The library board has formally confirmed that they will discontinue these events moving forward. This outcome serves as a clear protection of our town resources and the values we hold. We will remain attentive to future programming to ensure our public spaces continue to serve their intended purpose.
July 5, 2023
Final supporters
Petition Against the Use of the Weeks Memorial Public Library for Drag Story Hour
As the petitioners and parishioners of the Lancaster area, we are ever:
"Mindful that, as our constitution declares, knowledge and learning generally diffused through a community" are "essential to the preservation of a free government " (NH Constitution, Part II, Article 83)
and to this end, we declare:
"that the public library is a valuable supplement to the formal system of free public education and as such deserves adequate financial support from government at all levels." (NH RSA Chapter 202-A Public Libraries)
As the lawful purpose of a publicly funded library is the increase and diffusion of truth by providing lifelong learners free and equitable access to resources of knowledge, we do not believe that a publicly funded library is an appropriate venue for recreation, discrimination, or debauchery:
Unlawful Purpose - Upon information and advertisement, we believe that entertainers who mimic, impersonate, and ape members of the opposite sex, promote false authenticity and gender confusion to impressionable young children, which serves no educational or essential purpose. Publicly funded libraries are not designed for and can not afford the liability associated with recreational performances.
Unlawful Practice - Further, we believe that the advertisement for this drag story hour, which clearly precludes adults from attending without a child, is a violation of our "Law Against Discrimination" on the basis of age (NH RSA Title XXXI Sections 354-A:1, 354-A:2 XIV) and that the circulation of such notice is, in itself is an unlawful discriminatory practice (NH RSA Title XXXI Section 354-A:17).
Dangerous Indulgence - As lovers of wisdom, we believe that confusing vulnerable children with falsehoods and familiarizing them with sensual pleasures, serves only to lower their defenses and expose them to potential abuse at an earlier age.
As such, we the undersigned, respectfully petition the 1st Circuit Court of New Hampshire to enjoin the Trustees of the Weeks Memorial Public Library from permitting this unlawful recreational event, currently scheduled for June 11, 2023, from ever taking place in Lancaster's publicly-funded and government-supported library.
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
June 5, 2023
June 2, 2023
The level of traction this petition has gained demonstrates a profound clarity regarding the role of our public institutions. Recent developments confirm that our concerns resonate deeply within the community and underscore the necessity of maintaining the library as a space for educational resources.
Reached 100 supporters
June 1, 2023
174 Comments
Drag is adult entertainment. Children should not be allowed and encouraged to attend such a sexualized event. You won't host stripper reading hour. This is the same thing.
As a father of four, it deeply concerns me that our public facilities are being used in ways so detrimental to children and families. "[Jesus] answered, 'Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female." (Matt 19:4)
These sorts of events basically amount to grooming of children. I am hesitant to even bring my children to the Weeks Memorial Library now, knowing that those who manage the library approved such an event. I need to be able to trust that any environment I bring my children into is safe.
A public library should not be used to host an event that encourages sexualization of children. This idea is no different than bringing minors into a strip club and that is illegal regardless of the venue. Please reconsider renting the library for this event.
This goes far beyond inclusion and acceptance. The group putting on story hour is in a business not suitable for children. Check out the merchandise they sell on their website.
The comments on here are disgusting and just goes to show that "Live free or die" is a joke. You people should be ashamed of yourselves.
What happened to freedom?
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The library board has formally confirmed that they will discontinue these events moving forward. This outcome serves as a clear protection of our town resources and the values we hold. We will remain attentive to future programming to ensure our public spaces continue to serve their intended purpose.
July 5, 2023
Final supporters
Petition Against the Use of the Weeks Memorial Public Library for Drag Story Hour
As the petitioners and parishioners of the Lancaster area, we are ever:
"Mindful that, as our constitution declares, knowledge and learning generally diffused through a community" are "essential to the preservation of a free government " (NH Constitution, Part II, Article 83)
and to this end, we declare:
"that the public library is a valuable supplement to the formal system of free public education and as such deserves adequate financial support from government at all levels." (NH RSA Chapter 202-A Public Libraries)
As the lawful purpose of a publicly funded library is the increase and diffusion of truth by providing lifelong learners free and equitable access to resources of knowledge, we do not believe that a publicly funded library is an appropriate venue for recreation, discrimination, or debauchery:
Unlawful Purpose - Upon information and advertisement, we believe that entertainers who mimic, impersonate, and ape members of the opposite sex, promote false authenticity and gender confusion to impressionable young children, which serves no educational or essential purpose. Publicly funded libraries are not designed for and can not afford the liability associated with recreational performances.
Unlawful Practice - Further, we believe that the advertisement for this drag story hour, which clearly precludes adults from attending without a child, is a violation of our "Law Against Discrimination" on the basis of age (NH RSA Title XXXI Sections 354-A:1, 354-A:2 XIV) and that the circulation of such notice is, in itself is an unlawful discriminatory practice (NH RSA Title XXXI Section 354-A:17).
Dangerous Indulgence - As lovers of wisdom, we believe that confusing vulnerable children with falsehoods and familiarizing them with sensual pleasures, serves only to lower their defenses and expose them to potential abuse at an earlier age.
As such, we the undersigned, respectfully petition the 1st Circuit Court of New Hampshire to enjoin the Trustees of the Weeks Memorial Public Library from permitting this unlawful recreational event, currently scheduled for June 11, 2023, from ever taking place in Lancaster's publicly-funded and government-supported library.
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
June 5, 2023
June 2, 2023
The level of traction this petition has gained demonstrates a profound clarity regarding the role of our public institutions. Recent developments confirm that our concerns resonate deeply within the community and underscore the necessity of maintaining the library as a space for educational resources.
Reached 100 supporters
June 1, 2023
174 Comments
Why are these events geared toward children? These particular entertainers have very explicit adult content on their pages knowing that kids will look up their stage names. 100% not acceptable for kids.
Drag is adult entertainment. Children should not be allowed and encouraged to attend such a sexualized event. You won't host stripper reading hour. This is the same thing.
As a father of four, it deeply concerns me that our public facilities are being used in ways so detrimental to children and families. "[Jesus] answered, 'Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female." (Matt 19:4)
These sorts of events basically amount to grooming of children. I am hesitant to even bring my children to the Weeks Memorial Library now, knowing that those who manage the library approved such an event. I need to be able to trust that any environment I bring my children into is safe.
A public library should not be used to host an event that encourages sexualization of children. This idea is no different than bringing minors into a strip club and that is illegal regardless of the venue. Please reconsider renting the library for this event.
This goes far beyond inclusion and acceptance. The group putting on story hour is in a business not suitable for children. Check out the merchandise they sell on their website.
The comments on here are disgusting and just goes to show that "Live free or die" is a joke. You people should be ashamed of yourselves.
What happened to freedom?
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Why are these events geared toward children? These particular entertainers have very explicit adult content on their pages knowing that kids will look up their stage names. 100% not acceptable for kids.