Taoiseach hits out at attempts to censor books in local libraries

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said it “pains” him to see that “ideas of censorship and the banning of books” have re-entered public debate as he wrote to libraries across the country to express his solidarity.

In a letter sent to librarians in recent days, Mr Varadkar said he wanted to “express my solidarity and support for you, our librarians and our library workers”.

“For many of us, our libraries are the first place where we discover our love of books.

“They are repositories of knowledge, of wisdom and they are where people go to learn things or to seek solitude. For me, I remember visiting the library in Roselawn as a child both with my mother and later with my class in primary school. It’s where I discovered Roald Dahl, CS Lewis and it’s where I fell in love with maps and atlases. It was a window to the wider world. I still remember the little green library ticket we were issued with.”

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The Taoiseach’s letter comes after public library staff were given instructions to secure buildings, alert gardaí and avoid commenting to the media in response to rising numbers of protesters seeking to remove “offensive” LGBTQ+ books aimed at young people.

This year, groups of campaigners have been entering libraries and targeting what they describe as inappropriate books aimed at 12-17 year olds which, they say, promote “gender ideology and pornography”.

In his letter to librarians, Mr Varadkar said “libraries allow us to explore, to dream and to experience from a young age”.

“I know for many newcomers to Ireland, libraries allow them to learn about their new country and keep in touch with their old one.

“For people who are lonely or suffer from social anxiety, and there are many in our society, it’s a safe place where they can interact with other people in their own private way. Ireland was once a place of censorship when books and publications were banned because some did not agree with the concepts and ideas set out in them. Worse still, they did not want anyone to read them lest they be allowed to make up their own mind. Many banned books were authored by Irishmen and women. It pains me to see that ideas of censorship and the banning of books has once again entered public debate albeit from a vocal minority,” he wrote.

He described the work of librarians as being “vital” saying this work was under threat and “that is not okay”.

“No one has the right to intimidate anyone in their place of work and I want to assure you that we are doing everything we can. I have spoken with Minister O’Brien and Minister McEntee and we want to make sure that any approach is an appropriate one and one that keeps you safe and our libraries open.”

Among the books which protesters have highlighted are This Book Is Gay and What’s the T? by Juno Dawson; Yay! You’re Gay! Now What? by Riyadh Khalof; Sex Ed An Inclusive Teenage Guide to Sex and Relationships by The School of Sexuality Education; and Trans Teen Survival Guide by Owl and Fox Fisher.