Adults and children filled the Indianapolis Public Library’s main branch last Thursday to hear actor, writer, and film producer Kirk Cameron read his recently published children’s book, As You Grow.
The library organization initially denied Cameron the opportunity to read the book for its story hour but later caved and allowed the event to happen.
A video recording shows a long line of people walking into the building, and photos capture families sitting on the floor and standing against the wall.
Zac Bell with BRAVE Books, who is with the book’s publisher, said, “This was the largest event held at the library in its 137 years of existence. The turnout was phenomenal! We were blown away.”
Cameron’s book centers around a tree’s growth and teaches children about family, faith, and biblical wisdom.
According to Bell, the Indianapolis Public Library “originally denied us the ability to book the reading. We sent them a letter that threatened legal action and they backed down.”
Meanwhile, Cameron and his publisher recently criticized libraries that will not allow a public reading of his book but offer “drag queen story hours” for children.
Cameron wrote in a social media post the day before the reading, “No more will the family of faith be shut out from the public square!”
Adding, “When we asked why they didn’t put us in the auditorium, they responded, ‘You never asked.’”