Five Erie Benedictines participated in the Blasco Memorial Library's Read-In "to reaffirm the importance of free and equal access to materials representing all children and families." Pictured are Sisters Jacqueline, Stephanie, Kathy, Colleen, and Therese.

The Read-In was in response to public complaints about a display featuring LGBTQ+ children's books at the entrance of the Children's Library at the Blasco Library. Librarians at Blasco opted to take down all displays in the Children's Library rather than take down or move the "Read with Pride" display. A sign posted at the library reads, "It is against our professional ethics to pick and choose who we celebrate and don't celebrate in our community. We believe the library is for everyone and we love and support our LGBTQ+ patrons and families. You deserve to be celebrated as loudly and proudly as any other part of our community." (As reported in the Erie Times-News, June 23, 2023)

"There were a lot of people who supported the effort, and it was good for us to be there representing the Benedictine Sisters of Erie. As a community, we work to bring peace and equality to our world, to create a climate of equal rights for all people. This creative action united us with so many others who share our values," said Sister Stephanie Schmidt, prioress, who participated in the event.

The Benedictine Sisters join all who reject such discrimination and offer our support and acceptance of all of the people of God, regardless of the differences among us.