Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Former actor, Kirk Cameron, says he was turned down a story hour slot by more than 50 public libraries, calling it “unfair and illegal treatment.” The story hour was intended as a way to promote his new faith-based children's book, As You Grow, a book that he has described as “teaching biblical wisdom and the value of producing the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control.”
The 50 libraries in question are located in major cities, and reportedly either outright rejected his requests for a story-hour or have not responded to the requests issued by his publisher. According to an article on FoxNews.com, Cameron's publisher has stated that many of the libraries that haven't offered Cameron a slot are the same ones that have presented racially diverse and LGBT-friendly programs and events for children and young adults.
Some libraries have allegedly responded that they are “not interested” in a full partnership with him, or in sponsoring his program themselves. At the time of some of these initial rejections, Cameron and his team released several statements describing the rejections as “discriminatory,” as some of the libraries mentioned an intent to partner with more diverse authors at this time, in an effort to increase visibility for black authors and expand diversity and inclusion in their programs.
Cameron was quoted with stating that “if they double down on their discrimination and excluding certain viewpoints just because they think they don't like them, well, then, I told them that I'm prepared to assert my constitutional rights in court.”
The Indianapolis Public Library has since released official statements denying the allegations that it has discriminated against him, stating that their staff never told Cameron or his publisher, Brave Books, that they couldn't reserve space for a story hour. They had informed them that while the library would not officially partner with them to promote the story-hour, he was permitted to rent space to host and promote a scheduled reading himself. In the statement issued by the library, they clarified that the library does not promote or advertise for paid room bookings like it does for an event held as part of a “planned partnership.”
“We have a programming department that handles Library events,” the statement said, “and they do not say yes to everyone who asks to work with them. Declining to partner on or promote a program happens often and is not a unique circumstance.”
In weeks following the initial controversy, Cameron has successfully booked and held story-hour at two of the libraries that had allegedly rejected his initial requests. Cameron has described this over social media as a “win,” saying that the change in position is hopefully the first of many.
Like the Indianapolis Public Library, the Scarsdale Public Library has issued a public statement regarding the allegations of discriminatory rejection.
“It is incorrect to state that the library has changed its position,” said Elizabeth Bermel, who works as director of the Scarsdale Public Library. “The publisher and Mr. Cameron were never denied the opportunity to book a room. Rather, they never previously requested to book the library's meeting room.”
Bermel continued, “The library first received an inquiry on Dec. 13 (and an application on Dec. 16) from the publisher to book the meeting room for Dec. 30.” She says that this was the first mention of actually booking the room. The previous message from Cameron and his publisher was on Dec. 2, and only mentioned a request to “schedule a story hour at the Scarsdale Public Library for a book by actor Kirk Cameron.”
Upon receiving this request, the library had sent Cameron's representatives a link, and, according to FoxNews.com, Cameron's team responded a few days later, saying, “We would love to schedule a story hour for Mr. Cameron's book where we read 'As You Grow' and speak to families about following the wisdom of the Bible, as well as discussing the harmful effects of woke ideologies, specifically CRT and the transgender agenda.”
To this the library replied, “thank you for thinking of us, but we are not interested in this program,” thus making the decision not to sponsor or promote the program themselves. Several weeks later, when Cameron and his team requested reservation of a meeting room, they were directed to fill out an application, and from there, they were able to host the story-hour.
Cameron and Brave Books have stated to Fox News Digital that while they are glad that the book programs at the two libraries are now moving forward, they are disappointed that the libraries are not offering additional assistance with promoting or sponsoring the programs.
Other media outlets suggest that the controversy is a marketing ploy by Cameron in order to raise interest and attention to his book, in an effort to increase sales. According to OnlySky Media, Cameron has been exaggerating details regarding his efforts to establish story-hours in an effort to play victim and enrage fellow Christians and sensationalize his experience, inspiring empathetic individuals into buying his books to make up for his discrimination.
“Cameron's publishers at Brave Books told [Fox] that they reached out to 50 public libraries to see if they would sponsor events in which Cameron would read his book to kids,” reads an article published by OnlySky. “They all said no– which was perfectly fine since they're under no obligation to host every event request they receive– but several pointed out that Cameron was free to rent out space in their buildings.”
The article continues to describe social media posts and news articles following his first self-described “win” in which Cameron's publicity team exaggerated the number of attendees at the book-reading, saying the following,
“This is a message to every library in the United States: In 137 years of the Indianapolis Public Library's history, NEVER ONCE have they had over 2,500 people show up to a single event. UNTIL TODAY.” Cameron's publicity team also unleashed more accusations of being held back intentionally, saying that, “Sadly, this beautiful library has a large auditorium that seats over 2,000 people, but leadership never offered it to us or even told us about it! Our library reading room held only 170 people. Over 1,000 moms, dads and kids were waiting for us INSIDE the library and ANOTHER 1,000 waited OUTSIDE to stay and support even though they knew they couldn't come in!!!”
This impressive 'victory over adversity' story would be more impressive if it were true, alludes writers at OnlySky. In fact, the Indianapolis Public Library themselves issued a statement in response.
“We are being inaccurately portrayed in news/social after a room rental yesterday,” stated Indianapolis Public Library on their Twitter account. They showed links of the posts released by Cameron, and issued clarification of each statement, saying, “Our estimated door count during the event is around 750, not 2,500. We've had larger events. We turn 150 years old in 2023. And our auditorium, which our guests chose not to rent, holds 300, not 2,000.”
Following the correction, Cameron and his team made small edits to their comments about how many people the auditorium holds, but offered no apology or explanation as to the revision.
A statement released by another library, Rochambeau Public Library stated that despite Brave Book's allegations that they rejected Kirk Cameron's books in a phone call that took place on Dec. 7, Brave Books “mentioned no particular author or book in their call.” The library maintains the following, “Our libraries are free civic spaces, and our meeting rooms are available free of charge to the public. We provide space for many types of groups, including religious organizations.”
As this complicated situation continues to unfold, Cameron and his publishing team plan to expand story-time with additional story-hours and book readings at local libraries across America.