It’s started: Kent bans book from being easily seen by children

Editorial

There’s not many inevitabilities in this world but one thing we could all easily have bet on two months ago – if any bookmaker was silly enough to take our money – was that the new Reform-led councils would start interfering in public library stock. Well, it’s started. Kent’s libraries have been instructed to keep Trans books away from easy sight of children. This doesn’t just mean not having any books covering Trans topics in children’s library but also on the way to the children’s library. The library staff have to meekly obey such orders. After all, it’s either that or be out of a job and, to be honest, I’d do the same thing.

The slightly farcical nature of this first Reform foray into librarianship will not be the last. The USA teaches us where this will end, in censorship of any subjects that the controlling politicians’ ideology disagrees with. The only thing that will stop it is not librarians or CILIP, who have no real power, but chief executives (possibly) and central government. Hmm, that doesn’t fill me with confidence. The real test will be what comes next. So far the score is Hate/Fear 1 Freedom of Libraries 0.

Changes by local authority

• Bromley – Refurbished West Wickham Library reopens.

National news

• 21 Library Services Selected to Lead National Expansion of Summer Reading Challenge  – Reading Agency. “The Reading Agency has today announced that 21 library authorities across the UK have been selected as the first recipients of funding from a transformative £1.5 million grant from the Julia Rausing Trust. This funding will support the expansion of the Summer Reading Challenge – the UK’s largest programme promoting reading for pleasure among children. In 2025, working together, the partners have the ambition to reach an additional 50,000 children. “

“To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of closures of (a) libraries and (b) other cultural spaces on the availability of early years services.” Gareth Snell Labour/Co-operative, Stoke-on-Trent Central. Answer includes “The Secretary of State has a statutory power to intervene by way of local inquiry if she considers that a local authority is not providing a comprehensive and efficient library service. She takes this role very seriously and should a complaint be received, Ministers will challenge the local council and carefully consider evidence before deciding if a local inquiry is needed.” [And then will decide it’s fine and no inquiry is needed – Ed.]

• Book banning in the UK – will US influence succeed in removing LGBTQ+ books from our libraries? – Boar. [The answer is almost certainly yes – Ed.]. “While it is not occurring on the same scale, the efforts of organisations in the US are undeniably affecting attitudes towards censorship in the UK, with more and more parents requesting the removal of books from school libraries due to the representation of LGBTQ people and stories. Though a common excuse for this is to ‘protect’ young people from being ‘exposed’ to the LGBTQ community, this censorship could be extremely harmful to the very people it claims to shelter. If this removal of content from school libraries continues, thousands of young people, many of whom find themselves at a crucial time in their life in understanding their identity, could be deprived of books and resources that could be instrumental in helping them discover and accept who they are.”
• Counter-terror officer took secret call in public library with no headphones – Telegraph. Paywall. Officer said his home was not noisy [! – Ed.] so “was fired after taking a top-secret call in a public library with no headphones has won almost £22,000 in compensation…”
• Deprofessionalisation of Public Librarianship: What role do qualified Librarians have in the 21st century Public Libraries sector? – University of Sheffield. Dissertation survey that your filling in would be very appreciated by the student in question. Ideally aimed at Library Managers/Librarians/Heads of Library Service in Public Libraries.
• DfE to pilot ‘lending libraries’ of tech to support SEND schoolchildren – UK Authority. Unclear where these will be bit in “32 local authority areas.”

