# Missouri library LGBTQ story time controversy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/missouri-library-lgbtq-story-time-controversy
> Updated: 2026-07-28T22:33:17.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

In late July 2026 the Daniel Boone Regional Library in Columbia, Missouri hosted a "Rainbow Story Time" for toddlers and preschoolers, featuring the picture books "Rainbowsaurus" and "Big Wig" and drawing roughly 150 participants along with a small group of protesters displaying anti‑LGBTQ signs.

On July 25 Attorney General Catherine Hanaway mailed a warning that the program might violate state statutes prohibiting pornographic or sexual material for minors and cautioned that continued sponsorship could jeopardise state and federal funding.

The following day, July 28, Secretary of State Denny Hoskins warned the library that the event could be deemed inappropriate and announced plans to pursue legislation that would block such funding. State Senator Rick Brattin, chair of the Senate Education Committee, filed a Sunshine Law request for emails, advertisements, personnel records and spending information tied to the event. Library officials responded that the program cost under $30 and contained no sexual content.

The controversy sparked criticism from residents and intensified debate over LGBTQ‑focused programming in publicly funded institutions. On July 29 Senator Brattin’s request proceeded, and Hoskins reiterated his intent to advance the funding‑restriction bill.

## Claims

- The Daniel Boone Regional Library in Columbia, Missouri, held an LGBTQ‑themed story time event for toddlers and preschoolers on a Saturday in late July. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Around 150 people attended the story time event. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The event featured two books, “Rainbowsaurus” by Steve Antony and “Big Wig” by Jonathan Hillman. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins threatened to block state and federal funding for the library because of the event. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway sent a threatening letter warning that the library could lose funding for providing minors with pornographic material. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- State Senator Rick Brattin filed a Sunshine Law request for records related to the story time event. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Library officials said the story time event cost less than $30 and contained no sexual content. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-07-28: Missouri GOP Threatens Funding for Columbia Library's LGBTQ Story Time

Missouri officials threatened to cut state funding for Columbia's Daniel Boone Regional Library after it held a LGBTQ‑themed story time for toddlers, prompting a Sunshine Law request and public backlash.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/missouri-republicans-threaten-funding-for-columbia-library-after-lgbtq-story-time

### 2026-07-25: Missouri AG Threatens Funding for Columbia Library LGBTQ Story Time

Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway warned Columbia's Daniel Boone Library that its LGBTQ‑themed story time could jeopardize state and federal funding, sparking protests at the event attended by about 150 children.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/missouri-ag-threatens-funding-for-columbia-library-lgbtq-story-time

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Cite as: Missouri library LGBTQ story time controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/missouri-library-lgbtq-story-time-controversy