The Wildcat Library is a privately-maintained community library. Queer titles, fiction and non-fiction, make up the bulk of this curated collection. Started by Felix Richter-Addo, a trans man in Oklahoma, the library addresses the local need for breadth and depth in these areas. The library has flexible due dates and no fees whatsoever. Felix expands the collection exclusively with purchases from independent bookstores, acknowledging the importance of these small businesses.
The library has a monthly budget of $100 of his personal funds, and the Patreon exists to supplement that in growing the collection more rapidly, both in acquiring new titles as well as additional copies of popular ones.
Q: Do you take book donations?
A: A great option for donating books are sales that benefit public libraries. Donations are accepted if they are extra copies of existing titles, or in special cases.
Q: Why "Wildcat" Library?
A: The name references the concept of "wildcat strikes." A wildcat strike is when workers strike without being authorized to do so by their union. Felix feels that the Wildcat Library is an "unauthorized" library of sorts. We already see many instances of music, TV, and movies where sharing is considered piracy. When (not if) book bans come for our public libraries, who will provide the same service, and how? The name encourages thought, and hopefully inspires copy"cat" libraries (ha!) to cover more communities.
Q: How do I start a library like this?
A: Thank you so much for considering it! Please contact Felix at info@wildcatlibrary.net and he will provide every bit of advice he can offer.