“The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is improving community access to media literacy through the Digital Inclusion Action Plan, which supports local and community-led initiatives to boost digital participation. Libraries, as trusted and accessible public spaces, play a key role in delivering digital and media literacy support to communities across the UK.” Feryal Clark, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

• Libraries sector in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2025 – DCMS Libraries. MBE for Julie Bell. Head of Cultural Services, Lancashire County. For services to public libraries. BEM for Charlotte Rebecca Clark. Manager, Southwold Library. For services to Literacy and to the community in Reydon and Southwold; Jason Tutin. Head, 100% Digital Leeds. For services to Digital Inclusion.
• Public libraries deserve to shut – they’ve forgotten why they exist – Spectator. Criticises “libraries are more than just books” slogan and belief that libraries usage decline is due to savage budget cuts. Blames librarians. Partial paywall.
• Queen Camilla laments library closures in visit to community hub – Wales Online. “Camilla told a group of librarians, figures from the city’s annual literary festival and leading writers that she “wished” more people would open such facilities as she officially launched Ratho Library in Newbridge.”
• The Spending Review ignored digital inclusion – here’s why that’s a huge mistake – Good Things Foundation. “To build a truly inclusive and prosperous nation, digital inclusion must be recognised as a core national infrastructure. We urge this government to swiftly rethink this oversight.”
• Why Libraries Should Invest in Visual Design – Katina Magazine. “visual designers can play a crucial role in how a library connects and communicates with its community.”

International news

• Finland – Finland shows highest library activity level in nearly 20 years – Chytomo. “It is interesting that after 59 northern municipalities joined Finland’s National Electronic Library, the service detected a thousand new user registrations every day.”
• USA – Large Public Libraries Give Young Adults Across U.S. Access to Banned Books – EdSurge. “Since 2022, thousands of eligible young adults have registered for a little-known program called Books Unbanned, which Brooklyn Public Library in New York created that year to counter efforts to restrict access to certain books.”
  • Anythink Libraries Unveils Immersive Poetry Experience in First-of-Its-Kind Library Metaverse Platform ‘Anythink World’ – Business Wire. “The Anythink World experience featuring Kerrie Joy, titled Unwritten, invites visitors into a virtual recreation of downtown Brighton’s Main Street. As users explore this immersive environment, they encounter key locations that reflect different stages of Joy’s life and creative development.”
  • The Case for the Children’s Library – AEI. “Libraries offer less stimulation than a tablet, but more meaning. They offer fewer bells and whistles, but a deeper sense of satisfaction. When I take my son to the library, I don’t just feel like I’m “doing something good” for him. I’m participating in a quiet, essential act of cultural preservation.”

Reform restricting Kent bookstock

• Angry backlash at Kent County Council’s ruling on trans literature – Kent Online. “LGBTQ+ rights campaigners have joined a chorus of outrage at a decision by Reform UK not to display trans literature in the children’s sections of Kent libraries. Steven Pullen, of Swale Pride CIC, claims the ruling by the leadership of Kent County Council (KCC), amounted to “censorship”.”
• Backlash as Reform claims trans books removed from children’s library section – BBC. “In a post on social media, Kent County Council’s Reform UK leader Linden Kemkaran said the books were to be removed with immediate effect in a “victory for common sense in Kent”. However, the council said a single transgender-related book aimed at adults was relocated from a display at the entrance of a library to a section unlikely to be visited by children. Labour MP for Chatham and Aylesford Tristian Osbourne has called the alleged removal of the books “unedifying gender baiting of the LGBT community”.” … “The book in question was The Autistic Trans Guide to Life by Yenn Purkis and Wenn Lawson, the council said.”

“Censorship does not stop people from learning information, but it does send the message, and it’s sending a message to the young people of Kent that they’re not safe and they’re not welcome if they’re LGBT or trans.” Erin Strawbridge, the manager of the Folkestone Bookshop, an LGBTQ+ bookstore

• Kent County Council, now led by Reform UK, removes all trans-related books from children’s sections of its libraries – Scene Mag.
• Reform backtrack on claim ‘trans-related’ library book was in children’s section – Independent. “A Reform-led council has backtracked on its “trans-related” library book ban, suggesting the move is “not a change of policy” after conflicting social media posts from councillors.” … “the council’s Liberal Democrat opposition leader, Antony Hook has said that Reform not following “proper process” in the council and announcing things on social media has created uncertainty.” … “The Kent Library Service confirmed that staff will “ensure that only age-appropriate books are being displayed in children’s sections of libraries” or areas where children will be selecting books to borrow” and Reform council claim ‘trans-related’ library book ban ‘not a change of policy’ – Standard and Reform council claim ‘trans-related’ library book ban ‘not a change of policy’ – Herald.

