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Hertfordshire libraries have no plans to remove David Walliams books

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 13 Nov, 17:03 · Archive

Hertfordshire County Council will not remove David Walliams' books from its libraries despite allegations of sexual misconduct against the author.

Hertfordshire County Council has confirmed it has 'no current plans' to remove books by David Walliams from its library collections. The decision comes as some schools and libraries across the UK have removed his works following serious allegations against the author.

Multiple women have accused Walliams of grooming them as teenagers and sexual assault, according to a joint investigation by ITV News and the Guardian. The investigation alleges that Walliams preyed on teenage girls and young women. He has also faced accusations of inappropriate conduct and sexual harassment at his former publisher HarperCollins and while working on Britain's Got Talent. Walliams has strongly denied the allegations.

Walliams authored more than 40 books, including titles such as The Boy in the Dress and Gangstar Granny, which generated revenue of £100 million by 2019. His publisher HarperCollins dropped him in December 2025 following an investigation into the allegations of harassment.

A Hertfordshire County Council spokesperson said existing copies of his books would continue to be managed in line with the local authority's 'usual stock policies' and would eventually be withdrawn from circulation 'as they become worn, damaged, or are no longer being borrowed'. This approach mirrors the stance taken by public libraries in Kent, Sussex and Surrey, which have also said they will not be removing the books.

The controversy has extended beyond publishing. Earlier this month, theme park Alton Towers permanently closed its World Of David Walliams attraction, which featured rides inspired by his books.

Hertfordshire libraries have no plans to remove David Walliams books
Image: Hemel Gazette

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How it is being reported

In this story: David Walliams · Hertfordshire County Council · HarperCollins · ITV News · Guardian · Alton Towers · Hertfordshire · Kent

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