The Leander Public Library will be closed to the public Saturday because of concerns about disruptions during an event that involves a drag queen reading to children, a city spokesman said Tuesday.

The Church of the Open Cathedral has rented a library conference room at 3 p.m. Saturday for a private event called "Drag Queen Story Hour." Tickets are sold out, according to an event webpage.

The library had scheduled the event but canceled it after protests from the public and concerns about safety. In canceling the event, and another called "Summer Superhero Saturday," city officials cited the lack of a screening process for the people involved. City spokesman Michael Neu said there was a report of a registered sex offender reading to children during a similar drag queen event at a Houston library.

Leander police Lt. Mike Mohler said Tuesday he could not remember a protest in the city in the 16 years that he has been working for the Police Department.

RELATED: Update: Church to host Drag Queen Story Hour at Leander Library

Leander will designate areas near the library Saturday to allow for peaceful demonstrations outdoors, according to the city's website. The city is expecting protests from outside groups, Neu said.

"We cannot confirm that any of the individuals or groups we believe may be organizing to demonstrate on June 15 are affiliated with known or legitimate organizations," he said.

The city requires permits for demonstrations that require blocking, standing or limiting of vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian traffic in public areas, but it is making an exception in this case, Neu said.

"We’ve approached this event differently because the city is taking additional precautions, such as closing the library and providing marked demonstration areas, to minimize any potential conflicts," said Neu.

The pastor at the Church of the Open Cathedral, Ryan Hart, could not be immediately reached for comment Tuesday about how many people he expects to attend the event, or whether the church has concerns about security. Hart told the American-Statesman last month that the church will screen anyone involved in presenting the event.

The "Drag Queen Story Hour" has been held at libraries across the country, according to the American Library Association's website. "A few have experienced pushback from some members of their community," it said.

Priscilla Donovan, director of the Leander library, said last month that reaction from the community was mixed when the cancellation was announced. "A lot of people are upset we canceled, and a lot of people are upset we had it planned," she said. "But it's starting to tip more toward people who are disappointed we canceled it."