Kirk Cameron wins first battle to read values-based book to counter “drag queen story hour,” with two of 50 woke libraries relenting.
By Eileen Griffin
Actor Kirk Cameron will be allowed to read a faith-based book to children in two of the 50 government libraries that have denied him access.
Cameron will read his book, As You Grow, at public libraries in Indianapolis, Indiana and Scarsdale, New York, The Washington Examiner reports.
Cameron told CBN News his book aimed to teach children how to “grow the fruit of the spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control.” The book is not specifically religious and does not contain any reference to God or any specific Bible verse.
‘It’s Very Disheartening’
Libraries that have hosted controversial leftist events have refused permission for Cameron to read his book, the author told CBN News.
“You would think that public libraries would be thrilled for a book that would teach these virtues to children and we were denied by over 50 woke libraries that have hosted drag queen story hours,” said Cameron.
One library that rejected Cameron’s book reading was scheduled to host a gender change clinic the following day, said Cameron.
“We wanted our book to particularly go into those public libraries where children were being exposed to toxic ideas … not just complain about these things as we see them in the news but to make news by being on the offense with books that champion the kind of values that we want our kids to see and it’s very disheartening to see those public libraries are hindering access for children to good and Godly values,” Cameron said.
‘The Culture Is Overwhelming’
Children should not be denied access to Christian literature in public libraries, Kelly, an Oregon mother and grandmother who requested her full name not be published, told Heartland Daily News.
“I usually purchase Christian literature for my daughters and my grandchildren,” said Kelly. “But not everyone has the ability to purchase books. A lot of people use public libraries. It is a good service and has always been a good resource in the past but now Christians are purposely being excluded from a public place.”
Kelly said kids need Christian books and children’s stories to counteract the negative influences to which they are regularly exposed.
“The culture is overwhelming,” said Kelly. “It’s in their faces every day. It is taught in the schools, it’s in the media, and now they have taken something as innocent as story hour and they are corrupting it.”
Libraries, like many other aspects of the culture, are overwhelmingly influenced by the Left, says Kelly.
“I have seen it so many times,” said Kelly. “Children have been influenced by this [Left agenda] and it changes their lives and not in a good way. I’ve had several friends whose grandchildren have been affected by it. Children are too young to understand that exposure to things like gender ideology can lead to devastating things and have devastating impact on their lives.”
“My heart hurts to think that my grandchildren are being taught these things,” Kelly said. “It’s not ok. It’s heartbreaking and very upsetting.”
‘Do Your Own Due Diligence’
It is up to parents and other community members to demand the kind of books they want accessible to their children, said long-time librarian Lynn Lehrschall.
“As a parent you have to do your own due diligence,” said Lehrschall. “You have to do your own research. We can’t rely anymore on the belief that what others will teach our children is wholesome. You better well know what is being presented. Pick up the phone and call the librarian and ask what book is being read.”
“I am going to respect these drag queens and the families that want to go to them (drag queen story hours) but then you still need time for Christians to be able to read Christian books,” Lehrschall says. “For the families that want to have transgender readings, they should have that, but then we want equal time for Christian families to hear Christian books.”
‘Can’t Trust Our Institutions’
Another library patron who prefers that her last name not be used, Kathy, a mother and grandmother, says she took her children to the library frequently when they were little, and her daughter-in-law now takes her three grandchildren.
“Why wouldn’t libraries want Kirk Cameron to read his book?” Kathy said. “What Cameron is doing is building character and values. It’s perfect for children. It’s a beautiful little story that I would want my grandson to read. We want to get his book for all our grandchildren. It’s heartbreaking to think this book is being rejected.”
Kathy says she will buy the books she wants for her grandchildren and forget the library.
“What parent in their right mind would take their children to these things (drag queen story hour)?” Kathy said. “What are they thinking? That’s what scares me. There are parents allowing this when they are supposed to be nurturing and raising good people and our next generation of leaders. “
Kathy says parents need to remain vigilant as so much trust has been broken. “Families have to take the lead because we can’t trust our institutions anymore.”
‘Tell Them’
Although most of the libraries Cameron had approached are still denying him access, Cameron says there is hope.
“I’m happy that the two libraries changed their decision and will allow my voice to be heard and my book to be read,” Cameron told Fox News Digital. “I hope that this victory acts as a source of courage for Christians and conservatives across the country to be brave and not back down, making sure that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the darkness.”
Parents and taxpayers should give direction to their local libraries, rather leave book selection to library employees, says Lehrschall.
“We, as a society, need to go to our library and tell them that we expect,” Lehrschall said. “If we don’t, we are letting them do what they want. The librarian will decide what books get put on the shelf.”