The controversy surrounding the Abington Township Public Library’s Rainbow Connections program was covered today by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Glenside Local reported on Monday that library officials issued a statement regarding unwanted social media activity pertaining to the program. Library Director Elizabeth Fitzgerald told us that the statement was prompted by a post shared to the library’s Facebook page on Monday, December 29.
The Inquirer wrote that the program “has become a target of a right-wing social media campaign that has circulated misinformation and directed threatening language at the program” and that LibsofTikTok, a controversial far-right social media account, was behind the post.
The program includes families outside of Pennsylvania via its virtual format, The Inquirer said, noting that the post “spurred misinformed outrage from its millions of followers about the program’s upcoming events”.
Along with Fitzgerald, Abington Township Commissioner John Spiegelman was quoted: “Is it getting worse here and everywhere? Certainly it is.” Spiegelman also referenced a lawsuit filed against him and other board members following the annual raising of the Pride flag in June.
Among the 511 (and counting) Facebook remarks from community members, Spiegelman posted the following in the comment section beneath Glenside Local’s article:
While it is a disheartening, yet painfully accurate, commentary on our society today that our wonderful library, or any other public library, has to issue a response to hateful, willfully ignorant, and brazenly cruel attacks of misinformation and nonsensical conspiracy, I am truly impressed with the Abington Township Public Library‘s thoughtful and heartfelt statement, and I am deeply grateful for all that they do every day—including with programs like Rainbow Connections—to help make Abington Township a welcoming and nurturing place for everyone. As a resident who loves our community boundlessly, and as an elected official charged with serving the greatest good of that community and all the folks who compose it, I am profoundly fortunate to be able to look to the Abington Libraries, as well as the Abington Township Human Relations Commission, as beacons of conscience, moral clarity, compassion, and fellowship. Through their vision, work, and heart, they make us better.
The library’s statement from Monday is below:
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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