Library allowed sex offender to read to kids during story time, issues apology

One of the library’s past drag queen readers included Alberto Garza who had been convicted of assault on an 8-year-old boy in 2008. Image: Screengrab from YouTube/KiKi Queens

The Houston Public Library in Texas, United States recently came under fire when it allowed a registered child sex offender to read to children. The reading was part of the library’s Drag Queen Storytime which sees local drag queens reading stories to kids and their families for an imaginative storytelling experience.

Conservative organization MassResistance had been trying to put an end to the program, as per KHOU on March 15, after asking the City of Houston for months to give information about the drag queens in the readings. When none were given, the organization decided to take matters into their own hands and did their own search, which led them to their discovery.

One of the program’s drag queens, Tatiana Mala Nina, was identified as 32-year-old Alberto Garza, as per report. Garza, who was convicted of assaulting an 8-year-old boy in 2008, performed in the library’s Drag Queen Storytime last September 2018.

Tracy Shannon of MassResistance had sharp words for the library, saying a lot of parents would not allow Garza to be a role model for their children.

“Most parents would not allow that individual to sit in this library and be held up as a role model to our children,” Shannon was quoted as saying. “Shame on you, Mayor Turner!”

Meanwhile, the Houston Public Library admitted and regretted its failure to complete a background check on Garza, as per official statement. The officials also assured that Garza would no longer be involved in further programs of the library.

“In the review of our process and of this participant, we discovered that we failed to complete a background check as required by our own guidelines,” the library stated in the report. “We deeply regret this oversight and the concern this may cause our customers. We realize this is a serious matter.” Cody Cepeda/JB

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