A series of bomb threats have shaken the Lancaster Public Library in Pennsylvania, targeting a scheduled Drag Queen Story Hour event. The threats, which led to the cancellation of the event, were accompanied by the discovery of a suspicious package at the library on Monday. The situation escalated further when additional threats were made to neighboring buildings, prompting the evacuation of the block.
Lisa Holland, the library’s director, found herself at the center of the threats as well. She was escorted away from the scene by police after a threat was reported at her home. Expressing her disappointment, Holland lamented the fact that local leaders had misrepresented the event, turning it into something it was not.
The Drag Queen Story Hour, presented by the renowned performer “Miss Amie Vanité,” aimed to promote awareness, acceptance, and inclusiveness through LGBTQ+ literature for young readers. The event had garnered significant support from the community, with 500 families signing up to attend. However, it also faced staunch opposition from certain local officials.
The bomb scare unfolded on Saturday morning when bomb-sniffing dogs were deployed to inspect a package that had been delivered to the library the previous day. The dogs deemed the package suspicious, leading to the cancellation of the event by 9:30 a.m. Lancaster Pride, the organization responsible for organizing the story hour, made the decision to call it off.
While the library was cleared, Pennsylvania State Police issued a statement around 12:30 p.m., alerting the public to additional reported threats that were still under investigation. They advised people to stay away from the 100 block of N. Queen Street.
Tiffany Shirley, a representative from Lancaster Pride, expressed her heartbreak and disappointment over the turn of events. She emphasized the organization’s efforts to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for all attendees.
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Did you know that according to a report by the American Library Association, there has been a significant increase in the number of challenges to library materials and services in recent years? This highlights the ongoing debate around freedom of expression and the importance of supporting diverse programming in public libraries.