Denton Public Library cancels Rainbow StoryTime due to safety concerns over backlash
Following backlash from in and outside the community, the Denton Public Library announced the cancellation of “Rainbow StoryTime” on Monday.
The event, which was scheduled for Saturday, was to feature three picture books read to children ages 2-8. The books were “Red: A Crayon’s Story” by Michael Hall, “I’m a Girl” by Yasmeen Ismail and “What Riley Wore” by Elana K. Arnold.
The storytime event, one of over 300 programs held by the library per season, was met with “disrespectful and hostile complaints” based on inaccurate information, according to a library statement. Information spread about the event alleged the storytime was focused on teaching children about gender identity, sex, sexual orientation and “indoctrinating” children into a transgender way of life.
Due to the nature of the complaints, the statement said there was concern over participant and city staff safety.
“Because we, above all else, must provide a safe environment for our programs, we made the difficult decision to cancel the event,” library staff said in the statement.
Gubernatorial candidate Don Huffines was one opponent to the Rainbow StoryTime.
Following the cancellation announcement, Huffines’ campaign released a statement calling the event “Transgender StoryTime” and accused the event of attempting to expose children to inappropriate sexual material and ideology.
“Children should not be used as pawns by adults with a sexual agenda,” Huffines said.
The summary for “Red: A Crayon’s Story” is posted on Denton Public Library’s website:
Red’s factory-applied label clearly says that he is red, but despite the best efforts of his teacher, fellow crayons and art supplies, and family members, he cannot seem to do anything right until a new friend offers a fresh perspective.
The summary for “I’m a Girl” is also posted:
“When a rough and tumble little girl, who is sometimes mistaken for a boy, meets a boy who likes wearing princess dresses and playing with dolls, a wonderful friendship is born.”
A summary of “What Riley Wore” can also be found on the Denton Public Library website:
“Gender-creative Riley knows just what to wear for every occasion during a busy week with family and friends.”
The Denton Public Library said none of the books planned for the Rainbow StoryTime use the word transgender or mention characters born one way and changing into another.
“The StoryTime features books about families, friendship, and being yourself. Its intent is to provide an inviting atmosphere for families to hear stories together featuring books focused on self-acceptance, learning, and friendship,” the library statement said.
“This StoryTime occurs three time per year and is scheduled to coincide with days focused on ‘different’ or marginalized groups, such as Transgender Day of Remembrance in November,” according to the library. “Due to this, an incorrect program title, using the word ‘transgender,’ was mistakenly used in a recent program printing which now has been corrected.”
The library said city staff will work to reschedule the event. A rescheduled date had not been set by the library as of Wednesday.
But local mom Amber Briggle decided to organize a similar event, the Denton Record-Chronicle reported. The free event, described as “a story time about friendship, transgender youths and acceptance,” will be presented by the Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and Armadillo Ale Works at the coffeehouse and brewery, 221 S. Bell Ave., at 11 a.m. Saturday.
This story was originally published November 16, 2021 at 7:00 PM.
