A series of bomb threats were reportedly made to a Pennsylvania library and its director on Saturday afternoon, targeting a drag queen story hour.
The event was canceled after a suspicious package was found at the Lancaster Public Library on Monday, prompting additional threats against neighboring buildings and forcing police to evacuate the block. PennLive reported.
The library’s director, Lisa Holland, also fled the scene after being escorted by police after another threat was reported at her home.
“I am deeply saddened that the leaders of this county have turned this into something that it is not,” Holland told the outlet shortly before learning of the threats against her. .
The drag queen story hour was scheduled to be held Saturday at 1 p.m. The event is hosted by “Miss Amie Vanite,” who has been performing in drag in the area for the past 20 years, according to a listing on the library’s website.
The program is said to “spread awareness and acceptance by celebrating diversity, inclusivity, kindness, and love through LGBTQ+ literature for young readers” and is open to all ages.
It had widespread support from the community, with 500 families participating, but was met with adamant opposition from some local officials, according to PennLive.
“The opponents were saying it wasn’t safe for kids. Well, I don’t think this was safe for kids,” Ms. Holland said outside the library, which was taped off.
“We didn’t spend any more tax dollars than any other Saturday to keep the library open,” she continued. “And now you have all the money that’s going to be spent deciding what to do with this baggage and the various police departments that are part of it. It costs money.”
On Saturday morning, a bomb-sniffing dog came to the library to inspect a package that had been delivered the previous day and deemed it suspicious. The event was canceled by 9:30 a.m. by Lancaster Pride, which runs Story Hour.
The library was evacuated, but Pennsylvania State Police issued a statement around 12:30 p.m. saying “additional threats have been reported and we are still investigating.” We are advising the public to stay away from the 100 block area of North Queen Street. ”
“It’s heartbreaking,” Lancaster Pride’s Tiffany Shirley told the media through tears. “We are definitely disappointed. We have worked hard over the past few weeks to make this a safe and enjoyable event.”
The newspaper has contacted the Lancaster Public Library and the Pennsylvania State Police for comment.
