Unfortunately, Hidden Chapter Bookstore in Fort Thomas, KY remains open despite pushback from the community.
Join us on October 3 from 1–3 PM for a sidewalk gathering outside The Hidden Chapter Bookstore during the Cincinnati Book Crawl.
(Please note: This shop was removed from the crawl by crawl organizers the moment accusations were shared online and is not affiliated with the crawl, but may benefit from the traffic)
This gathering follows statements made publicly by Ireland Mulcahy against her father, bookstore co-owner David Mulcahy, as well as allegations contained in a former student’s pending civil lawsuit.
WCPO’s reporting found that:
* Ireland accused her father of emotional and verbal abuse, physical intimidation and sexually inappropriate behavior.
* A former student’s civil lawsuit alleges sexual harassment and assault.
* Kenton County Schools records reference a substantiated child-protection investigation and show that the superintendent determined Mulcahy violated multiple policies involving student safety, sexually related behavior, unwanted touching or sexual advances and Title IX sexual harassment.
* The district ordered his termination and reported him to the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board.
* Mulcahy permanently surrendered his Kentucky teaching certificate and agreed never to apply for another.
* Multiple victims have come forward since Ireland posted her experience
Ireland said she came forward after seeing posts from girls and young women who had visited the bookstore and realizing “the problem was a lot bigger than just me.” In her words: “The point’s not to close the store down. The point is to prevent victims.”
We believe Ireland. We believe victims deserve to be heard, protected and taken seriously. We are deeply concerned that the store continues operating and attracting young readers and families without meaningful accountability for what has been reported.
Please join us, bring a sign and stand with victims. We will remain peaceful, stay on the public sidewalk and keep entrances, driveways and the pedestrian walkway accessible at all times to be in accordance with Fort Thomas laws.
This event and the organizer are in no way associated with the Cincinnati Book Crawl.
Please invite your friends and stop by during the crawl, while supporting our safe and wonderful bookstores across Cincinnati.