Libraries Should Not Be Censored!
I was disgusted to read that 74 libraries under Essex County Council Jurisdiction have been advised not to promote events like Pride Month, Black History Month etc by Reform UK, who run the council.
The reason they’ve been told this? To make libraries ‘neutral spaces’ and avoiding excluding other ‘groups’ not featured in these events. In the name of ‘true equality’, educational events including toddler story time and dementia support also fall victim. That means no displays, promotion on social media. Anything. In the name of equality. Tell me, where is the harm in these spotlights?
Whilst Reform UK will argue the restriction is in the name of inclusivity (by all groups being equally, well, ignored), I beg to differ. In a world where minorities have often been brushed under the carpet, it seems Reform UK are happy to keep that the status quo.
The restriction is not helpful, not inclusive. Libraries should not be censored.
Societal Issues
Here’s my hot take – the topics that feature in libraries are rarely individual issues, but affect wider society. Sure, I may not identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. However, maybe down the line I’ll have a work colleague who does. What if I manage that person? How can I appreciate the background they have and the hostility experienced by the group if I don’t know what information is out there so I can find out. 
Alternatively, I may not suffer with dementia. At least, as of writing I do not. However, based on a UK population of 69.5 million in 2025, with 982,000 diagnosed with the condition, that means 1/71 people in the UK are directly affected. When you consider the relatives, medical professionals and other individuals that come into contact with sufferers, well, that number is a lot higher. Right?
Why?
So why are Reform UK set on taking the spotlight away from these groups?
Taking a look at the Party’s own website, it’s not difficult to see why this move fits with their manifesto. Reform UK stand for a return to ‘traditional British common sense’ values. They have vowed to scrap diversity, equality and inclusion rules, withdraw curriculums including transgender ideology and instead celebrate traditional Christian values.
It’s not so hard to see why they’re happy to tell their libraries not to promote Pride Month any more, isn’t it?!
The treatment of minority groups by society historically, and how they are/have been marginalised is something we should all be informed and aware of. I don’t see how information does any harm – the intention of librarians is inclusivity and providing information to all interested, not to cause harm. So, why stop that? What harm does promoting dementia support cause? Doesn’t just impact those with dementia, but many family, co-workers etc can benefit from knowing information is out there.
Consider toddler story time – isn’t that a good thing?! Why would a political party want to stop events that could help educate and inspire young children? Not only that, but such community events are lifelines for parents. What benefit is there to ceasing vital services?
Intent
The important thing to remember here is intent. Libraries and their custodians’ intention is to represent and inform in the same of serving society as a whole. All its members, whether they fit into their predominant political party’s ideals or not.
However, Reform UK voters represent ‘traditionalist’ views and are “anti-woke ideology”. It shows in their attempts to re-marginalise minority communities. They argue they are making libraries ‘neutral spaces’.
I beg to differ. Instead, they are attempting to make what are meant to be open community services political.
Libraries should not be censored!
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