'Trying to scare us:' Bomb threat targets story time for LGBTQIA+ kids, families at Durham library
A local group that aims to create safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ and gender diverse kids and families is speaking out after a bomb threat triggered an evacuation at a Durham library ahead of a family story time this weekend.
The Rainbow Collective for Change has been hosting monthly story times for around two years. On Saturday morning, kids and families were alarmed when Durham police responded to the Durham County Main Library because of a reported bomb threat. The library was evacuated.
According to a post on Facebook, Rainbow Collective wasn't informed that the threat was explicitly made against their story hour, but found out later through a news article the threat was targeting their event specifically.
DPD officers and the Durham County Sheriff’s Office’s bomb dog searched the building after the evacuation and later gave the all clear. The Durham County Main Library remained closed the rest of the day, and reopened Monday.
DPD said the case has been referred to the Federal Bureau of Investigation due to the increase in bomb threats at public institutions and buildings nationwide.
'Trying to scare us:' Threats against libraries, bookstores becoming more common
Threats against public libraries are becoming more common across the country, according to Tammy Baggett, Library Director.
"Very disappointed, devastated, hurt, just to know that an institution like the library that is here for all, that someone would extend a threat of that nature and just disrupt something as simple as simple programs for kids and adults," Baggett said.
The Rainbow Collective says they don't anticipate this being the end of threats of violence against their organization or the LGBTQIA+ community.
"Nationwide, LGBTQIA+ youth, LGBTQIA+ and anti-racist organizations, and libraries are under attack," they wrote. "Black transgender people are being murdered."
They said they believe the upcoming presidential election in November could see an increase in these kinds of threats.
"Challenges to books are skyrocketing - particularly those with characters that represent Black, brown, LGBTQIA+, and disabled communities, and/or that share accurate history about civil rights and discrimination," they wrote.
Earlier this same month, a Black-owned bookstore in Raleigh closed up shop and decided to move due to ongoing threats.
Liberation Station Bookstore, North Carolina's first Black-owned children's bookstore, had only been in downtown Raleigh for a year when the threats became too much. Some threats specifically targeted their son.
Nationwide, librarians fear new penalties, even prison, as activists challenge books. This year alone, lawmakers in more than 15 states have introduced bills to impose harsh penalties on libraries or librarians.
"People are trying to scare us and people are scared," wrote Rainbow Collective. "But people are also organizing, monitoring, and planning. As an LGBTQIA+ community, we’ve dealt with hate, violence, and discrimination for decades. We know how to organize and work together as a community to keep us safe."
Commitment to continue their work
Baggett said she's grateful for the Durham Police Department, first responders and security teams who responded quickly and gracefully to keep kids and families safe.
The Rainbow Collective for Change shared their own gratitude for the Durham County Library.
"Ultimately, we chose to partner with the Durham County Library to host Rainbow Story Times because we knew there was a built in level of safety we may not have had at a public park or local business. We are grateful now that we made that choice and want to extend our sincerest thanks to the library staff, security team and first responders for their swift and safe handling of the evacuation," wrote Rainbow Collective for Change.
Although they are concerned these threats could grow worse as the election grows closer, the Rainbow Collective for Change says they remain steadfast in their mission to build safe and equitable spaces for LGBTQIA+ kids and families.
"RCC remains steadfast in our commitment to build safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQIA+ families and gender diverse youth to be their authentic selves and celebrate diversity. We will continue to advocate for LGBTQIA+ and gender affirming schools and build community spaces where our children can be who they are and celebrate that love makes a family. We - together with RCC families and partner organizations - will not let hate win and will continue advocating for a safe and affirming community that all our children deserve," they wrote.
