Warwickshire libraries.

Liberal Democrats respond to administration's statement on Warwickshire libraries. 

The Liberal Democrat Group is very concerned to see the comments from Councillor George Finch concerning displays of books at Warwickshire Libraries.

After the positive news regarding the flying of the Pride flag on Old Shire Hall earlier this week, which we lobbied for, the Group is disappointed that we now face the prospect of the Reform UK administration trying to take steps that could discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community. This is an administration that has committed to creating "safe, inclusive places where people from different backgrounds can live and interact positively", and yet, targeting LGBTQ+ books, and the people they represent, does the precise opposite.

The Liberal Democrat Group believes that we should trust our professional librarians to make independent decisions about which books to buy and display in our libraries, free from political interference. That is their job; they do it well and should not be a choice for any councillor to make. 

Furthermore, this administration's own Council Plan promised to "shift power from county hall back to local people" and to put libraries "at the heart of a community-powered Warwickshire." Dictating from county hall what residents are allowed to read is the exact opposite. 

Sarah Boad, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said:

"At a time when many families are struggling with the cost of living, libraries are a wonderful free resource for ALL our residents. Many families value access to free books, rhyme time, computers, and free access to the internet, and much more. They should not be weaponised in this way.

History reminds us of where censorship leads, and the lesson is always the same: an open and democratic society trusts people to read widely, rather than deciding on their behalf what they may and may not see. We will not let Warwickshire go backwards. 

We therefore fully support the statement issued by Warwickshire Pride, and we will do everything we can to ensure that every resident in Warwickshire, including LGBTQ+ residents, feel welcomed, safe, and respected in our libraries".