“We have not changed policy. We have simply issued internal instructions to reaffirm existing expectations: that adult books are not to be placed in areas specifically aimed at children, such as children’s sections or public welcome displays where children select books.” Kent Council

• Reform council bans trans books from children’s section of libraries – Times. Behind paywall. “Party hails move in Kent as protecting children from ‘potentially harmful ideology’ but Labour says it is ‘unedifying baiting of the LGBT community’”
• Reform council removes trans books from children’s section at libraries – Telegraph. Behind paywall.
• Reform councillor’s boast about removing ‘trans-ideological’ books from children’s library sections falls flat – Guardian. “Paul Webb said he ensured books and material were pulled from children’s section of Kent libraries, but it emerges they were never there” … “Webb’s message was retweeted by Linden Kemkaran, the council leader, who in her own message, dotted with fire emojis, said: “Another victory for #commonsenseinKent my brilliant cabinet member Cllr Paul Webb has just got this trans material REMOVED from the children’s sections of all Kent’s libraries. Telling children they’re in the ‘wrong body’ is wrong and simply unacceptable.””
• Reform county councillors order removal of transgender guide ‘from children’s section’ in all Kent libraries – Isle of Thanet News. “One commentator has also pointed out the book in question is for adults and its filing number means it would actually have been in the Family and Relationships section, with some libraries also filing it under LGBTQ+ History.” … “It is understood that Cllr Webb does not intend banning transgender material but to relocate it in the libraries.”
• Reform UK Kent County Council leader Linden Kemkaran backs removing trans book from libraries’ children’s sections – Kent Online. “Cllr Kemkaran indicated that it would happen across all libraries in the county.” Opposition councillor says ““This is especially odd given that the committee which usually deals with library service matters, met only two days ago (July 1). “The administration could and should have given that committee a report of its intentions to change policies in our libraries.”

• Reform UK run council removes all trans books from children’s library section – Independent.
• Reform UK-run council removes trans books from children’s sections of libraries – Pink News.
• Transgender-related books ‘removed from children’s sections’ of Kent libraries – BookSeller. Behind paywall.

“Any changes to the libraries stock management procedure since the 1st of May 2025:
KCC can confirm that there have been no changes to the libraries stock management
procedure since 1st of May 2025.

Any requests by councillors to withdraw specific book titles since the 1st May 2025:
KCC can confirm that there have been no requests by councillor to withdrawn specific
book titles since the 1st of May 2025.

Any new advice given to libraries by councillors or others within the council about stock management since 1 May 2025:
KCC can confirm that there have been no new advice given about stock management
since 1st of May 2025.

Any requests by councillors or others with the Council to remove or
otherwise reduce the visibility of stock referring to gender, sexuality, race,
immigration, refugees or diversity since 1 May 2025:
KCC can confirm that no requests have been made by councillors or others within the
council regarding the reduction of visibility of stock referring to gender, sexuality, race,
immigration, refugees or diversity since 1 May 2025.” Reply, dated 4 July, to FOI request by myself last month from Kent County Council. All other Reform councils who have replied deny there has been change to library stock.

