“Threats of Protests, Violence” Prompted Drag Queen Story Hour Cancelation, Says Bristol Library

“Threats of Protests, Violence” Prompted Drag Queen Story Hour Cancelation, Says Bristol Library

Rogers Free Library in Bristol has said that “threats of protests and suggestions of possible violence” prompted the cancelation of a scheduled “Drag Queen Story Hour” on June 15, which drew a counter-protest — and sharp rebuke — from the event supporters this week. 

On Friday, Bristol resident Lisa Peterson appeared on GoLocal LIVE where she said the Bristol public library “caved to bullies” by canceling the event — and noted that in previous press statements, the library said Bristol “wasn’t ready” to host such an event, and it might be better held in a more “diverse community.”

Read: Bristol Library “Caved to Bullies” By Canceling Drag Queen Story Hour, Says Advocate

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In a Facebook post that came nearly 36 hours after the cancelation was made public Thursday morning with no explanation, the library finally issued a public statement on Friday evening at 6 p.m, saying they would look for a way to “host the program or programs like it in the near future.”

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The response to the library’s post on Facebook was immediate. 

“Weak tea,” wrote Paul Virgadamo. 

“If I might make a few, minor edits,” wrote Douglas Cushing, posting an image striking out the entire statement, suggesting as a new statement, “By canceling the event, we made a mistake, we apologize.”

Commenters also supported the library’s position. 

“I’m glad to read this. Being progressive and inclusive is not easy. But it is very important work to be done. Kudos to Rogers for re-evaluating,” wrote Gayle Ulrich. 

Peterson on GoLocal LIVE said that the “damage was already done” in the library’s initial decision to cancel the event.