June 15, 2006 (CHICAGO) - A small fire at a Chicago Public Library on the city's North Side has burned about 100 books -- 90 of them in the gay and lesbian section. Chicago Police spokeswoman Monique Bond said the fire is being investigated as an arson -- but not as a hate crime.
Gay rights activist Rick Garcia questioned that decision, noting the unique location of the fire.
About 10 books in the branch's African-American history collection were also burned.
No one was injured in the fire.
The library branch where the fire occurred is near the center of the city's gay neighborhood.