I have a suggestion for use of the “old” Renton Library building, which the newspaper says is to be “repurposed.”

Renton is in real need of a place the community can use for events, conferences, meetings, etc. other than the Senior Activity Center.  My observation comes from my work with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning people –  both youth and adults – and their families and allies.

Free or inexpensive space would be used for recurring events – game night/day, showing educational and informative DVDs or movies for viewing in a safe space for LGBTQ youth, families, other adults and straight allies.

This is something our PFLAG Support Meeting (that has been meeting in Renton for more than 13 years) has been seeking to no avail. Our monthly support meeting has been welcomed by St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, but we have no lockable storage area, the meeting room is not comfortable or flexible, and we can’t expand for larger meetings or events.

Event planning has been difficult as we are a funding-challenged 501(c)(3) organization and safe spaces are difficult to find.

I don’t think that we are the only group that has had difficulty finding affordable, friendly, flexible, safe space.  The basic needs would include gender-neutral bathrooms, kitchen area, easily reconfigured room spaces, space for setting up lecture-style seating or classroom style with tables, white boards, chalkboards, pulldown large screens, a large screen TV, WiFi hookups, and  audio/visual equipment that could be kept locked away.

I could see some fund raising happening from all the organizations that use the space.  I could see a standard low-cost fee for renting the space, donations of equipment, furniture, cabinets, etc.

Surely if Kirkland can do it, so can Renton.

Barb Clark-Elliott

Renton