School librarians in the UK are facing a troubling trend of increased censorship when it comes to LGBTQIA+ books. Conservative individuals have been targeting queer literature over the last year, leading to a concerning rise in requests to censor or remove LGBTQIA+ content from library collections. In April 2023, a study from the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (Cilip) revealed that a third of librarians had been asked to censor or remove LGBTQIA+ content by members of the public, with some even facing threats.
Nick Poole, Cilip’s chief executive, expressed the desire to move past the current culture war and politics surrounding LGBTQIA+ books and focus on the important work of inspiring young readers. He emphasized the impact that a single book can have on a young person’s life, sparking inspiration and creativity.
Unfortunately, the situation in UK school libraries has reportedly worsened. According to The Independent, new data from the Index on Censorship found that 53% of surveyed school librarians were asked to remove LGBTQIA+ books, with 56% of librarians complying with these requests. Some of the key books that have been targeted include titles like Julián is a Mermaid by Jessica Love, ABC Pride by Louie Stowell, Elly Barnes, and Amy Phelps, and This Book Is Gay by Juno Dawson.
In response to the alarming rise in censorship, LGBTQIA+ activists and organizations have pushed back against these efforts. Just Like Us CEO Laura Mackay emphasized the importance of representation in literature and the harmful impact of removing LGBTQIA+ books from school libraries. She highlighted the need for young people to access books that reflect the diversity of the world around them.
Local librarian Alice Leggatt echoed these sentiments, noting the lack of support for librarians facing censorship requests. She highlighted the growing concern among librarians about defending their collections and ensuring that students have access to diverse and inclusive literature.
The issue of book censorship is not limited to the UK, as the US has also seen a rise in attempts to block queer and racial-themed books in public and school libraries. The American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom reported over 4,000 targeted books and 1,247 demands to censor library materials in 2023.
As the debate over LGBTQIA+ representation in literature continues, it is essential to advocate for the freedom to access diverse and inclusive books in school libraries. Librarians play a crucial role in providing young readers with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, and it is important to support their efforts to maintain inclusive collections. The fight against censorship is ongoing, but the voices of activists, librarians, and supporters of LGBTQIA+ literature are working to ensure that all young people have the opportunity to see themselves reflected in the books they read.