Henry County Library kicked off their kids’ Summer Reading Program on June 3rd with a day of family-friendly fun and excitement: an inflatable obstacle course, free hot dogs, popcorn, and snow cones, a bubble machine, and a live performance by “The Super Friends,” who recruited sidekicks from the audience to help solve problems and finish stories with the power of friendship and teamwork. The weather was sunny–albeit warm–and the event was reportedly well-enjoyed.
Some members of the Clinton community, however, have since expressed concerns online that Happy Faces Entertainment, the group portraying the Super Friends at the Summer Reading Kickoff, may employ performers who also contract for drag performances. These community members have stated their worries online that the Super Friends were performing in Clinton with an ulterior agenda, intending to influence children inappropriately, and have encouraged others to share their dissatisfaction with the Henry County Library.
The Henry County Library Board of Trustees has issued a public statement to address and alleviate these concerns. That statement has been reproduced in full below, but in brief, it seeks to reassure community members that the show from the Super Friends at the Clinton Summer Reading Program Kickoff “was not performed in drag costume, nor did it reflect content that was inappropriate for children.” The Library Board further explains that this show was a one-time performance, with content vetted in advance “based on our criteria: Suitable for our theme, appropriate age range, budget, and willingness to travel.” There are no changes planned for children’s story times in Clinton and Windsor, which will continue to be held with the local Youth Services Librarian.
At the time of this publication, no concerns have been publicly presented regarding the particular content of the performance that took place in Clinton. Photographs of the event available on Facebook reflect that Mr. Porter, in his portrayal of “Super Clown,” was dressed in male clothing. One story depicted a horse who discovers he is in fact a unicorn, similar to the traditional fable of the Ugly Duckling who discovers he is in fact a swan, but like “The Ugly Duckling,” “The Super Colt” made no connection to gender identity, merely encouraging children to recognize their own personal strengths without comparing themselves negatively to others.
Members of the community who continue to have concerns or would like to ask further questions are invited to attend the next meeting of the Henry County Library Board on June 27th at 4:00 p.m. Persons wishing to speak should contact the library in advance by phone at 660-885-2612 or by emailing HCL@henrycolib.org in order to be added to the meeting’s itinerary.
Below is the full statement from the Henry County Library Board of Trustees:
The Henry County Library would like to address the concerns being put forth by our community members regarding our Summer Reading Program kickoff on June 3rd, 2023. The library staff spent many months preparing a fun and entertaining event for kids in our community to enjoy free of cost. We provided free food, an inflatable obstacle course, free books, prizes, and a family friendly performance by a nationally recognized performer for all to enjoy.
The Happy Faces Entertainment show contracted by the Henry County Library “Super Friends to the Rescue,” illustrated the “All Together Now” theme of the reading program by emphasizing that everyone has a superpower and by working together and treating others with kindness, unity, and friendship, people can solve problems. Happy Faces entertainment was highly recommended by the Missouri Library Association and was vetted based on our criteria: suitable for our theme, appropriate age range, budget, and willingness to travel.
The Show was not performed in drag costume, nor did it reflect content that was inappropriate for children. The Henry County Library Strives to provide a family-friendly environment. Happy Faces Entertainment was contracted for a one-time public performance at the Summer Reading Kickoff event. Regular Storytimes are being held with the Youth Services Librarian as they have been traditionally. The Henry County Library was very satisfied with Mr. Porter’s performance and most importantly the kids at the kickoff event enjoyed the show.
The Henry County Library is a non-partisan organization and remains an inclusive space for all. We welcome everyone to partake in our services.
If you would like to share your concerns, the next meeting of the Henry County Library Board of Trustees will be held on June 27th at 4pm. Please Contact Debbie Jones by email at HCL@henrycolib.org or call 660.885.2612 to be added to the itinerary.
