Missouri AG Threatens Funding for Columbia Library LGBTQ Story Time

The Daniel Boone Regional Library in Columbia, Missouri held a "Rainbow Story Time" event for toddlers and preschoolers, drawing about 150 participants and a small group of protesters with anti‑LGBTQ signs. The program featured readings of the children’s books "Rainbowsaurus" and "Big Wig" along with sing‑along songs, and participants received rainbow scarves and bubbles.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway sent a letter to the library warning that the event could violate state law prohibiting pornography or sexual material for minors and that the library could lose state and federal funding if it continued. Library spokesperson Mitzi St. John said the readings contain no sexual content. The controversy follows other actions by the AG, including lawsuits over abortion pills, ICE involvement, and a census challenge.