LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)- UPDATE: The Lafayette Public Library System has made its own statement on a children’s event, “Drag Queen Story Time”, scheduled to be held in October. The library said it hosts 60 story times a month, designated by librarians who select books that will be read to families and work with the guest storyteller to practice the flow of the program.

“The picture books that are read are content and age appropriate,” the library system said. “The Drag Queen Story Time will share stories of individuality, openness and acceptance with families seeking an opportunity to show their children that every person is unique and should be treated with equal respect.”

Read the full statement here.

Local gay-rights organization, Acadiana PRIDE, has released the statement below:

ORIGINAL: Lafayette Consolidated Government has issued the following statement on an upcoming event featuring drag queens reading children’s stories. The event has generated support and criticism from residents.

From Lafayette City-Parish President Joel Robideaux:

Currently, events of the Lafayette Public Library are neither authorized nor approved by Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG), including the Drag Queen Story Time event scheduled for October 6, 2018 at the Library Main Branch.
 
In response to public requests, LCG is working to determine how this event was approved as a programmed event of the Library, who has authority to cancel or move it, and the process for doing so.
 
The Library has an Executive Director that is appointed by and answers to the Library’s Board of Control.
 
As Mayor-President, I have one appointment to the Library’s Board of Control and the Lafayette City-Parish Council has the remaining seven appointments. I will be discussing cancellation of the event or privately-owned location alternatives with my appointment and encourage the Council to do the same.
 
I will also be asking the Library’s Board of Control to conduct a thorough review of its programming and approval process for taxpayer funded events.
 
Our parish libraries are public spaces, with venues that any group or individual can reserve, on a non-discriminatory basis, as required by law. We have to be certain, however, that our internally approved programming is both appropriate and serves the needs of Lafayette Parish. That is the only way our library system will continue to enjoy the support from our community that it has historically received.