Disclosure Log

complaints, challenges and requests concerning library stock. (FOI/8142)

Message from Nottinghamshire County Council - 26 June 2026

Dear *********,

 

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 – REQUEST FOR INFORMATION REFERENCE FOI/8142

Thank you for your request for information relating to complaints, challenges and requests concerning library stock..

We are now able to provide the following information:


1. Complaints, challenges and requests relating to library stock - Please state: The total number of complaints, challenges, requests for reconsideration, requests for removal, or similar representations relating to library books or other library materials. 

4

1A.Whether any resulted in:

  • withdrawal  
  • restriction of access
  • relocation
  • relabelling
  • formal review
  • no action  = 4

2. Books subject to complaints, challenges or review - For each book or item that was the subject of a complaint, challenge, request for reconsideration, review, or removal request, please provide, where recorded:
  • Title
  • Author
  • Year of complaint or challenge
  • