Another Metro-East library is defending its decision to host an upcoming drag queen storytime event for children.
Critics who call such events inappropriate for children are "misrepresenting the program and what it is meant to convey," said Glen Carbon Public Library director Christine Gerrish.
The Glen Carbon library is hosting a program for adults at 7 p.m. on June 7, "exploring issues of liberation, and addressing art, activism, politics, human rights and life in St. Louis," as well as the children's storytime event at 10 a.m. on June 21.
Gerrish said that the children's event focuses on "celebrating differences and breaking stereotypes."
"Our storytime program focuses on promoting early literacy and expanding children's understanding of the world around them," Gerrish said. "The Drag Storytime that we will be offering fits into that program while adding more wonder and flair."
Gerrish confirmed the library will pay Maxi Glamour, a non-binary drag artist and activist, $300 for both events.
Critic Doug Hulme of Maryville, a Republican candidate for county treasurer, said he believes that Glen Carbon has worked hard to project a family friendly community.
"There are many parents that feel this kind of push by local public employees is inappropriate," he said. "We should not be using our publicly funded libraries to push in your face sexual messaging and divisive politics. I don't believe the leaders in Glen Carbon that I know would tolerate this.
"I do not want to explain drag queens, sexual identity and other sexually charged political issues to my eight and five year olds. I am sure I am not alone. I think those decisions should be left up to parents privately."
According to email communication of library staff, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request and provided to the Record, Glen Carbon Library youth services director Aimee Villet had reached out to Caseyville Pulbic Library director Ashley Stewart in early February inquiring about its drag queen storytime event held last year.
Caseyville's drag queen story time drew harsh criticism, as did the Collinsville Library's June 3 storytime, announced recently.
"I'm not surprised you had complaints," Villet wrote to Stewart. "LGBTQIA+ programming for kids always leads to complaints.
"Our library and the mayor got a lot of heat last year over our 'This Day in June' storywalk. We aren't letting that stop us from supporting our LGBTQ families.
"I might pick your brain on response techniques once we have a plan in place. I don't think it hurts to be over-prepared for criticism."
Villet made scheduling and payment arrangements with Glamour, who normally charges $200 per event, and was able to negotiate a discount for both events.
"We can do $200 for June 21 story time," Villet wrote. "Can you give us a discount for booking storytime and adult program and drop price to 300?"
The library's circulation manager Betsye Stinson is facilitating the adult program.
In an email to Glamour on March 8, Stinson wrote, "I believe that there is community interest in learning more about history of drag in St. Louis, hearing about your personal interest and providing insight on how to be a better ally and how to support and uplift marginalized QTPOC members of the community."
Gerrish said that libraries are institutions that are created to serve their community as a whole.
"All of our programs are open to the community and community members are always welcome to attend, or not, depending on their preferences," she said. "For more information about these programs, and others, please go to www.glencarbonlibrary.org."