Stanislaus County Library holds LGBTQ+ Rainbow Story Time. Here’s who turned out, and why

A Rainbow Story Time event Thursday afternoon at the Salida branch of the Stanislaus County Library featured readings of children’s books with LGBTQ+ themes.

A few dozen adults and kids participated. About 20 people showed up to oppose the event.

“I heard some rumblings of things, but I’m here, it didn’t stop me,” said Taryn Borba, a Riverbank mother who brought her 4-year-old twins. “It’s important to me and my family. We’re a two-mom family. There’s nothing to be afraid of — we’re a normal family.”

It was the third Rainbow Story Time offered by the Stanislaus County Library, but the first to be in person.

Billed as a celebration of “all types of love, rainbows, and LGBTQ+ pride,” the event was suggested for preschoolers, but “families with children of all ages” were welcome. Residents from Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties came out to either support or oppose the event.

“We just don’t believe a library should be pushing an LGBTQ agenda, or any agenda, on kids,” one woman told The Bee, declining to give her name. “This is a place to learn and enjoy books and not to have an agenda pushed on them.”

Rainbow Story Time events have been offered twice before in the Stanislaus County Library system, both virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. County Library Director Sarah Dentan said there were requests for an in-person one.

On June 6, after word circulated that protesters of the planned Rainbow Story Time were going to attend the county Board of Supervisors meeting, about 100 people showed up to support the Salida event. Residents called the books “benign stories,” and no one spoke against the event or its LGBTQ themes.

Two groups of people turned out in opposition Thursday afternoon, though. One woman held a sign stating “Keep Children Innocent.” Those opposing included people who said they attend Christ Community Church and another church in Ripon.

“We’re out here just sharing the love of Christ and offering prayer to the people who are here,” said a Ripon resident who gave his name as David and turned out against the story time. “We have vacation Bible school flyers for the children who are attending this pride event.”

Opposing attendants emphasized that they did not “want to be confrontational,” but were “raising awareness” and described their event as “silent” and “peaceful.”

“We’re just here to support everybody,” one attendant in favor of the story time noted. “We’re all human beings, we’re all God’s children, despite what all those other people might say.”

Some of those outside the library did not characterize their gathering as a protest. “Not necessarily a protest, we’re here to offer truth about what Jesus Christ did,” one woman said.

And while some who opposed the story time stayed outside, others went into the library to pray for participants.

At least two patrol vehicles from the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office were parked at the library. Lt. Tom Letras said the deputies’ presence was to protect the rights of story time supporters and protesters alike to express their beliefs. There appeared to be no significant interaction between deputies and residents.

One parent, who identified herself as Melany, noted she has been attending story times at the library when she can and will be bringing her child to more events like this.

“It’s important to expose kids to different points of view,” the Modesto resident said.

The four books read at the story time were “Mr. Watson’s Chickens,” by Jarrett Dapier, “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding,” by Sarah S. Brannen, “Pride Puppy,” by Robin Stevenson, and “Bathe the Cat,” by Alice B. McGinty. In between stories, librarians led children in activities and songs.

“We do story times, multiple story times a week,” Dentan said. “They’re wonderful experiences for parents and kids, so we encourage everyone to find a story time at their neighborhood library.”

She noted that story times are targeted for parents and children together.

Looking ahead, the Salida Library will offer more story times as part of its programming, as will other branches across the Stanislaus County Library system.

“It’s summer reading so I encourage everyone to take a look at our webpage and sign up for summer reading,” Dentan said.