The event, which had garnered both support and protests, was scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 23, 2024.

The LGBTQ+ group organizing the event, Lancaster Pride, took to social media to express their regret and inform the community of the cancellation. They emphasized that the safety and well-being of the attendees and the community were their utmost priority.

According to Tiffany Shirley, the Director of Lancaster Pride, the cancellation came after a security check conducted by Lancaster City Police at the library around 9 a.m. During the check, a suspicious package was discovered, leading to the immediate evacuation of the premises.

Lissa Holland, the executive director of the library, revealed that the package had been delivered to the building the previous day. It was during the morning's security sweep that a police K-9 dog alerted to the package, prompting the evacuation. Holland, along with around 11 library staff members, sought refuge across the street in Binns Park before finding shelter in a nearby business.

Shirley expressed her disappointment, highlighting how the event aimed to create a safe and enjoyable experience for children. She expressed dismay that it had been interrupted by individuals who disagreed with its existence. She referred to the cancellation as heart-breaking, as it stemmed from safety threats.

Holland echoed these sentiments, expressing sadness, disappointment, and anger at the fact that the event had to be cancelled due to safety concerns. Despite not making the decision to cancel, she believed it was the right call given the circumstances.

Joshua Schwartz, the president of the library's board of trustees, stood alongside Holland and shared his conflicting emotions. He expressed pride in an organization that strives to be inclusive and serve all parts of the community. However, he also expressed sadness that the event had become politicized, leading to its cancellation.

The Drag Queen Story Hour event at Lancaster Public Library had been met with a mix of anticipation and opposition. Regardless, its aim of providing a safe and inclusive space for storytelling to children was ultimately thwarted by the discovery of a suspicious package. While disappointing, the priority of ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved necessitated the cancellation of the event.