THUNDER BAY — Police are investigating a threat to the Thunder Bay Public Library that occurred on the weekend.
In a media release Monday, the TBPS said it received reports on Saturday about threats targeting the Waverley branch in advance of a scheduled Storytime With Thunder Bay Drag Queens + Crafting With Queens event.
Officers were dispatched to secure the scene and conduct a search, but found no credible threat in the vicinity.
As a precaution, organizers of the event moved it to a safe off-site location where it was completed successfully.
This is the third time this year that a Storytime With Drag Queens event at a library branch has received a threat.
TBPL CEO Richard Togman spoke out Monday to express solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and condemned the actions of the perpetrators.
"It's a shame that someone feels justified in wasting the resources of the Thunder Bay Police Service in an effort to make what's essentially a hateful political statement," he said.
Jason Veltri, a supporter of the program and a board director with Rainbow Collective of Thunder Bay, said "These events are designed to foster inclusion, joy, and open-mindedness, teaching children the values of respect and acceptance. The act of threatening such spaces reveals an utter disregard for the safety and well-being of children, and we stand united in our commitment to protect and uplift every child, regardless of who they are or whom they love."
TBPL said it intends to continue hosting Storytime With Thunder Bay Drag Queens on a monthly basis for the foreseeable future.
"We encourage everyone to attend and participate in the equity, diversity and inclusivity" of the event, the library said in a statement.
Anyone with information about the threats is asked to call Thunder Bay Police at 807-684-1200.
Tips may also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com.
