Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Feminism: chat

Original poster

My local library won't be stocking Graham Linehan's "Tough Crowd". Anyone else had the same response?

131 replies

OccultGnuNew · 19/10/2023 15:52

I've been reading the ongoing discussion on Graham Linehan's book and decided to follow the suggestion within the thread and asked my local library about getting it into stock. I filled out the online form a couple of weeks ago.

Today I had a phone call from the library saying they were very sorry but wouldn't be adding it to their catalogue.

When asked why the response was "our supplier has given it a low rating". I asked for further clarification on what it was being rated as "low" on, the person on the phone didn't know but a low rating meant it wouldn't be being procured for the library.

I said I was aware the author had engaged with some controversial topics and was that the reason for the low rating? Again the person didn't know. I also asked for an example of a book with a high rating and again - don't know - the rating system is applied by the supplier not the library and the library uses the ratings as a guide.

I don't think the person on the phone was being obstructive, they evidently did not know the ins and outs of the rating system and how it was applied and were just passing on the information.

The supplier our library uses is Askews. I'm in a town with a population of 200,000 that has around 15 libraries and I've seen some of the crap they keep on the shelves. Why this is being declined I'm not sure,

Has anyone else come across this?

OP posts:
StellaOlivetti · 25/10/2023 21:37

Suffolk libraries have three copies. There’s a queue of people who’ve reserved it.

BigGapMum · 25/10/2023 21:29

I've checked my local library and they have got two on order.

Original poster
OccultGnuNew · 25/10/2023 13:06

Viviennemary - goodness you're right, I'd forgotten that episode. Is it the Streisand effect I'm thinking of where an attempt to keep something out of the public eye backfires and actually creates more interest?

"Down with this sort of thing!"

OP posts:
Viviennemary · 25/10/2023 12:19

This sounds a bit like that episode of father ted when the bishop wanted to ban a film. This brought everyone in to watch it. I haven't even heard of this book but am looking it up now.

Thegirlfromredfern · 25/10/2023 12:12

Requested a copy from Central bedfordshire on Sunday.. they agreed and it is showing on their catalogue as on order as of yesterday..impressed with their speed and decision!

TooBigForMyBoots · 25/10/2023 11:14

My library won't be stocking it because they can't afford it. Or any other new books.Sad

Original poster
OccultGnuNew · 25/10/2023 11:04

UPDATE #2

Well, actually the update is there is no update. I'm back from my extended weekend away, have checked my emails and Askews have not replied.

I feel a follow up email is in order.

I've caught up on the thread and am cheered that others are still asking questions of their local libraries.

And if I get chance today I'll be buying the book that started this whole discussion. If the bookshops aren't stocking it either that could be a whole extra thread!

OP posts:
PrimitivePerson · 22/10/2023 20:31

Bonkersworknonsense · 22/10/2023 17:23

Granted I’m in Canada, but my local libraries stock masses of pro Trans ideology books and next to no gender critical books. The imbalance is massive. For example, 1 copy of Helen Joyce’s book but always over a dozen reservations, but dozens of Ellen Page’s book (& many, many others, including pronoun board books for toddlers and “Grandad’s Pride”.

Given how captured the libraries are I do not think this is coincidence.

They simply go with demand.

Also, whatever you think about trans ideology, deadnaming is just rude.

Bonkersworknonsense · 22/10/2023 17:23

Granted I’m in Canada, but my local libraries stock masses of pro Trans ideology books and next to no gender critical books. The imbalance is massive. For example, 1 copy of Helen Joyce’s book but always over a dozen reservations, but dozens of Ellen Page’s book (& many, many others, including pronoun board books for toddlers and “Grandad’s Pride”.

Given how captured the libraries are I do not think this is coincidence.

Sickoffamilydrama · 22/10/2023 10:48

AlistairSim · 20/10/2023 15:34

There doesn’t seem to be a copy available in Oxfordshire libraries, so I have requested they buy one.
I will be interested to see their response.

I'll join you on that the more that ask the better!

Maerchentante · 22/10/2023 10:30

tedgran · 19/10/2023 17:10

London Borough of Richmond has got two copies and seven reserves.

That is now eight reserves, but strangely in the libraries in Hampton and Whitton.

MMAMPWGHAP · 21/10/2023 18:59

BigGapMum · 20/10/2023 21:37

It's going off the library point a bit, I know, but it's on Libby as an ebook for those struggling to borrow a copy.

I can see it on Libby but says not in my Library’s catalogue.

Winnading · 20/10/2023 21:54

I've discovered it's not in any libraries near me. I will have to locate my old library card or go sort out a new one to ask for the book to be bought. Sometime next week I will.
I will also see if they will take a donated one.

BigGapMum · 20/10/2023 21:37

It's going off the library point a bit, I know, but it's on Libby as an ebook for those struggling to borrow a copy.

MmePoppySeedDefage · 20/10/2023 21:27

You've prompted me to email my county's library and ask them to buy it as it's not showing.

LockShockandBarrel · 20/10/2023 21:18

I doubt it, they once gave me a fee in error for a reservation of a kids book (which are supposed to be free) when I queried it I got computer says no.

ifIwerenotanandroid · 20/10/2023 21:17

@LockShockandBarrel Have you checked whether the library will waive fees? Don't know what proof you might have to provide.

LockShockandBarrel · 20/10/2023 21:06

I ordered it at my library as soon as it was in. Cost money. I've now requested it as a loan and had to pay a further pound even though I am supposedly first in a queue of ten.
I'm seriously skint, hence the library order rather than buying myself, but consider this a charitable donation to educate vipers and be kind alike.
I'd just like to point out that we will be at food banks soon due to disability and col crisis and the library may think it's a token gatekeepy thing but a few pounds makes the difference of whether my child gets to go anywhere all week.
Inclusive? Feck, arse gobshites!

PrimitivePerson · 20/10/2023 20:31

Almost certainly not censorship or conspiracy, it's just that libraries are skint.

In my local authority area, they've stopped buying everything apart from popular fiction due to funding cuts.

More than one reason is available for things happening, and cock-up is far more likely than conspiracy.

Melroses · 20/10/2023 19:48

My local library service has 3 on order and I am 2nd in the queue on one of them. I keep checking but they don't seem to have come in yet.

Original poster
OccultGnuNew · 20/10/2023 17:05

Oh they do ifIwerenotanandroid they do, both solidly feminist supportive friends who'd help me dispose of a dead body, same sense of humour and everything apart from this one topic.

We have an unspoken agreement Not To Speak Of It.

OP posts:
ifIwerenotanandroid · 20/10/2023 16:51

Good luck! I hope they have other qualities which will make it a lovely weekend for all.

Original poster
OccultGnuNew · 20/10/2023 16:47

I love the way this one thread has caused different people to contact their local libraries asking about GL's book, I have a little warm feeling as a result. Good on yer!

I'm on a weekend away shortly but will return afterwards with news of Askews should they respond. I'm away with two friends who are solidly TWAW so it may be interesting - maybe this weekend is a good time to find the bookshop selling Tough Crowd and see if it triggers a conversation.

Wish me luck.

OP posts:
Blackbyrd · 20/10/2023 16:27

Excellent first post OP, and nice follow up work! Thank you

IwantToRetire · 20/10/2023 16:27

How lovely on a friday afternoon to be able to read so many positive posts of activism.

Well done OP for stirring up the hornet nest of FWR vipers!!