National Library of Scotland censors The Women Who Wouldn't Wheesht

[OhBuggerandArse]

Took it out of their centenary exhibition because the staff LGBT+ network kicked up a fuss. Craven. This really needs massive public challenge and push back - if the National Library isn't able to fend off the censors we are utterly lost. https://x.com/EthelWrites/status/1955390550494023958

I expect they're counting the complaints and trying to decide WTF to say because the clock is ticking. They're supposed to respond to second-stage complaints within 20 days. Keep'em coming!

Went in today and was pleased to see some cards about TWWW still there frm a few days ago (including one of mine!) And a lovely card from TWWW editors.

I am due a response to my complaint on 4th September. I'll be demonstrating outside Holyrood on that date (Women Won't Wait) so might just pop in to NLS to ask about progress.

I'm glad the pressure is being kept on NLS, they are probably hoping it will all blow over..

Although the Index on Censorship statement was weak, it is worth remembering that it clearly said
The Women Who Wouldn’t Wheesht made the cut with four votes. It was the only title (as far as we know) excluded from the display after qualifying. That’s not an impartial act of curation. It’s a deliberate exception. [my emphasis]

and their headline said
The National Library of Scotland: When curation becomes censorship

so the 'defence' that it wasn't WWWW wasn't 'censored' it was just 'not included', because there is [allegedly] a copy available in the Library, was rejected by the IonC in their otherwise wishy-washy statement - they called it censorship, so that's the accusation the NLS have to answer.

I got my copy of WWWW from Kenny's of Galway Online Bookshop, a bargain at €13.60!
The Women Who Wouldn't Wheesht - Susan Dalgety - 9781408720721

Reading it with so many mixed emotions - a lot of anger, but a lot of admiration and gratitude too.💚💜

Hollow laughter.... https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/100-years-of-womens-lives-and-writings-workshop-tickets-1003525460667?fbclid=IwY2xjawMf2lleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHvRygIX0oAZVObxQDBA18cl6soV-1TbK626AeqYdOrSiLiuP3PQB8p-acNaem5dInIwoU5mDXXe8GXMR1A

(taking place in Glasgow, in case any locals would like to make their feelings known....)

Questions and answers at the end! What's the betting questions will have to be submitted and read out by the host.

News!!!
media.nls.uk/news/national-library-to-add-book-to-exhibition?fbclid=IwZnRzaAMmoSNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHsnGXbD5lA-q-m0Dsurv4Wl5dE_G_SDe3Jgx0vsfx4q4wIZBFynu5euWs373_aem_27eJlaUh7_1PiPP8UTHH-g

The Library will work with the book’s editors and other exhibition stakeholders to ensure that the book’s placement in the exhibition is constructive and inclusive.

The Library will place the book on the exhibition shelves by the end of the week.

?? placement is constructive and inclusive ??

Great news!

That's good to read 👍

Aren't they worried that a bunch of their staff will...well I'm not exactly sure but bad things were forecast to happen to them. The worst I foresee is flounce.

Well done to TWWWW team. NLS I'm embarrassed for you but well done too. I hope your twisted arm gets better soon.

I think we're going to see the Streisand effect in action. Let the games begin.

A sop to the TWAW rabble-rousers among the staff.

Result! 🥳

Took the library long enough, but glad to see they got there in the end!

Good.

But I want assurances they won't be convinced to vanish other books that are not politically aligned with some staff members.

Statement has a bit of the 'Say three hail Inclusivities while praying for the genderfluid' about it.

That struck me too. IMO a very grudging admission that they got it wrong.

Excellent news.
Their response may through gritted teeth but it’s a win for Women! and Women’s voices.

Loving the headlines:;

Scotland’s National Library reinstates banned gender critical book
The library had refused to display The Women Who Wouldn’t Wheesht about women’s fight against Nicola Sturgeon’s self-ID law
https://www.thetimes.com/article/d80ec591-c2aa-4d0e-8358-726d12745828?shareToken=348f2cbc142614b560d134f0e579f12a

Article also covers the rally.

Fantastic news!

The Library will work with the book’s editors and other exhibition stakeholders to ensure that the book’s placement in the exhibition is constructive and inclusive.

How hard can it be, eh? Take copy of book. Put in pride of place on shelf with the other books.

The Library will place the book on the exhibition shelves by the end of the week.

I shall pop in at the weekend to see how they've done. Haven't been in for a few days because work.

Times article seems more fair reporting than first linked article. Well done WWWW.

Fantastic news!

It's a fabulous read! Not hateful at all!

Fantastic news! Well done to all those who complained.

Ooo great timing. Today was a great day to bury this news as all the crazy tras were too busy running around their masks in London to notice and the newspaper editors could go 'well weve already got one tras story so bump this one'.

What a lovely end to the day. FWS are so inspirational.