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Police say a death threat has been made against staff at the Mount Gambier Library over hosting a drag queen who is set to read books to "children of all ages" on Saturday.
Key points:
- Drag queen Dolly Diamond is scheduled to read books to the public at the Mount Gambier Library on Saturday
- A Facebook post about the performance generated controversy
- Police will attend the book reading, part of the city's fringe festival, following the death threat
Dolly Diamond's book reading has garnered controversy in the city in South Australia's south-east ahead of her show, part of the Mount Gambier Fringe.
Similar book readings have attracted protests in the US over the past few months, as well as interstate.
An SA Police spokesman said officers would be "monitoring the community event".
"Threats to any member of the community are unacceptable and any acts of violence will be responded to accordingly," he said.
The City of Mount Gambier council also confirmed a threat had been made over the phone to a staff member at the library.
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Dolly Diamond is a drag queen and cabaret performer from Melbourne.
Books she is planning to read include Pig in a Wig, My Unicorn Farts Glitter, Macca the Alpaca, and Morris the Mole.
A Facebook post from the Mount Gambier Library on Monday generated controversy ahead of the show.
In response the library turned off comments and posted that Diamond's performance was a "family-friendly event for children of all ages".
"Dolly Diamond's reputation for wholesome, high-quality entertainment, along with her success at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, attests to the event's appeal and quality," it said in a comment on the original Facebook post.
"Mount Gambier Library is dedicated to providing diverse and inclusive programming, and we are excited to bring this acclaimed performance to our community.
"We invite families to join us for an enjoyable and memorable experience. We recognise that not everyone may share the same views or appreciate the same forms of entertainment, and we respect those differences.
"As an inclusive institution we encourage community members to make informed decisions about the events they attend.
"Our mission is to offer various opportunities, hoping that patrons will find something that resonates with them at the Mount Gambier Fringe. We remain committed to fostering an open, welcoming environment."
The Mount Gambier Fringe festival starts tonight with a street party and parade.