According to a report by the Colorado Times Recorder on Thursday, Eagle County Sheriff James van Beek canceled his reading hour for children of a book by right-wing extremist and “Pizzagate” conspiracy theorist Jack Posobiec, scheduled for Saturday at the Eagle Library.
The Eagle County Sheriff’s Department issued the following statement on behalf of van Beek on Friday:
“I wanted to leave a quick note to address some concerns about a children’s book reading planned for tomorrow. Children’s story time should not be a topic of concern, but rather an exchange of joy, adventure, inspiration, education, and a vision of what we can become.
“I was honored when I was asked to do another storytime for children. This is a passion of mine and I try to plan something at least every few months. So of course I said yes. When I was given the book title back then, I was not aware of the controversy that came with it. Storytimes for young children should not be controversial, even if the subject matter is worthy.
“To that end, on Thursday, 8/22/24, I have cancelled my participation in the event planned for tomorrow at the library and will instead schedule a reading that will be far removed from any controversy and in keeping with my current community-oriented children’s reading program.
“As we begin a new school year, our next book and event will focus on the importance of kindness and community connection and how we can all live virtuous, honorable and meaningful lives.
“Young people are influenced by messages, whether direct or subliminal, and we want their time with books to be a time of dreaming and looking forward to a wonderful future. When reading becomes a time of joy, children are more likely to choose a book rather than spend more time in front of the screen.”
The Eagle County Republican Party sent out a new email newsletter Friday promoting the event, with another person scheduled to read Posobiec’s “The Island of Free Ice Cream.” Local GOP Chairman Tony Martinez also sent an email statement in response to the Colorado Times Recorder article:
“I wanted to thank you for quoting me in your recent smear piece – I appreciate you letting God appear in your column!” Martinez wrote. “Maybe one day you’ll see the light and change your life – I pray for people like you every day! Oh, and if that smear piece is your ‘best,’ it’s pretty weak.”
The Eagle Library also issued a statement on Friday:
“The library follows district policy in reserving meeting rooms for anyone in the community,” Eagle Library’s Anne Clarke wrote in an email. “The Eagle County Republicans’ event was no exception. Colorado law requires equal access to public library meeting rooms.”
Clarke further cited Colorado State Law 24-90-122, revised, regarding the reasonable provision of public facilities.
