A Library Celebrating LGBTQ+ Literature, History, Community and Culture
In September 1984, the first Common Bond Library was announced with John Fellin as its director. Over 300 publications were to be housed at 1330 San Pedro Drive NE and available to Common Bond members from 7 – 10 PM seven days a week.
In December 1987, at the Common Bond Holiday Event, an ornate gingerbread house was auctioned off to benefit the movie/video collection in the Common Bond library. The library already had over 60 films, television shows, and special programs. The proceeds helped protect the VHS tapes and acquire gay and lesbian works that were more expensive and not available locally.
In the November 1990 issue of Common Bond Ink, the Common Bond library was promoted with the idea that it was “the perfect time to snuggle up next to a warm fire with a good book.” The library was growing with the addition of a new bookcase and over 100 new books. Librarian Tony Bucci was coordinating the expansion. “When I became librarian, the position had been vacant for some time, and there were six large boxes of books to be cataloged. When we get caught up, there will be over 500 books in the library.” The Common Bond Library was open from 7 to 10 pm nightly except Saturday. Books could be read at the Tulane Drive SE Community Center or checked out by members of Common Bond.
Looking back on that time, Tony recalls, “The library was located on metal shelves in the ‘office’ where the telephone Helpline was located. I became a Helpline volunteer and between calls, I would peruse the books and organize them. I improved a checkout system so people could borrow the books, and I created a card catalog. I also organized a collection of back issues of LGBTQ+ magazines. When we moved to the Silver SE location, I had hoped that the library could have its own space. But it was initially set up in the office. As the library grew, I was able to move it into an adjoining room.”
“I met my partner, M.B. Morgan, who was a new Helpline volunteer, on 9/5/90 at the Center on Tulane. Also, being involved with the Center Library inspired me to pursue my Master’s Degree in Library Science at the University of Arizona.”
In September 1996, the Russell D. Gray Jr. Memorial Community Library reopened at the Silver Avenue Community Center. After several years of disuse, the extensive collection of books and periodicals dealing with the gay and lesbian experience that had been entrusted to Common Bond were once again available for circulation. Thanks to Common Bond Education Director David O’Donaghue and other volunteers over 1,500 titles were reorganized into these categories: gay men’s fiction, lesbian fiction, gay and lesbian biographies, men’s sexuality, women’s sexuality, bisexuality, transgender issues, coming out, gay history, gay sociology, gay families, women’s issues, politics and law, men’s health, women’s health, relationships, addictions, spirituality, poetry and the arts, humor, and travel. Donations from publishers and private individuals continued to expand the collection.
When the Silver Avenue Community Center closed in October 1997, Common Bond library materials were moved to Emanuel Metropolitan Community Church. When the church closed, the collection was moved to the Albuquerque Pride office. When that office closed, some historical items were donated to the UNM Library. The remainder was sold as a fundraiser for Albuquerque Pride at the 2006 Pridefest at the State Fairgrounds.
In December 1987, at the Common Bond Holiday Event, an ornate gingerbread house was auctioned off to benefit the movie/video collection in the Common Bond library. The library already had over 60 films, television shows, and special programs. The proceeds helped protect the VHS tapes and acquire gay and lesbian works that were more expensive and not available locally.
In the November 1990 issue of Common Bond Ink, the Common Bond library was promoted with the idea that it was “the perfect time to snuggle up next to a warm fire with a good book.” The library was growing with the addition of a new bookcase and over 100 new books. Librarian Tony Bucci was coordinating the expansion. “When I became librarian, the position had been vacant for some time, and there were six large boxes of books to be cataloged. When we get caught up, there will be over 500 books in the library.” The Common Bond Library was open from 7 to 10 pm nightly except Saturday. Books could be read at the Tulane Drive SE Community Center or checked out by members of Common Bond.
Looking back on that time, Tony recalls, “The library was located on metal shelves in the ‘office’ where the telephone Helpline was located. I became a Helpline volunteer and between calls, I would peruse the books and organize them. I improved a checkout system so people could borrow the books, and I created a card catalog. I also organized a collection of back issues of LGBTQ+ magazines. When we moved to the Silver SE location, I had hoped that the library could have its own space. But it was initially set up in the office. As the library grew, I was able to move it into an adjoining room.”
“I met my partner, M.B. Morgan, who was a new Helpline volunteer, on 9/5/90 at the Center on Tulane. Also, being involved with the Center Library inspired me to pursue my Master’s Degree in Library Science at the University of Arizona.”
In September 1996, the Russell D. Gray Jr. Memorial Community Library reopened at the Silver Avenue Community Center. After several years of disuse, the extensive collection of books and periodicals dealing with the gay and lesbian experience that had been entrusted to Common Bond were once again available for circulation. Thanks to Common Bond Education Director David O’Donaghue and other volunteers over 1,500 titles were reorganized into these categories: gay men’s fiction, lesbian fiction, gay and lesbian biographies, men’s sexuality, women’s sexuality, bisexuality, transgender issues, coming out, gay history, gay sociology, gay families, women’s issues, politics and law, men’s health, women’s health, relationships, addictions, spirituality, poetry and the arts, humor, and travel. Donations from publishers and private individuals continued to expand the collection.
When the Silver Avenue Community Center closed in October 1997, Common Bond library materials were moved to Emanuel Metropolitan Community Church. When the church closed, the collection was moved to the Albuquerque Pride office. When that office closed, some historical items were donated to the UNM Library. The remainder was sold as a fundraiser for Albuquerque Pride at the 2006 Pridefest at the State Fairgrounds.