1/3 of UK librarians asked to censor or remove books

Research reveals 1/3 of UK librarians asked to censor or remove books 

Public threatens to ban books that deal with topics pertaining to marginalised communities

Rutger Bruining, CEO of leading memoir-writing firm StoryTerrace, discusses the importance of literature being a safe and collaborative space  

Research carried out by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (Cilip), the UK’s library and information association, found that a third of librarians had been asked by members of the public to censor or remove books, indicating that such incidences “had increased significantly in recent years”, according to the Institute.The most targeted books involve race and LGBTQ+ themes. Amidst what many are touting to be a ‘culture war’ – books stand at the forefront of this. Libraries in the US have found themselves at odds with rightwing readers over book stock, and now British libraries are suffering the same fate. 

Rutger Bruining, CEO and founder of leading memoir-writing firm, StoryTerrace, discusses the need for literature to be a safe and collaborative space. Having seen thousands of clients go through the service from all walks of life, Bruining argues that books are vital to providing a voice to marginalised communities.

The publishing industry, in general, has always had a diversity issue – with research from WordsRated stating that only 15% of published authors in the UK are from an ethnic minority background, and only 13% of those in the industry identify as LGBTQ+, stressing the importance of authors from diverse backgrounds. 

Rutger Bruining, CEO and founder of StoryTerrace, discusses the importance of literature being a safe and collaborative space: 

“Literature has always been a safe space for us to delve into the darker aspects of life. Since the advent of StoryTerrace, we have seen countless memoirs come through the service from people from all walks of life – and this is what truly lies at the core of our ethos, giving everyone a space to share their story and to explore the nuances of their lifetime through the power of literature. 

Seeing that the public has become so adamant on banning books that deal with topics pertaining to race or LGBTQ issues is worrying, as it limits the potential for literature to inspire and educate. With our bookshelves becoming increasingly censored, we lose out on the collaborative and inclusive nature of writing. 

Since the pandemic – we have witnessed the meteoric rise in interest in books and literature as a whole. Resurfacing as a popular pastime, both children and older generations find solace in the world of books. It is vital for the public to ensure that books remain that safe, sacred space.”