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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:
ProudHag · 19/10/2023 16:33

Just checked my library and relieved to see 24 copies and 45 reserves, that's across 11 libraries in my Dublin council. Great to see a clear demand. Hopefully you aren't the only one asking about it OP.

PaleBlueMoonlight · 19/10/2023 16:28

This is actually really disturbing.

NoSquirrels · 19/10/2023 16:25

Write to his publisher, Eye Books - they will want to know this, and are in a much better position to find out from Askews.

Original poster
OccultGnuNew · 19/10/2023 16:23

They do take donated books and I've already resolved to buy it, read it and donate it. AND check if it crops up on the "to borrow" list as well or whether it disappears.

Is it worth asking Askews wtf their ratings are based on I wonder?

And yes Rightsraptor I don't think the person who made the call was expecting the follow up questions and genuinely didn't have the knowledge to answer.

OP posts:
AutumnCrow · 19/10/2023 16:16

I'd email and ask them if they would refuse a donated copy of the book; and if so, why? Get it in writing.

Rightsraptor · 19/10/2023 16:11

I've bought a copy and so haven't asked the libraries, but I may well do so now. TBF, the person who called you was probably instructed to 'phone Occult and tell her we won't be getting that book. If she queries it, just tell her it had a low rating.' And that's genuinely all they know..

Libraries are captured, so it's not a surprise.