Common sense won in library controversy

The Drag Queen Bingo at the Downers Grove Public Library has been characterized by DGPL Staff as "requested and supported by the community," and those who disagree with the event have been characterized by DGPL staff as "haters."

Using a FOIA request, I asked DGPL staff for the number of requests from the community to host such an event. There were none. It was internally generated by the DGPL Teen Services manager. I also asked how many library board members approved the event; no records were supplied as evidence of it being approved by the board.

Next, I asked for responses supporting and against the event, delineated between Downers Grove residents and non-residents. The overwhelming majority in support were from outside Downers Grove. Of 826 total positive responses, 706 were non-residents. Of those self-identifying as current Downers Grove residents: 120 for and 133 against the event.

I asked if the performer was background-checked. There is no policy to background check any performer at the library. This is troubling, no matter who the presenter is.

Yes, there regrettably were some opponents (about 20 of 518 responses) who used profane language. But the sole example given (up to Sept. 11, the last date in the documents I was given) of a credible threat was the Facebook post of a guy in Utah, which he later apologized for.

So, let's summarize: 1) the event was not requested by, or "overwhelmingly" supported by members of the community; 2) the library staff decided on their own to initiate and host this event; and 3) the library invited a performer who was not background-checked before being (almost) allowed to perform in front of 12- to 18-year-olds.

I agree with the library director's comment when cancelling the event that "hate did not win" is correct; common sense did.

John Becker

Downers Grove