Lansdale Borough has issued a press release regarding the scheduled Drag Queen Story Time at the Lansdale Public Library, clarifying some details and restating that the event will go on as planned.
The release reads:
“On Saturday February 2, 2019, at 10:30 a.m., the Lansdale Library will host “Drag Queen Story Fun Time with Annie,” [which is] an event to help children understand the concepts of bullying and discrimination in an open and caring environment while surrounded by family.
This event has caused some alarm among community members, many of whom have called the borough to voice their concerns. Most of the concern surrounds Annie’s adult-themed show material and stage name “Annie Christ;” however, the material featured during this children’s event will be age-appropriate, [and] presented by “Miss Annie” and not “Annie Christ.” Story time will discuss themes of individuality, acceptance and anti-bullying through the reading of children’s books Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems and Sparkleboy by Lesléa Newman.
“One of the tenets of our mission at Lansdale Library is to celebrate the cultural diversity in our community,” said Library Director Tom Meyer. “The mission of the Lansdale Public Library is to enrich our community through the encouragement of early literacy, the fostering of life-long learning, and the celebration of the cultural diversity in our area. We expect that parents will be able to make the decision of whether or not they want to bring their child to this story time.”
The library granted the use of the facility after receiving an application from a Lansdale resident based on the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights that states, “Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use."
The borough has worked very hard over the past few days with our police department and library staff to ensure this event is safe for the children and all who plan to attend in support or opposition of the Annie Story time event.
Parking will be limited at the library but is available at the Vine Street and West Main Street municipal parking lots. Those who plan on attending are encouraged to use mass transit to any of the three train stations located in Lansdale Borough.
Additionally, the borough invites everyone in town to stick around after story time and have lunch at one of the many great restaurants located within walking distance from the Lansdale Public Library.”
The story time event became the focus of scheduled protests earlier in the week, which resulted in the launch of a petition to stop the event, as well as numerous calls and emails sent to local officials to prevent the event from occurring. In response, many residents and local officials throughout the region pledged their support for the event, for Annie, and for the Lansdale Public Library
To read our coverage of Drag Queen Story Time, please click here.
See also:
Annie Christ: Lansdale's Culture Queen
NPSD to Hold Symposium on Race and Ethnicity
Mayoral Musings: ‘ Our Collective Wisdom and Religious Diversity’
Lansdale Council Unanimously Approves Human Relations Ordinance
Human Relations Ordinance Vote Coming Wednesday
