AIDS Library of Philadelphia
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
Images
AIDS Library Historic Marker by Cosmos Mariner on HMDB.com (reproduced under Fair Use)
Backstory and Context
Text-to-speech Audio
The AIDS pandemic struck Philadelphia with a particular severity. John Cunningham and Heshie Zinman led activists and volunteers in operating the AIDS Library from its founding in 1987. The library was the first of its kind -- a public lending library dedicated to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The library sought to provide health resources to people living with HIV/AIDS, caregivers, and the general public, and in doing so combated stigma surrounding the disease and advocated for social change and services.
In 1993, the library changed its name to the AIDS Information Network, and in 1999 merged with Philadelphia FIGHT. In 2017-2018, Philadelphia erected a series of LGBT historical markers, including the one outside the library to commemorate its 30th anniversary.
Sources
Equality Forum. AIDS Library of Philadelphia Historic Marker, LGBT Historic Markers. Accessed March 20th 2021. https://equalityforum.com/philadelphia-aids-library-historic-marker.
Mariner, Cosmos. AIDS Library of Philadelphia, Historical Marker Database. June 27th 2019. Accessed March 20th 2021. https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=135797.
https://www.hmdb.org/PhotoFullSize.asp?PhotoID=481170