The Abington Township Public Library issued a statement today regarding less-than-savory social media activity surrounding Rainbow Connections, one of the library’s children’s programs.
Library Director Elizabeth Fitzgerald told Glenside Local that the statement was prompted by a post shared to the library’s Facebook page on Monday, December 29.
“Some individuals made comments on our post and then shared it more widely where people voiced their opinions about the program,” she said. “As can happen, people weren’t operating with all of the accurate information. We wanted to take an opportunity to share what Rainbow Connections really is and what it is not. As a library, we believe that providing accurate information is part of our mission.”
On the plus side, Fitzgerald noted that the library and its programs have not received any credible threats beyond social media rhetoric, and that Rainbow Connections’ next meeting will be held on Monday, January 12.
“We look forward to welcome the families who choose to participate,” Fitzgerald said.
WHYY covered the program in December 2021 in an article titled “‘Letting it shine’: An Abington library is creating space for kids to talk about gender“.
The library’s statement from today describes Rainbow Connections as “a virtual monthly program that began in November 2021 for LGBTQ+ children in grades K-5, their families, and allies.”
The statement continues in full:
Each month, children and their parents join a Zoom meeting with the two co-hosts, a children’s librarian and a local parent, for readings of age-appropriate children’s books, literacy activities, and time to connect with new friends. Often, additional presenters join the meet-up: authors, musicians, artists, and poets. We’ve even had a Jeopardy champion join us!
The program provides a safe and supportive space for children to learn about inclusion and acceptance of others, express themselves, and, most importantly, connect with other children with similar interests. This often means there is laughter, dancing, and silliness. Through the group, parents can also connect with other parents whose children are part of the LGBTQ+ community and share resources. Rainbow Connections is not a sexual education class. Sexual health, reproduction, puberty, and intimate relationships are not discussed. Rather, Rainbow Connections is a typical children’s program at a public library—stories, crafts, singing, writing—that is offered in an extremely intentional space so that children and families who may be misunderstood or experience bullying can feel safe, accepted and included.
The Library’s mission is to champion learning and foster connections for everyone in our community. Our community includes people who are LGBTQ+. For youth, positive engagement and safe spaces save lives. 45% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth. LGBTQ+ youth who had access to affirming spaces reported lower rates of attempting suicide than those who did not. Simply holding more affirming spaces, where kids are encouraged to be who they are, can be crucial to their overall well-being.
Parents of children who participate in Rainbow Connections have shared with us how impactful the program is: “I couldn’t be more thankful to you. Your program brought us light, hope and education when we were feeling isolated, confused and hopeless. Your program was a major turning point for us as a family and for [my child’s] journey. Please do not ever doubt the incredible impact of what you’re doing.”
”Thank you so much for starting this, it means so much to my daughter, she is very excited to be in this group. And at her age, a safe space like this to spread her wings is a blessing to my husband and myself. Another reason to be proud to live in Abington.”
The Abington Township Public Library and Abington Township are proud to offer Rainbow Connections as a resource to members of our community. In 2022, the program received the David J. Robert’s EXCEL award from the Pennsylvania Library Association, recognizing it as the best program for youth services in the state. It has also been featured on the radio, in print, and online through WHYY, as well as a feature on 6ABC.
Libraries bring people together to discuss ideas and learn new things in a safe and supportive environment. The Abington Township Public Library is a deeply valued community institution that provides books, programs, and information to people of all ages, backgrounds, and viewpoints. We remain committed to our values of knowledge, trust, and inclusion. To learn more about the over 800 programs the Library has to offer, visit our Events page.
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Photo: abingtonfreelibrary.org