Harm Reduction at the Lavender Library

Masking Policy at the Lavender Library

We believe that collective safety is a practice of solidarity, not just individual choice. Our masking decision emerged from community feedback, active listening from Library leadership, and meeting the needs of our volunteers.

For some in our community, masks remain essential, especially for those who are immunocompromised or care for vulnerable loved ones. For others in the community, masks present barriers, including people who rely on facial expressions for communication, those with breathing challenges, and those navigating trauma and mental health conditions which can be worsened when faces are obscured. The Library leadership acknowledges that there is no perfect solution and instead has built a policy that holds these complexities. 

Our masking policy is rooted in disability justice. With this framework, we understand:

Access needs are diverse and not always visible.

• True inclusion requires proactive design, not reactive accommodation.

• Community care means protecting the most vulnerable among us, not leaving them behind.

This policy reflects our commitment to a space where disabled, chronically ill, immunocompromised, and older community members can participate fully without having to advocate endlessly for basic safety.

How We Impliment Disability Justice in Our Space:

• Peer-Led Autonomy:

  • Peer-led groups (like Queer Crafternoon and GenderQuark) retain the autonomy to set masking rules for their own gatherings.

  • We support groups making access decisions that reflect their members’ needs and risk assessment.

• Dedicated Mask-Required Hours:

  • Masks are requred for the first open hour of browsing on Saturday and Sunday for all patrons and volunteers.

  • This creates a predictable, lower-risk window for those who need it most.

• Masks on Hand, No Questions Asked:

  • The Library offers a variety of masks (KN95, surgical, and children’s) at the entrance, free of charge.

  • Taking a mask is encouraged, never shamed. This is how we take care of community.

• Maintaining Clean Air:

  • We maintain two HEPA-certified air purifiers in the space and regularly and consistently replace the filters.

  • The Library is in a rented space—if there are other clean air solutions you’d like the Library to provide, please let us know. We’ll do our best to accommodate your request based on community care and disability justice.

• On-Request Masking:

  • All library volunteers and leadership will mask immediately if asked, with no debate.

  • If a community member requests that others mask in a shared area, we will kindly relay the request without disclosing who asked.

  • The Library volunteers, leadership, and patrons will treat masking requests as an act of mutual care.