County councillors are set to discuss a new policy governing displays, events and activities in Staffordshire libraries, four months after a row over the stopping of displays during Pride Month.
Staffordshire County Council leader Martin Murray said in June that Pride events would no longer be promoted in the county’s public libraries.
The announcement came as the council reviewed the use of library display space. While that review was taking place, the authority said displays not promoting the core library offer or wider council services would be paused.
Thousands of people subsequently signed an online petition calling on the council to reverse any policy preventing libraries and other council services from displaying materials recognising and celebrating LGBTQ+ communities and other protected groups during awareness and heritage months.
The Reform UK led authority has now published its draft Libraries Displays, Events and Activities Policy.
Members of the Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee will consider it at a meeting on Thursday 22 October. The committee is being asked to consider whether the proposed principles strike an appropriate balance between community use of libraries, political neutrality, operational practicality and support for community activity.
Councillor Hayley Coles, Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for communities and culture, said
“Staffordshire libraries are for everyone. They are places where people can borrow books, find information, get advice, take part in activities and access council and partner services.
“Libraries are shared spaces used by people with many different experiences, views and beliefs. The policy aims to keep them neutral, effective and efficient, while prioritising information and advice that has the biggest impact for residents, from help with the cost of living, jobs and health, to improving literacy and encouraging a love of books.
“I recognise this subject has generated strong views, particularly following the pause on discretionary displays while the review was undertaken. Some residents and stakeholders support a more consistent focus on the core library offer, while others have concerns that some groups may feel excluded.
“The views of all Staffordshire residents matter and will be considered through the Community Impact Assessment and the formal democratic decision making process, including public scrutiny and Cabinet.”
A draft schedule for library display space indicates that occasions including Remembrance, Christmas, World Book Day, Easter, St George’s Day and Armed Forces Day could be marked.
Displays could also cover subjects including the cost of living, carers’ support, health and wellbeing, volunteering opportunities and fostering.
The draft policy says library managers should consider whether a proposed display, event or activity supports the core library service, an approved programme, a council priority, a statutory responsibility or an evidenced local need.
It also lists official events and commemorations which can be considered, including public holidays, state commemorations, Armistice Day, Remembrance Sunday, Armed Forces Day, Commonwealth Day, Coronation Day, the King’s accession day, the official birthday of the King and St George’s Day.
According to the draft policy, activities are likely to fall outside the core library offer if their main purpose is private, commercial, party political, campaigning, fundraising, personal promotion or unrelated to council priorities or approved plans. Such requests would not be automatically refused, but would have to be assessed against the policy.
The document states
“With limited space and resources, priority will be given to information that has the greatest positive impact for our communities, connecting people with information, services and support that can help them.
“Materials will not be displayed if they are unlawful, misleading, hateful, discriminatory, sexually explicit, unsafe or intimidating, or if they go against equality or safeguarding duties.
“Libraries may provide information and access to services, but must not promote, advocate or campaign for a particular cause or viewpoint.”
The county council has also said that no books or library materials have been removed as part of the policy review, and that no events or activities currently scheduled would be cancelled if the policy is approved.
Following scrutiny, the policy is expected to go before Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet on Wednesday 18 November for a final decision.
Readers can view the draft Libraries Displays, Events and Activities Policy through Staffordshire County Council’s democratic services website. View the draft library policy
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