Lesch Lending Library Attend our Grand Opening on Monday, September 23rd, 2024 4 PM - 6 PM
Lesch Lending Library is the state of Kentucky's premier collection of LGBTQ* and identity-centric materials including fiction, non-fiction, young adult and children's literature, serials, films, crafts, games, and more. The library is dedicated to keeping these materials on our shelves and in the hands of readers, safe from discriminatory book-banning practices. The library is named in memoriam of UK Gender and Women's Studies student, Dr. Mel Lesch– an avid reader and fierce LGBTQ* advocate.
Please stop by to register for your free library account today. University of Kentucky students, faculty, and staff may use their UK ID. Community members can also register for an account with valid photo identification and phone number.
Online Catalog
Using our Online Patron Access Catalog (OPAC) on Librarika, users can search titles by Author, Category, Publication Date, and more!
Location
Dinkle-Mas Suite for LGBTQ* Resources
160 Avenue of Champions Suite A250 Lexington, KY 40508
Hours of Operation
Weekdays 9:00 AM-6:00 PM.
Closed on weekends.
Meet Mel
Dr. Mel Lesch was a compassionate person who fiercely advocated for LGBTQ* students to exist and thrive freely at the University of Kentucky. They were among the first students to advocate for the formal representation of LGBTQ* student voices on campus. Their efforts lead to the creation of OutSource–the University's first LGBTQ* outreach center. They then became the first graduate assistant for the Office of LGBTQ* Resources while completing their PhD in Gender and Women’s Studies. During their time here, they helped cultivate the Audre Lorde Living Learning Program on campus in 2019. Beyond their tangible work, they brightened up a room with their light, positivity, and laughter. Many close friends describe them as, “Human Sunshine”.
As Mel was known to be an avid reader, their closest friends and family each received a book from their personal library upon their passing in 2020. This sparked the idea to memorialize the love they had both for reading and for the queer community through a state-wide LGBTQ* centric library.
More Ways To Get Involved
Lavender Literature Society
Become a member of Lesch Lending Library's first official book club as we cultivate genuine fellowship through the communal reading and discussion of Barbara Kingsolver's award-winning novel, Demon Copperhead.
- Join The Society
- Follow the link to join our Teams Channel.
Friends Of The Library
Become a supporter of our efforts by donating copies of materials our students and patrons have requested.
- Stock Our Shelves
- Follow the link to view our Amazon Wishlist.