Libraries hold a critical position in nurturing democratic societies, particularly amidst global discrimination against LGBTQI individuals and threats to freedom of speech and association. This bachelor’s thesis explores available research on the phenomenon of drag queen-led story hours in libraries, examining their significance within Sweden's library landscape. Using the PEO model, commonly applied in healthcare research, this study explores existing literature to understand the factors influencing libraries' arrangements of these events and the diverse public reactions they elicit.

Drawing on Chantal Mouffe's agonistic pluralism as a theoretical framework, this research investigates how libraries navigate the planning and execution of drag queen story hour and the ensuing reactions. Analyzing six relevant studies published between 2018 and 2022, predominantly from the USA and Canada, the findings reveal nuanced considerations such as neutrality, marketing, and security in pre-event planning. The results show that despite encountering negative community responses, including threats and protests, these events also spark positive engagement, promoting inclusivity and challenging societal norms.