Staffordshire Council unveils library display policy after Pride row

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 18:02 · Archive

Staffordshire County Council has published draft guidance on library displays four months after banning Pride Month events in June.

Staffordshire County Council announced in June that displays marking Pride Month would no longer be promoted in the county's libraries. The decision sparked criticism, with Stafford Pride describing it as a 'vile decision'. Thousands of people signed an online petition calling for the council to reverse any policy preventing displays that recognise LGBTQ+ communities and other protected groups during awareness months.

The Reform-led authority has now published draft Libraries Displays, Events and Activities Policy. The guidance sets out which events will be marked with displays, including local history, St George's Day, Remembrance Day and Armed Forces Day, plus promotion for fostering and recycling. However, Pride, Black History Month and non-Christian cultural events are not included on the draft schedule for the year ahead.

Deputy county council leader Hayley Coles said: 'Staffordshire libraries are for everyone' and that the policy aims to keep them 'neutral, effective and efficient, while prioritising information and advice that has the biggest impact for residents'. The council stressed that LGBTQ+ books and materials would remain available to borrow. A scrutiny committee will consider the proposals on Thursday 22 October, with a final vote by councillors due in November.

How it is being reported

• New rules for Reform-run libraries after Pride rowA decision to ban Pride displays in June across Staffordshire's libraries sparked controversy.BBC Stoke And Staffordshire · 17 Oct, 17:45
• Reform UK Staffordshire council unveils library displays rules after Pride rowStaffordshire County Council's cabinet is set to make a decision next monthStokeonTrentLive · 17 Oct, 11:00

In this story: Staffordshire County Council · Reform UK · Hayley Coles · Stafford Pride · Staffordshire

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