Bomb Threat At Drag Story Hour In BK Library Spurs Electeds' Action

FLATBUSH, NY — A bomb threat sent Brooklyn library-goers scrambling Saturday, but it didn't stop a Drag Story Hour from putting on its kid-friendly reading event as planned.

A bomb threat was reported around 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the library on Cortelyou Road near Argyle Road — just 30 minutes before a Drag Story Hour was scheduled to begin, according to the NYPD.

The library was evacuated as police dogs and a bomb squad patrolled the area — ultimately deeming the library safe for re-entry.

No arrests had been made Monday, police said.

"We thank our staff for alerting the authorities, and we are cooperating fully in an investigation," a representative of Brooklyn Public Library said in a statement to Patch.

"Brooklyn Public Library is a welcoming space for all New Yorkers, and we will continue to be diligent in preserving an atmosphere of inclusivity and safety."

The event, the second in a three-event series at the Cortelyou branch library, was moved to nearby eatery Connecticut Muffin during the scuffle.

"We stand resolute in moving ever forward, even in the face of these threats and continued harassment," a representative of Drag Story Hour said in a statement to Patch. "We will continue to share stories with our participants and will not be hindered by these needless, disruptive acts."

A barista at Connecticut Muffin told Patch organizers came in asking if they could host the reading last minute, and the cafe was happy to help out.

Flatbush is an area with a strong sense of community, and Saturday's event was no different — a handful of attendees enjoyed a 30-minute reading at the cafe without another hitch, the barista said.

"People were really appreciative," the barista said. "It's for a good cause. ... What happened was really tragic."

Electeds and locals have since shared outrage over the incident.

"Our families go to Drag Story Hours to have fun and get our kids excited about reading," state Attorney General Letitia James said in a tweet. "Terrorizing them with bomb threats is disgusting, and we're not going to stay silent in the face of bigotry and hate

Some, including City Council Member Rita Joseph, told Gothamist they would consider legislation to address the increasingly common threats to kid-friendly events like Saturday's Drag Story Hour.

Similar Drag Story Hours across the city have faced protest and pushback, including one on the Upper East Side in February. In December 2022, protesters vandalized City Council Member Erik Bottcher's home over his support of Drag Story Hour events, the New York Times reported.

But other Drag Story Hours have proven hugely successful at the Flatbush library.

"A bomb threat to our public library is an act of terrorism against our children and community members," said City Council Member Sandy Nurse.

"I’m thankful no one was hurt, this time."