Center For Sex and Culture

The Center for Sex & Culture Library and Archive was born from, and is sustained by, donated collections of books, magazines, journals, zines, comics, dissertations, works of art, videos, memorabilia, and the personal papers of key members of the community. It is being cataloged by a team of dedicated volunteers and interns, under the supervision of Birdie Sumner, MLS. The process began in earnest in 2005 and since that time over 2,500 items have been cataloged in the Center's integrated library system, Resourcemate™. 


The Collection

The collection is unique in the world in its dedication to collecting and preserving information about sex as we have known it, do know it, and continue to learn about it, worldwide. We have our donors to thank for the vibrancy of our collection. Our donors, including Dr. Carol Queen, Dr. Robert Lawrence and Good Vibrations, were dedicated to collecting materials that have long been shunned by traditional booksellers, libraries and museums. They have collected these materials at great personal risk and expense, because they believe they had intrinsic value to society. At the Center's library, these materials have finally found a home where they are cataloged, stored and preserved for future generations of researchers and the public.

A sample of our remarkable holdings:

1) graduate and undergraduate dissertations, representing original research;
2) pulp erotic fiction from the 1950's, 1960's, 1970's to today;
3) sexual education textbooks from the 1970's to today;
4) HIV education materials from the 80's to today; and
5) early 20th Century "marriage manuals" (sexual instruction guides).

Availability

We are unable to lend materials at this time. However, you may make an appointment to view library materials. In limited cases, we may be able to photocopy materials for you (in accordance with existing copyright restrictions). Please contact the librarian at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Future Plans

First and foremost, we hope to open the physical space of the library, on a regular schedule, as soon as possible.

Other projects include 1) creating a database of web-only published articles and websites regarding sexuality; and 2) creating and maintaining a mold free and temperature regulated archive for art works, rare and fragile materials.


How You Can Help

The Library and Archive are an on-going project with new donations coming in throughout the year. We have several avenues in which you can participate in the continues growth an support of this rare collection:
1)    Fiscal support – please consider making a donation to our library members fund (details here)
2)    Become a volunteer – if you can’t donate money, consider donating your time. Volunteering is a great way to learn about the collection. We have regular trainings for volunteers to become involved with cataloging and other projects. Contact the librarian for further information.
3)    Tell your friends -  this is one of the only sex libraries that is accessible to the public and we want it to stay that way. Let your friends, family and colleagues know about us!