What began as a shelf with 50 titles has now become a library with more than 1,500 LGBTQ+ books.
2020
We began on October 11 (National Coming Out Day) with a small shelf at the original South Press located in South Knoxville. We remained there until a fire consumed part of the strip mall in which it was located and South Press closed for several months.
2021-2024
South Press reopened just a few hundred yards away in Summer 2021 where we were able to increase the collection to several hundred books on two tall bookcases. In Summer 2024 KRL parted ways with South Press.
2022-
In 2022 KRL opened a branch for residents of Bryant’s Bridge, a transitional house for LGBTQ+ young adults. We filled these two beautiful built-in bookcases in the main living room.
2023-2024
In January 2023 KRL opened a branch at the Knox Pride Center. The collection consisted of two short bookshelves and a couple hundred books. KRL and Knox Pride parted ways in Summer 2024.