The Jerry Strickland Jr. Memorial Library is a very important part of Out Youth.

Jerry Strickland Jr. and his partner Steve Kubenka were some of Out Youth’s first volunteers. It was through his love of reading that Jerry found great comfort during his coming out experience. After Jerry’s death, Steve could think of no more fitting tribute, and no greater fulfillment of Out Youth’s mission, than to establish a library in Jerry’s name.

The Strickland and Kubenka families have continued to honor Jerry’s legacy by generously supporting Out Youth and the library. Out Youth has also been blessed to have Steve as a member of the Out Youth family in his capacity as a volunteer, as a former board member, and as a sustaining donor.

Community members and youth have helped to expand the collection, while volunteer librarians have organized and maintained the catalogue. In fact, our library is now the second largest collection of LGBTQIA+ literature and media in the state of Texas. We have many signed copies of books by authors who have visited Out Youth to inspire our young writers, and have a growing collection of movies.

Youth, adult volunteers, parents, school counselors, students, and community members – all of Out Youth’s extended family members are encouraged to take advantage of this valuable resource.

You can also help expand our collection by donating new or gently-used LGBTQIA+ themed books and movies. Please call 512.419.1233 to arrange a drop-off time.