Brattin seeks records on planning of DBRL’s ‘Rainbow Storytime’ event

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

One of Missouri’s state senators is looking into an LGBTQ+-themed story time event that occurred this past weekend at the Columbia Public Library.

The library hosted the event on Saturday morning even after Secretary of State Denny Hoskins had threatened Daniel Boone Regional Library’s funding if the event occurred. Sen. Rick Brattin (R-Harrisonville) announced in a Monday press release that he is requesting records relating to how the event was organized.

Another release was sent later on Monday stating that Brattin and Hoskins will hold a joint press conference at 2 p.m. Tuesday to address “their proposed investigation.”

The event included readings of "Rainbowsaurus" and "Big Wig." "Rainbowsaurus" is about two dads and their three children following a rainbow to find the rainbowsaurus. Along the way, they meet animals of all different colors, according to Simon and Schuster's website.

"Big Wig" is about youth dressing up in drag to compete in a costume competition, and finding confidence in dressing out of the norm, according to Simon and Schuster's website.

Brattin wrote in his press release that he requested records about the event, including advertising, materials, personnel and expenditures. The release also says he requested documents “showing whether age-appropriate notices were used and what steps library officials took to comply with laws protecting minors.”

Reporting from over the weekend shows in addition to the readings, singalongs of “Old MacDonald” and Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” occurred and attendees received rainbow scarves and bubbles.

Both books can be viewed below.