Local news by authority

• Bromley – West Wickham Library in Bromley opens after refurbishment – News Shopper. “West Wickham Library in Bromley officially reopened on Friday, June 27, following a major upgrade. The transformation includes a new café, business lounge, and the borough’s first Makerspace featuring a 3D printer.”
• Caerphilly – Could a potential judicial review stop the council from closing ten libraries? – Caerphilly Observer. Behind paywall. [The answer is no – Ed]. “The decision to close ten libraries by the council may end up being challenged in court, Caerphilly Observer understands.”
• Camden – Jan Kattein Architects delivers redesigned children’s library at Swiss Cottage – Building Design. “the redesign introduces flexible, activity-based zones tailored to contemporary storytelling formats, following consultation with local children, educators and families”
• Conwy – Conwy council conducts official investigation over ‘inaccurate’ Llandudno library figures – Daily Post. “Cllr Emery said Conwy only owed 38% of the £46,000. This was, Cllr Emery claimed, because the rest was legally payable by other tenants of the library building’s owners Mostyn Estates, who occupied other floors. But part of Conwy’s argument for moving was the £126K-a-year saving, which was included in a report presented to strengthen the council’s case.” … “Conwy’s cabinet is expected to vote in favour of the Mostyn Street library’s closure on Tuesday, with the service moving to Venue Cymru as part of a UK Government-funded £10m “arts centre” revamp.”
• Cumberland – Future of libraries in Cumberland survey still open – News and Star. “The results of the survey will feed into Cumberland Council’s Libraries Fit for the Future (FFF) Project, which aims to futureproof the area’s library services.”
• Derby – Derby libraries to stay under council’s control as review is halted – Derbyshire Live. “All of Derby’s libraries are to stay under council control for the foreseeable future according to a report going to the authority’s cabinet meeting next Wednesday (July 9). It follows a decision to withdraw from latest deal to outsource the city’s ten community libraries to Sporting Communities in May.”
• Devon – New library summer reading challenge for children – Crediton Courier. “Bookworms will be able to take part in the Summer Book Quest: Deep Sea Adventure from Saturday, July 12 until Saturday, September 6.” … “To complete the quest, children have to do three things: visit the library, read what they like and complete one or more of the Summer Book Quest activities. Each completed task gives them a sticker and once they have them all they get a finisher sticker, keyring and certificate.”
  • Surprise boost for Exeter Library – Exeter Today. “Libraries Unlimited South West, a charity that provides community libraries across Devon, has receives [sic] a donation of £9,531 from the Morrisons Foundation.”. Money will be to “create an exciting new interactive feature for the new children’s library”
• Dudley – Black Country Day events in Dudley Libraries – Dudley Council. ” free special events aimed at celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage, fascinating history and continuous evolution.”
  • Dudley libraries to launch summer reading challenge – Halesowen News. Story Garden.
  • Suzan Holder book launch at Wordsley Library – Press release. “Married to former Slade band member Noddy Holder, Suzan’s novels each have a musical twist.”
• Dumfries and Galloway – Dumfries’ Ewart Library reopens after restoration work – BBC. “Work at the Ewart Library was designed to modernise facilities while uncovering original Victorian features of the structure. The Ewart closed in January to make time for “careful restoration” work, which revealed a mosaic floor and burnt-orange wall tiles. Local people from across the area attended the grand opening which featured a Ewart Library branded cake and balloons.”
• East Dunbartonshire – Health Information Hubs Now Available in All East Dunbartonshire Libraries – East Dunbartonshire Council. “teamed up with the local Health and Social Care Partnership to set up Health Information Hubs in all local libraries. Each library in the area now has designated space with a range of materials available on various health and wellbeing issues, local services, and community groups. “
• East Riding – East Yorkshire library to reopen this month after major refurbishment – York Press. “Bridlington Central Library will welcome visitors from Monday, July 14. The library received £250,000 in UK taxpayer funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Libraries Improvement Fund, along with additional funding allocated by the council.”
• Edinburgh – Queen Camilla officially opens new library in Edinburgh – ITN. “Queen Camilla officially opened the newly refurbished Ratho Library as part of her visit to Scotland alongside the King for Royal Week. Her Majesty praised the work of the staff in a speech, saying: “What wonderful places libraries are, literally from toddlers to pensioners – they manage to inspire a love of reading of books”.”
