Brattin seeks records on planning of DBRL’s ‘Rainbow Storytime’ event
Editor’s note: A line in reference to a song that was performed at the event has been corrected.
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
One of Missouri’s state senators is looking into an LGBTQ+-themed story time event that occurred this past weekend at the Columbia Public Library.
The library hosted the event on Saturday morning even after Secretary of State Denny Hoskins had threatened Daniel Boone Regional Library’s funding if the event occurred. Sen. Rick Brattin (R-Harrisonville) announced in a Monday press release that he is requesting records relating to how the event was organized.
Another release was sent later on Monday stating that Brattin and Hoskins will hold a joint press conference at 2 p.m. Tuesday to address “their proposed investigation.”
The event included readings of “Rainbowsaurus” and “Big Wig.” “Rainbowsaurus” is about two dads and their three children following a rainbow to find the rainbowsaurus. Along the way, they meet animals of all different colors, according to Simon and Schuster’s website.
“Big Wig” is about youth dressing up in drag to compete in a costume competition, and finding confidence in dressing out of the norm, according to Simon and Schuster’s website.
“I hate that these elected officials are trying to make this a political moment for them because our library is a fantastic example of serving our community and the needs and the interests of our community. And this programming is not of concern,” Rep. Kathy Steinhoff (D-Columbia) said. “It is nowhere near the allegations that they are making, it is not any infringement of our law, it is just good literacy and community engagement happening in our local library.”
Steinhoff adds that she was confused on Hoskin’s threat of pulling funding.
“Money that is spent has to be appropriated through us [the General Assembly],” Steinhoff said. “I serve on the Budget Committee and I know that the General Assembly, along with the governor, we are allowed to appropriate money, I don’t know how the Secretary of State thinks that they can withhold that money that’s been appropriated.”
Brattin wrote in his press release that he requested records about the event, including advertising, materials, personnel and expenditures. The release also says he requested documents “showing whether age-appropriate notices were used and what steps library officials took to comply with laws protecting minors.”
Reporting from over the weekend shows in addition to the readings, singalongs of “Old MacDonald” and “Pink Pony Duck,” a song that is played using the melody of Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club,” occurred and attendees received rainbow scarves and bubbles.
Both books can be viewed below.
Click here to follow the original article.