A record-setting crowd showed up at a library in Indianapolis, Indiana, to support Kirk Cameron reading his new faith-based book on Thursday.
More than 2,500 people came out to hear the actor, producer, and now author read his new As You Grow book following several libraries rejecting his story-hour requests.
“This is a message to every library in the United States,” Cameron’s publisher, Brave Books, tweeted. “In 137 years of the Indianapolis Public Library’s history, NEVER ONCE have they had over 2,500 people show up to a single event. UNTIL TODAY.”
This is a message to every library in the United States:
In 137 years of the Indianapolis Public Library’s history, NEVER ONCE have they had over 2,500 people show up to a single event.
UNTIL TODAY. pic.twitter.com/sFI9Gv4Q5g
— BRAVE Story Hour (@BraveBooksUS) December 29, 2022
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Brave Books also thanked those who came out in support, calling the turnout “incredible.”
Wow! What an incredible turnout!
Thank you to everyone who gave up their morning to join us in Indianapolis!
We are so humbled & thankful for your support!@KirkCameron pic.twitter.com/5iiVwgmIHb
— BRAVE Story Hour (@BraveBooksUS) December 29, 2022
Attendee Ryan Wilson shared that the “library has informed patrons that there will not be room for all guests to enjoy the book reading. As you can see, the building appears well beyond capacity.”
Library staff has informed patrons that there will not be room for all guests to enjoy the book reading. As you can see, the building appears well beyond capacity. @KirkCameron @indylibrary #childstoryhour pic.twitter.com/mW3KRtFiZd
— Ryan Wilson (@D_RyanWilson) December 29, 2022
Wilson tweeted photos and video showing a line of people stretching throughout the library’s several floors.
Quite the line to see @KirkCameron in Indy! I would suggest @indylibrary failed to serve the needs of its’ constituents by not having this event downstairs. But God is good and all are still welcome in the small room! pic.twitter.com/iYndXOCzzE
— Ryan Wilson (@D_RyanWilson) December 29, 2022
More video from the @KirkCameron book reading in Indy. Thousands of people here! @indylibrary pic.twitter.com/2Q32AlEAeA
— Ryan Wilson (@D_RyanWilson) December 29, 2022
Another attendee shared a video of Cameron reading his book and called the story time “great.”
“I think the best part for adults was listening to the librarian say there were too many people on the 6th floor & ask parents to bring the kids to a different floor for a different activity,” the tweet said. “We all wanted Kirk’s story time!”
@BraveBooksUS @KirkCameron Story time was great today! I think the best part for adults was listening to the librarian say there were too many people on the 6th floor & ask parents to bring the kids to a different floor for a different activity ? We all wanted Kirk’s story time! pic.twitter.com/r8al2LKy1H
— Concerned Hoosier Mom (@ConcedINMom) December 29, 2022
At one point, Cameron was allowed to address the crowd over the library’s public address speakers.
“You guys!” Cameron said. “They’re gonna let me speak over the loudspeaker, the PA, because there’s about 1,000 people in the library on other floors that haven’t gotten up here, so I’m gonna be talking to everybody in just a few minutes, and I just wanna thank them for coming and thank you for coming and making this such a special event today!”
What a turnout, Indianapolis!!
@BraveBooksUS pic.twitter.com/HtRZHGtg46
— Trent Talbot (@TrentTalbot) December 29, 2022
Video also showed the crowd singing “God Bless America” as they waited.
At this point most are staying in line upstairs. Some are going downstairs. It’s not clear when or if there will be an additional reading. Folks are singing in the aisles awaiting direction. An announcement was made on the intercom but couldn’t hear. @KirkCameron @indylibrary pic.twitter.com/aFjRNsqJ3O
— Ryan Wilson (@D_RyanWilson) December 29, 2022
Earlier this month, Cameron declared victory when the Indianapolis library and another in Scarsdale, New York, overturned their initial decisions rejecting his request to read his book.
While appearing on Tucker Carlson Tonight on Dec. 7, Cameron blasted several libraries for denying his request, questioning their commitment to diversity while they had previously hosted drag queen story hours.
“I’m thinking, ‘Wow, if we’re so committed to diversity, why am I being excluded?’” Cameron said. “’Why can’t I use your facility to read my book? You’re a library.'”
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Scarsdale Public Library, which is about 25 miles north of New York City, reportedly has a pending event scheduled for Friday.