• Enfield – Seven Enfield libraries to close permanently from next week – Enfield Dispatch. “In an update on its website, the council explains that its controversial new library strategy and operating model – including the closures of John Jackson, Bullsmoor, Southgate, Winchmore Hill, Enfield Highway, Bowes and Enfield Island Village libraries – will be implemented from this Monday (7th).”
• Glasgow – 8 of the best local libraries to visit in Glasgow with the kids during the summer holidays – Glasgow World.
• Inverclyde – Port Glasgow Library building on Lego donation – Inverclyde Council. “Senior library assistant Jac Wilks realised that the LEGO® Group made a model of the Endurance lifeboat – which Chippy helped to modify and rescue the stricken crew – but it has now been discontinued. She contacted the LEGO® Group directly to see if there was any way of acquiring a model”
• Kirklees – Kirklees’ Archive Service to Move into Our Cultural Heart’s New Library Hub – Kirklees Council. “irklees branch of the West Yorkshire Archive Service (WYAS) will be moving into Huddersfield’s new flagship library hub.”
• Lambeth – Lambeth libraries strike suspended – Brixton Blog. “Negotiations between Lambeth council and the staff trade union Unison led to a new approach from the council and library staff have voted to accept it, although some staffing issues remain to be resolved.”
• Leicester – Join in a summer of fun at Leicester Libraries – Leicester Council. Story Garden.
• Norfolk – Norfolk libraries invite families to discover the joy of reading – Norfolk Council. Story Garden.
• Northumberland – A magical summer of books and nature awaits – Northumberland Council. Story Garden. “Northumberland’s programme also includes events with authors Robin Simpson and Jodie James, Berwick ‘storyteller-in-residence’, Chris Adrianesse (ok) and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist drag artist, Mama G.”
• Oxfordshire – Library to play its part in Leys 2025 – Oxfordshire Council. Story Garden. “Blackbird Leys Library is set to play its part in the annual Leys Festival 2025 with an extension to opening hours on Saturday, 5 July. The Oxfordshire County Council run library will remain open until 3:30pm, instead of the usual 12:30pm, so that the community can visit, browse and become new members.”
  • Grow your imagination with the Summer Reading Challenge – Oxfordshire Council. Story Garden.
• Reading – Designs for town’s new central library released – BBC. “”The designs include features suggested by library users, including informal seating for teens and better equipped spaces for people to study and work.”
• South Ayrshire – New library opens its doors after relocation to historic Ayrshire building – Daily Record. “Troon Library has opened in a new location, boasting facilities ‘accessible to all.’ Ayrshire Live previously told in April last year how the library was to relocate to the town’s Municipal Buildings, while the old library would be converted into a nursery. And, following a period of works to reconfigure the new space, the official opening event for the new Troon Library was held and attended by councillors, staff and stakeholders.”
• Staffordshire – People invited to ‘Into the Light’ dance exhibition at Burton Library – Staffordshire Council. “a travelling dance exhibition that traces the history of black British ballet from the 1940s to the present day.”
• Suffolk – Council secures funding for sustainable libraries and schools – Suffolk Council. “Suffolk County Council recently secured £675,000 from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, delivered by Salix, for these improvements. The scheme is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.”
• Waltham Forest – Waltham Forest libraries are ‘places of sanctuary’ – Guardian Series.
• West Northamptonshire – West Northamptonshire libraries launch the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge – West Northamptonshire Council. Story Garden. “West Northamptonshire’s LibraryPlus service has partnered with Family Learning and Teach Outdoors to deliver exciting events such as teddy bear festivals, seed paper making, magic shows, bird and butterfly feeders, nature trails and much more. Children can also look forward to special collaborations with local country parks. “
• West Sussex – West Sussex libraries centenary: why Lessons in Chemistry is my favourite book – Sussex World.
• Worcestershire – County’s Summer Reading Challenge returns for 2025 – Bromsgrove Standard. Story Garden. “This year if you read four books you get free admission for one child and one adult for National Trust Croome.”
• Wrexham – Uncertainty remains over future of Wrexham’s libraries and resource centres – Wrexham.com. “The future of Wrexham’s libraries and community resource centres remains uncertain, with the council yet to publish the results of a public consultation on potential cuts. The services are facing reductions of at least £185,000 as Wrexham Council looks to balance its budget over the next two years.”