Owners of free LGBTQ+ library say their stolen books have been returned – NBC Boston

The owners of a small LGBTQ free library in Waltham, Mass., who suffered three thefts in less than a month, say some of their books have been returned.

Petrie and Katie Cohen built The Little Queer Library in 2020 and placed it on the lawn of their home. But in recent weeks, someone has stolen books with LGBTQ+ themes.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the couple said a Waltham Police detective returned a bag full of some of the stolen books. He told them that the person who had taken them had been identified and that the police had spoken with them.

The thefts had been captured on surveillance footage. Police are still investigating and the couple said they would not be giving further details about the suspect at this time.

“I would like to extend kindness and understanding to the person in question, even though they were not extended to us. I urge you to be kind to this person, in the comments and in real life. We don’t know their story. , and he did well to return the books,” they wrote.

For the third time in less than a month, someone was filmed on Sunday morning stealing LGBTQ+ books from the Little Queer Library in Waltham.

In a previous interview, the couple said they thought their library was targeted because it was LGBTQ-friendly. News of the thefts sparked a chain of donations of new books as well as cash. As of Tuesday, they had raised nearly $7,000 – money they will use to support other queer, LGBT+ and diversity-focused libraries across the country, as well as buy more queer books for libraries. schools or where needed.

“I never thought our little library would ever have this kind of resource, and I’m so touched by the number of people who want to help us!” the Facebook post reads.

The library, the couple said, is meant to help those who need it most.

“LGBT children have a high rate of suicide attempts and mental health issues in general,” Cohen said.

Along with their front yard flag, front door and window signage, the books are their way of showing support.