I believe this article covers an important aspect of libraries, especially public and school libraries, where librarians are sometimes called to act as counselors. I know from personal experience in a public library that there are a lot of teens who will identify with different staff members and most of the time, they just need someone to listen to them and possibly give advice. I am speaking in general, but this article is very specific about the queer community. I think that this group is targeted more in schools and it's still a subject that is a big deal in a lot of communities. Libraries tend to be safe places for any minority, as they are the holders of knowledge. About everything. And librarians are taught to not judge based on anything to do with a person or what their requests are. So it makes sense that this is where people go to find a safe space.
I had an experience in a public library where it was the only place I felt safe to come out as a lesbian because I knew these people and I trusted these people with what was the biggest secret I had at the time. If I wouldn't have had that safe space to come out in, and if I wouldn't have had the librarians that put the books in my hands that told me there were other people like me...I honestly don't know what would have happened. Libraries being safe spaces for everyone to go and have the information they need and have safe people to talk to is important. Librarians aren't counselors, but sometimes they are the best form of therapy.
http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/columns/my-mind/libraries-safe-spaces
