David Walliams books to remain at York libraries

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Nov, 12:32 · Archive

York libraries will continue to stock books by David Walliams despite allegations against the best-selling children's author and comedian. Explore York Libraries and Archives said it does not remove books 'solely because of allegations or concerns relating to an author'.

Explore's head of library services, Sarah Garbacz, said its book stock purchasing decisions are 'guided by legislation, professional standards and our stock policy, not by the personal circumstances of individual authors'. The library service said materials are only withdrawn if they meet 'usual stock management criteria, such as condition, usage levels or relevance, or if the content itself is unlawful'.

An Explore spokesperson said that as with all authors, 'the number of copies held may change over time in response to customer demand and borrowing trends'. The organisation stated it supports 'the principle that libraries should provide access to information and reading choices free from censorship, enabling individuals to make their own informed decisions about what they choose to read'.

Education leaders are seeking guidance from the government on whether Walliams' books should be removed from school libraries. Walliams was named as part of an investigation by the Guardian and ITV News, after he sought to obtain an injunction to prevent the reporting of allegations against him. One woman described her alleged encounter with him when she was 15 as a 'sexual assault', while multiple women accused him of 'grooming' them when they were teenagers.

How it is being reported

• David Walliams books to remain at York libraries despite allegationsBooks by David Walliams will continue to be stocked at Explore York libraries, despite allegations against the best-selling children's author and comedian.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 13 Nov, 11:48
• David Walliams books to remain at York libraries despite allegationsBooks by David Walliams will continue to be stocked at Explore York libraries, despite allegations against the best-selling children's author and comedian.The Press (York) · 13 Nov, 11:48

In this story: David Walliams · Explore York Libraries and Archives · York · Guardian · ITV News

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