For several libraries the decision to provide story hours is not a hard one, and trying to find a program that everyone likes can be difficult at times. Many factors go into deciding what programs to provide and which to put aside. In Huntington Woods Michigan, the decision to provide Drag Queen Story Time (DQST) for children as young as preschool age proved to be a popular hit and a controversial one as well. Pro family groups have begun to show their displeasure of the program and demand that city officials take this program out of th library and into the dumpster. This has definitely become a social political debate that has the potential to get out of control. Before getting all worked up over this library program, there are questions that should be asked. It does not matter where your political leanings fall, whether you are conservative or liberal, this topic must be approached with objectivity.
When asking the following questions keep in mind the a library, large or small, is a reflection of the community it serves. First question is this: what is the community of Huntington Woods like? Is it liberal leaning? Does it promote LGBT leaning agendas in their schools, businesses or government? How many attendees go to the Drag Queen Story Time ? If it is a popular program, don’t expect it to go away that quickly. Last but not least, what is the objection to the storytime? Answering the questions with honesty will open the doors to better communication and ultimately a solution that is acceptable for all. Let’s begin with the first question.
Hunting Woods is demographically and politically Democrat. It is your typical blue collar/middle class suburbs in Oakland County that is close in proximity to Ferndale Michigan. For those who are not familiar with the area, Ferndale is known as a friendly, accepting LGBT city. It is interesting to note that the Ferndale Public Library does not have a Drag Queen Story Hour, but that may change due to the popularity of Berkley and Huntington Woods library programs. With this being said, it can be argued that the library is reflecting the makeup of the community and providing programs that the community wants, or at least a majority of the community. The proof in the demand for the program is evidence in attendance.
The main objection to the program that the pro-family groups have is that it is promoting a lifestyle and beliefs on children who are too young to understand what "fluid" gender means. In other words, it goes against what they believe is to be wrong, inconsistent with religious teaching and natural law. This is going to be a tough pill to swallow, but if we were to listen to what the DQSH is trying to promote, which is love and acceptance of all persons, it's going to be a tough battle to fight. My conservative patrons will demand the rights to teach their child the morals and beliefs that are right for them. No government representative. No school official. No neighbor, no matter how well meaning, will ever be given the right to tell them how to raise their child. They are absolutely correct in that assertion and demand. However, if a parent feels that their child will "benefit" from learning from a Drag Queen, then their rights should be upheld as well. These parents have given consent to the Drag Queen at the Huntington Woods Public Library to read stories to their children that may or may not contain themes friendly to the LGBT philosophy. If this program is to be discontinued it will be done solely on the basis that the popularity of the program has gone down and attendance has weakened. Making it a headline in the newspaper only gives the program attendance strength and publicity. That's the blunt truth.
To liberal patrons or those who call themselves progressive, here is a question to ponder and ask for a fair and honest response. If the public library in your city, or county had a program that promoted a Christian Themed Story or Catholic Priest Story Time for toddlers and families, would that be offensive? Would that give cause for protests of the program and demands that City council remove it from the library? What if the program was just as popular as the DQSH? Lots of folks showing up with their children and having a wonderful time. In over twenty-five years of working in libraries, experience says that the uproar would be loud and huge. A bet could be made on when the first statement of "Separation of church and state" would be uttered.
The point is that a library has held a place in communities as the place where everyone is welcomed. All thoughts, philosophies, ideas are explored and debated in a civil manner. At least, it was the hope that this would be the case. Unfortunately, in our current society it is far more important to be "right" on social issues. Librarians often find themselves to be caught in the middle of providing quality programs for the good of the community only to find activist groups on their doorsteps protesting the libraries' attempts to provided something for everyone. Finding the balance to make everyone in the community happy is a difficult task at times. If a parent or citizen has a problem with a library programing, there are several ways to deal with it. One, suggest other programs that might be interesting for the community. Two, don't go to the programs that do not fit your belief system. No one is forcing anyone to come to library programs. Attendance is voluntary. Three, if you want to change patrons' minds about a program do with civility and a sincere interest in hearing what they have to say. You never know with open communication an even better program might form and the community will be better for it.
If you have any comments about this post please share them. I welcome all comments as long as they are respectful.
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