Melbourne readers will once again be able to take home free books by LGBTQIA+ authors this July, with Aēsop’s Queer Library returning to the brand’s Flinders Lane store for its fifth year.
Running from 15 to 19 July, the pop-up library invites visitors to discover new voices, celebrate queer storytelling and add a little extra colour to their bookshelves, with every title available free (while stocks last).
Celebrating the power of queer stories
This year’s theme, Body of Work, explores the body as a bridge between our inner selves and the wider world.
The collection reflects the many ways queer people experience identity, belonging, love and self-expression and brings together a diverse range of titles from queer authors, curated by Aēsop in partnership with Penguin Random House and independent bookshops.
Whether you’re already a devoted reader or looking to pick up your first queer novel there’ll be something waiting on the shelves just for you.
Image: Aēsop’s Queer LibraryMore than 115,000 books gifted since 2021
Since launching in 2021, Aēsop’s global Libraries initiative has gifted more than 115,000 books around the world, using literature as a way to build community, spark conversation and amplify underrepresented voices.
The Queer Library has become an exciting yearly celebration of LGBTQIA+ creativity, reminding readers that stories have the power to affirm identities, create connection and help people see both themselves and others in new ways.
Creative expression has always been at the heart of queer culture, whether through books, music, art or performance, and initiatives like the Queer Library continue to create welcoming spaces where those stories can be shared with everyone.
Image: Aēsop’s Queer LibrarySupporting LGBTQIA+ young people
This year’s initiative also gives back beyond the bookshelf.
Alongside the Queer Library, the Aēsop Foundation will donate to Minus18, supporting the organisation’s work creating safer, more inclusive futures for LGBTQIA+ young people across Australia.
The pop-up Queer Library will be open at Aēsop’s Flinders Lane store from 15–19 July
Books are available free of charge while stocks last, so if there’s been a title sitting on your reading list or you’re simply keen to discover a new favourite queer author, you’ll want to get in early.
Head to Aēsop’s website to see a list of the titles on offer.
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