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

[OccultGnuNew]

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?

I just reserved it in my local library in Dublin, it would be disgraceful if they didn't stock it with him being a Dub. It doesn't appear to be on borrowbox though, not yet anyway.

Couldn't find it in Leeds. Phoned my local library who are emailing the library support team who will call me to let me know whether it's worth them buying it or not.

It’s not on the catalogue for Leicestershire libraries, either as a print book or an ebook. There is also no easy way to put in a request. As I cannot leave the house, I have found an online query page and have requested the ebook that way.

As a retired librarian, I am horrified by what has happened to my profession!

One copy for the whole of East Sussex (5 reservations), none in West Sussex and none (surprise) in Brighton & Hove

It's not been the easiest to get hold of from Amazon to be fair. I'm still waiting for my copy, pre-ordered in September.

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.

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!!

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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'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.

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

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

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

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.

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!