Library also accepts donations through the UCA Foundation at any time.
Reservations and Contact
Old Main 203 can be reserved for student presentations, meetings, or other purposes consistent with the mission of the Lavender Library and/or Minton Commuter College outside of scheduled open library and lab hours. Use the Reservation Request Form to submit your request at least two weeks in advance.
Students who belong to the Minton Commuter College or any student who would like access to the Lavender Library Resources may also request card access to enter the room outside of scheduled open hours, provided the space is not reserved for a private event. Use the Access Request Form to submit your request for card access.
Please direct questions and comments related to the Lavender Library to llc@uca.edu.