- Request
-
1. Please provide data regarding the number of challenges to books received by your library/libraries for each calendar between 2018 and 2022, plus so far in 2023.
For this request, a book challenge is defined as a formal complaint requesting that materials be removed from a library because of content or inappropriateness.
Specifically, please provide each of the following for each year if available:
* The number of challenges received
* The title and author of the books challenged
* The reason (if any) provided for the challenge
* The action taken in response to the challenge
- Decision
-
I can confirm that the information requested is held by Lincolnshire County Council. I have detailed below the information that is being released to you.
2023 to date - 1
Date: 26.9.23
Title/author: Grandad’s Pride by Harry Woodgate
Challenge reason: Illustration of man wearing leather underwear
Action taken: Reply sent apologising for any upset caused explaining that the library service stock caters for a wide range of reading tastes and understands that parents and guardians will want to make their own choices about which books they choose to read with their children.
2022 – 0 2021 - 2
Date: 31.8.21
Title/author: Marvel Super Hero Adventures: To Wakanda an Beyond by Jim McCann (Author), Dario Brizuela (Illustrator)
Challenge reason: Book inappropriate for children’s collection as it contains astral projection and witchcraft themes
Action taken: Reply sent apologising for any upset caused explaining that the library service stock caters for a wide range of reading tastes and understands that parents and guardians will want to make their own choices about which books they choose to read with their children.
Date:26.8.21
Title/author: The Black Dress by Deborah Moggach
Challenge reason: Graphic descriptions of sexual acts
Action taken: Reply sent apologising for any upset caused explaining that the library service has to cater for a wide range of reading tastes
2020 – 0 2019 - 1
Date: 09/12/2019
Title/author: Sea of Love by Susan Donovan
Challenge reason: Use of foul language
Action Taken: Reply sent apologising for any upset caused explaining that the library service has to cater for a wide range of reading tastes
2018 - 1 Date: 5/03/2018
Title/author: Duchess of Drury Lane by Frieda Lightfoot.
Challenge reason: Detail of sexual exploitation of young actress by leading actor
Action taken: Reply sent apologising for any upset caused explaining that the library service has to cater for a wide range of reading tastes
- Reference number
- FOI 7962153
- Date request received
- 27/09/23
- Date of decision
- 16/10/23