FIRST ON FOX: Actor and writer Kirk Cameron — who’s been sharing his faith-filled and pro-family messages at public libraries across the nation since early this year — recently announced a “See You at the Library” book event for Aug. 5, 2023, together with Brave Books, publisher of his children’s books.
The goal of the Aug. 5 event, the writer and publisher said, is to encourage faith-focused and family-first Americans around the country to come out to their local libraries — and hold book readings or story time events for friends, families and neighbors.
Now, though, Cameron and Brave Books are reporting some strong headwinds.
SEATTLE PROTESTERS TELL PATRIOTIC KIRK CAMERON HE’S ‘GROWING TO BE A REAL PAIN’
Part of the presentation involved telling attendees “how to prevent Brave Books story hours from happening at libraries across the country.”
Kirk Cameron, based in Los Angeles, is the author of two children’s books, “As You Grow” and “Pride Comes Before the Fall.” He and his publisher are organizing a “See You at the Library Event” for Aug. 5, 2023 — but said they’re hearing from people that they cannot book library space for it. (Brad Schwartzrock/iStock)
Cameron and Brave Books referred to a recent speech they watched on video — reportedly delivered on June 8 — by American Library Association leadership at a “worldwide virtual conference” for libraries.
Part of the presentation involved telling attendees “how to prevent Brave Books story hours from happening at libraries across the country,” they said. The video they reference is still available on YouTube.
Fox News Digital reached out to the American Library Association for comment about the event and its messaging, but as of publication time did not receive a response on those issues.
It has nearly 50,000 members, according to its website.
The proportions of library funding depend “on where the library is located.”
Individual public libraries in the U.S. are funded mostly via local governments, which financially support an overwhelming majority of them, as Fox News Digital reported earlier.
Only a small fraction of public library funding comes from donations, grants and federal funding.
A child stands in front of a plethora of books at a local library. (In Pictures Ltd./Corbis via Getty Images)
The proportions of library funding depend “on where the library is located,” according to LanguageHumanities.org.
Brave Books told Fox News Digital that over the past year of public library book events, “thousands of families … were grateful for the much-needed biblical and patriotic message that Kirk and Brave Books delivered.”
It said its “phase two” efforts to share God-filled messages with families across America will take place on its “first annual ‘See You at the Library Day’” on August 5.
Said the publisher, “People across the country will be hosting their own story hour at libraries in their communities to help celebrate a return to American, constitutional and biblical values in public libraries for the blessing of our children. They can read a Brave Book, a book of the Bible — or any book of virtue they would like!”
The individual also said, “You need to develop policies that leave you in control of the library.”
She went on, “Here are some of the options that allow you to keep control of your library and its meeting rooms for the use of your community … You can limit access to meeting rooms to persons eligible to hold a library card in your community. You can make a priority for library-sponsored programs.”
A Seattle protester is shown holding a sign as actor-writer Kirk Cameron conducted a story hour for children at the public library there recently. (Brave Books/Kirk Cameron)
Or, “what if your library decided to offer a whole host of programs in its meeting room on August 5th, making it unavailable for the public?” the ALA executive went on. “That’s another option for you.”
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He added, “I am thankful Brave Books gets to be on the front lines in the battle for the hearts and minds of our kids.”
Brave Books shared several email requests from individuals trying to reserve rooms at local libraries for August 5th — only to be told, “August 5th is not available. Our summer reading finale is being held on that day.”
Brave Books encouraged anyone running into trouble booking a library room for that day to contact the publisher for more information.
