After closure of Provo bookstore, Mosaics to open new LGBTQ+ resource center in American Fork
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- A lounge area inside the former Mosaics Community Bookstore and Venue in Provo. Mosaics will host a grand opening at its new location in American Fork on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
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- The exterior sign of Mosaics Community Bookstore and Venue in Provo is shown Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024.
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- An inspirational poster is shown at Mosaics Community Bookstore and Venue in Provo on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024.
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- Painted images on the window pane of Mosaics Community Bookstore and Venue in Provo are shown Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024.
After a short stint in northeast Provo that was marred by a string of threats, Mosaics Community Bookstore and Venue has found a new home in American Fork.
Mosaics, which also served as the headquarters for the United Drag Alliance, closed its doors in Provo on Dec. 31.
The closure followed fundraising efforts to keep the Provo location open, with donations also set to go toward the cost of expanding services.
Mosaics carved out a niche as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, with efforts aimed at fostering inclusivity among people of all backgrounds.
Even in the face of multiple bomb threats made toward the bookstore and personal threats reportedly directed at co-founder Tara Lipsyncki, they remain committed to keeping the resource available in Utah County.
“In recent years, we’ve faced relentless attacks–both physical and digital–on our right to live authentically and provide life-saving resources to our community. But we refuse to be silenced,” Lipsyncki, who also serves as executive director for United Drag Alliance, told the Daily Herald in an emailed statement Tuesday. “Unlike our Provo location, this space is laser-focused on protecting those who need it most.
Mosaics Resource Center will kick off a new chapter Saturday during the grand opening celebration of its new location at 42 N. 200 East in American Fork. The new center will remain geared toward providing support, resources and community connections tailored to the LGBTQ+ community in Utah County.
“Our carefully curated used book selection exclusively features LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and diversity-centered works,” said Lipsyncki, using an acronym that stands for Black, Indigenous and people of color. “Our mutual aid now operates in a dedicated space, offering only the essentials: a gender-affirming closet, dry food pantry, and survival kits for unhoused individuals. We’ve also established designated offices for mental and medical care tailored to our community’s needs.”
Saturday’s grand opening will run from noon until roughly 5 p.m. and will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony in partnership with the Utah LGBT Chamber of Commerce followed by a Family Resource Carnival, a press release said.
The public also can participate in a community donation drive by contributing nonperishable food items, lightly used clothing of all gender expressions, and new or like-new books dealing with LGBTQ+ and BIPOC topics.
The donations will aim to support people in need within the community, according to the release.
“This new chapter is not just about survival–it’s about resilience and resistance. We are here to stay, and we will be louder, queerer, and bolder than ever before,” Lipsyncki stated.
