Following social media updates by two Reform UK councillors there were claims that books for adults had been removed from children's sections across the county. It then came to light that a single book in a single library was not actually in the children's section. The item in question was part of a display for adults near the library entrance and was moved to a less visible adult section.

This incident raises important concerns about misinformation, political pressure, and the vital need for fact-based decision-making in public libraries, reporting and wider public commentary.

CILIP's Response

Louis Coiffait-Gunn, Chief Executive of CILIP, said: "Public libraries are obliged by law to serve all members of their communities and this concerning incident raises a fundamental question: who gets to decide what people can and can't read?

"The idea of politicians policing or banning books is profoundly troubling. It evokes images of authoritarian regimes, not a modern, democratic and diverse society like the UK. Even the perception that elected representatives can ignore established processes and policies to remove or relocate books based on their personal political views undermines public trust and risks serious harm, especially to those who are already marginalised.

"Librarians are among the most trusted professionals in the UK precisely because their work is grounded in ethics, including evidence, intellectual freedom and a commitment to inclusion. Library collections are expertly curated to reflect the diversity of the communities they serve, not shaped by any particular group.

"This is what intellectual freedom means: the right to access a wide range of information, to explore knowledge and culture, and then to make up your own mind.

"Libraries exist to open doors, not close them. CILIP is committed to defending that principle and ensuring that public libraries remain free, trusted and inclusive spaces for all."

Supporting Library Workers

CILIP supports all expert library workers with our ethical framework to counter the chilling effect of censorship. Strong, clear, and agreed institutional policies including CILIP's own Intellectual Freedom policy for the sector and guidance such as Managing Safe and Inclusive Library Services support library workers and the communities they serve. Our new Intellectual Freedom Committee is being established to review the evidence and develop tangible solutions.