The Library’s Guide to Sexual & Reproductive Health Information. Barbara A. Alvarez. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions, 2023. 136p.

Barbara A. Alvarez’s The Library’s Guide to Sexual & Reproductive Health Information comes at a time when libraries across the United States are, quite literally, under attack for providing to our various patrons’ materials and resources related to these issues. This handy resource offers strategies for meeting these information needs. The book is divided into three parts: “Foundation,” “Education,” and “Implementation.” Though largely intended for public library workers, key concepts can be applied to a variety of library settings, including school and academic libraries.

Part 1 provides relevant background information on sexually transmitted infections, sexuality, contraception, etc. Chapter 1, “Introduction to Sexual and Reproductive Health,” offers crucial definitions of terms used throughout the book. For example, the author outlines the scope of sexual and reproductive health as “people [having] bodily autonomy, are empowered to make choices that are best for them, and are equipped with credible information, resources, and tools to make those choices” (4). This breakdown is simple yet useful, as it comprehensively lays out this author’s definition and interpretation so that it will not be misconstrued throughout the text.

In chapter 3, “Sexuality,” Alvarez offers basic, real-world tips for library workers who want to provide a more gender-inclusive environment for their patrons in a section titled “Gender Inclusivity at the Public Library.” Recommendations include refraining from exclusive “Mommy & Me”–type programs, instead opting for inclusive, general caregiver language. Alvarez also makes a case against requiring staff to include their pronouns in emails or lanyards, as some may feel unsafe doing so. Alvarez is persistent in noting the importance of keeping staff safe.

Alvarez tackles sexual health in the second section, “Education.” Diving into existing legislation targeting sex education in schools, the author boldly states that public library workers have “opportunities to fill in the gaps or to complement the existing curricula in our libraries’ school districts” (40). This isn’t new information for library workers, as I’m sure most of us have been tuned in to the news and have seen attacks on libraries for the materials we provide. However, Alvarez makes a point to include statistics on harmful “Don’t Say Gay” legislation, driving home the need for library workers to, at the very least, be aware of and remain informed about developments in their own states.

To this reviewer, the book would have been lacking if the author hadn’t included information on abortion. Dedicating several pages to this topic, Alvarez gives library workers an overview of the different types of abortion procedures. In addition, she provides statistics about abortion from organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Journal of Adolescent Health. Alvarez notes that while library workers may hold various feelings and viewpoints about abortions, it is “necessary to provide comprehensive information about sexual and reproductive health, including abortion care” (61). Though this might be considered common sense, it is worth reiterating.

The final section, “Implementation,” gives real-world examples of ways library workers can incorporate themes at their own libraries. Alvarez breaks up the tips by topic: Reference, Collection Development, and Programs and Community Collaborations. The tutorials section can be applied to multiple library settings. Here, Alvarez reminds readers to ask themselves questions like “What do you wish that you had known about this topic?” and “What gaps do you see in the community or school curriculum, and how can a tutorial close those gaps?” when developing tutorials (95). Regarding sexual and reproductive health, tutorials can be extremely helpful, especially for patrons who are uncomfortable speaking to library staff about their inquiries.

There is also real value in the reflective questions Alvarez poses at the end of each chapter. These questions force the reader to think critically, not only about their own understanding of the various topics but how library workers might address patrons and their various sexual and reproductive health information needs. Among the best questions Alvarez asks readers are “What different types of community groups does your library serve?” and “How can you ensure that sexual and reproductive health resources are inclusive to those groups?” (27). While these questions are primarily posed to public library workers, academic librarians will also benefit from reflecting on the question in the context of their own institutions, brainstorming potential campus partnerships for resource sharing.

Not to be overlooked, the appendix serves almost as its own resource guide for readers. Organized by themes such as Sexual Pleasure and Consent and Reproductive Justice, Alvarez supplies readers with books, articles, and organizations, encouraging readers to go beyond this pivotal text.

Alvarez, a 2022 Library Journal Mover & Shaker award recipient, will continue to make waves with this timely volume. Serving as a resource guide sprinkled with applicable tips, her book does not shy away from diving into topics currently under fire in libraries. Librarians looking for a title that will challenge and expand their knowledge of sexual and reproductive health information should add The Library’s Guide to Sexual & Reproductive Health Information to their to-be-read list.— Jasmine Shumaker, University of Maryland, Baltimore County