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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:
AmadeustheAlpaca · 06/11/2023 18:07

Slothtoes · 06/11/2023 13:42

Also keen to read the Madonna book now I’ve seen that exists..

I’ve reserved the Madonna book too. I’m not a huge fan of hers, but she’s had an interesting colourful life, worth a read.
On a separate note, cheers to everyone in Edinburgh who has requested that the council libraries buy GL’s book.

magicmole · 06/11/2023 18:08

ChristinaXYZ · 06/11/2023 16:31

Ask them to get it into stock for you. Interlibrary loan - they can borrow from other areas. Or ask them to buy it in because you're requesting it. My library will do this for a nominal fee (a couple of quid I think).

Yes think it's the same in Leics that for £1 you can request they buy a book.

Hope you're feeling better soon @GurlWithACurl

Wormwoodgal · 11/11/2023 22:58

Lucienandjean · 06/11/2023 13:28

@Wormwoodgal thank you for that link, I've just requested it too! Considering the utter dross Edinburgh libraries do stock, I'm sure they can order a copy of this decent book as well.

Edinburgh update: I originally requested the purchase at one of the suburban libraries, and the assistant said they had put the request on the system and requested that if it was bought it should be reserved for me. They also told me that I would get an email if it was ordered, and there was no need to enquire again.
Being a disobedient woman I asked at Edinburgh Central Library today - yes, it's on order and there are three reservations for it ... none of them mine!
So now I've reserved it. Again.

LilyPAnderson · 11/11/2023 23:15

I accidentally joined Audible by forgetting to cancel the free trial, and thinking of buying Graham's book with the credit I have for this month.
I do admire him standing up against internet bullies. However he has given us so much brilliant and unique comedy, such as Black Books and IT Crowd, I feel we're missing out on more comedy when he has been cancelled from creating new work.
Even if people don't agree with his views on trans, can't he be allowed to have his views and still produce comedy work?

I'll finish with a line from the IT Crowd, "You used to be a man?" "I thought you said you're from Iran".

Lucienandjean · 11/11/2023 23:18

@Wormwoodgal hopefully one of those reservations is mine! I'm glad they've ordered a copy at least.

LockShockandBarrel · 11/11/2023 23:33

My library order came through.
Sorry if you are in the queue behind me, will be giving to partner to read before it goes back!

AmadeustheAlpaca · 12/11/2023 22:10

Wormwoodgal · 11/11/2023 22:58

Edinburgh update: I originally requested the purchase at one of the suburban libraries, and the assistant said they had put the request on the system and requested that if it was bought it should be reserved for me. They also told me that I would get an email if it was ordered, and there was no need to enquire again.
Being a disobedient woman I asked at Edinburgh Central Library today - yes, it's on order and there are three reservations for it ... none of them mine!
So now I've reserved it. Again.

Show quote history

Just read your update. I’m going to add my name to the reservation list. Haven’t had an email to say they have ordered it. I think there must have been lots of requests for Graham’s book from Edinburgh library users.

Mia1351 · 13/11/2023 02:55

My library system has zero gc books. I requested one from a larger system but they are not sending it.

Mia1351 · 13/11/2023 02:58

Most libraries do not use layman reviews. Amazon and Google reviews, Goodreads, those don't count. We use reviews from professional sites like library journal and kirkus( in the USA)

catduckgoose · 13/11/2023 03:20

Big Train and Motherland are also brilliant. Graham's comic genius shines through.

Rafalww · 13/11/2023 03:58

PaleBlueMoonlight · 19/10/2023 16:28

This is actually really disturbing.

That’s what happens when you employ left wing activists. They use their position to further their political agenda and don’t act professionally with impartiality. It happens in all industries to the very import right down to the bottom. Look at the 39 pages bank staff wrote about Nigel Farage.

Rafalww · 13/11/2023 04:01

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

if you can afford to do so why not donate them a copy? 😊

sashh · 13/11/2023 05:10

I've just checked, my local library has it 'on order'.

socialdilemmawhattodo · 13/11/2023 09:33

I'm 7of13 - moved up a place. Definitely feel like a Borg.

mum2jakie · 14/12/2023 21:03

Requested my library copy weeks ago - just had the email confirming it's ready for me to pick up!

Barbadossunset · 14/12/2023 21:54

Slightly off-topic, but worth a mention:
This from Unherd
PEN America’s new president is no free speech champion. Jennifer Finney Boylan disowned a letter signed by J.K. Rowling.

This was from PEN’s website:

We believe in everyone’s freedom to write and read, wherever they are in the world. Founded in 1921, today PEN International is recognised as the world’s foremost association of writers, as well as a leading international charity and expert on freedom of expression.

LilyPAnderson · 22/12/2023 22:19

Our media which is mainly owned by types who want to keep the British economy closely linked to USA banks, encouraging people to live in greed and debt, manages to get people to chant the word lefty as an insult, so they support USA capitalism and blame lefties for what USA capitalism causes. Then they keep voting for political parties who cause what they say they dislike, such as melting pot and trans children. It's only the USA that has a TV show for the child trans Jazz Jennings, only a USA magazine that made Caitlyn Jenner woman of the year, and Dylan for the USA sports brand Nike.
While the USA promotes what the media gets people to blame lefties for, while all actual left wing countries such as most in north Europe and Scandinavia promote, are free health care, not being in debt with credit cards, houses are homes than for a few greedy people to buy up to make money off others and child environmental activists.

Lysistra65 · 22/12/2023 22:40

It's not on display in Waterstones. I may go & order it if I dont get it for Xmas - just to make them look at me disapprovingly.

EmpressGrey2 · 22/12/2023 23:04

RhinestoneCowgirl · 19/10/2023 17:06

I'm in ultra 'be kind' Bristol and just checked LibrariesWest - two copies 'being acquired by the library'. I've added my name to the reservation list.

I'm also LibrariesWest, just outside Bristol in North Somerset. I put in a request for the book to be purchased and then a reservation. I was quite impressed that they acted on my request immediately but for me it's been 'pending' since mid-October.

RhinestoneCowgirl · 23/12/2023 08:07

My copy just came into the library, I picked it up yesterday. He's a very funny writer, and was keeping me company with 3am insomnia earlier.

VeronicaBeccabunga · 23/12/2023 08:28

Buckinghamshire County Library Service has two copies with four reservations.
I'll get on the list!

VicSynix · 23/12/2023 08:52

EmpressGrey2 · 22/12/2023 23:04

I'm also LibrariesWest, just outside Bristol in North Somerset. I put in a request for the book to be purchased and then a reservation. I was quite impressed that they acted on my request immediately but for me it's been 'pending' since mid-October.

Show quote history

Ah ha, I'm also in Libraries West end have just finished reading my copy! I'm returning it today so hopefully it will be progressing through the system to someone else very shortly.

LondonLass91 · 23/12/2023 09:25

My library stocks it - both my local librarys do (in East London). One of them also fairly recently hosted a Harry Potter reading event and had a large cut out of JK Rowling. I had to physically stop myself from kissing it.

LondonLass91 · 23/12/2023 09:27

Lysistra65 · 22/12/2023 22:40

It's not on display in Waterstones. I may go & order it if I dont get it for Xmas - just to make them look at me disapprovingly.

It's on display at my nearest Waterstones, in Romford Essex.

Lysistra65 · 23/12/2023 13:57

Looked online, local shop has it, but not displayed. Will buy if dont get for Xmas. May also ask for in library anyway, to encourage them to stock it.