In a quick turn of events, the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library System in Alabama has reversed its earlier decision and will now host actor Kirk Cameron and his publisher, Brave Books, for the “See You at the Library” event on Saturday, August 5.
The library had initially canceled the event, citing concerns about logistics and security as interest in the event surged.
The decision to cancel the book reading event was met with opposition from Cameron and Brave Books, who contested the library’s stance.
First Liberty Institute, a law firm specializing in defending religious liberty, sent a letter to the library system indicating they were “prepared to vindicate this violation of our client’s civil rights in court.”
Following the intervention of First Liberty, the library has agreed to proceed with the event, which will also feature Riley Gaines, a women’s sports advocate.
“The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library has agreed with event coordinators, Moms for Liberty, to accommodate their planned meeting on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at the Madison Library with a limit of 225 attendees,” the library said in a statement Friday afternoon.
“In the interest of public safety, Madison Police and the Madison Fire Marshal will be on hand to manage any logistical needs.”
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Ryan Gardner, counsel for First Liberty, expressed delight at the library’s decision to uphold the event, emphasizing the importance of libraries as platforms for messages of hope and encouragement.
“We are thrilled that Brave Books, Kirk and Riley will be able to host the book reading tomorrow as was previously scheduled,” Gardner said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“Our nation’s libraries are an important part of their communities and should be welcoming to messages of hope and encouragement like that of Kirk and Riley,” he continued.
“We are grateful to the Huntsville-Madison County (AL) Library for working with us to ensure that the ‘See You at the Library’ event will take place,” Gardner added.
The “See You at the Library” event, which will take place in over 300 libraries across 46 states, has drawn widespread support from people of diverse backgrounds who will read cherished books to families and children attending.
Trent Talbot, CEO of Brave Books, expressed his satisfaction with the library’s reversal.
“I’m happy to announce that Madison Public Library has reversed course and are now rightfully inviting us to come host the story hour for the community in Huntsville,” Talbot said.
“We must stand our ground and fight for our public institutions,” he continued.
Talbot added, “The foe we fail to meet at the gate in our own generation is the foe we let into the city for the next.”
As the “See You at the Library” event gains momentum, libraries across the nation are gearing up to host a diverse array of readers, promoting messages of hope and unity.
While the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library System’s may have caved under pressure, in the end that community will have an opportunity to engage with the event’s positive and inspiring message.
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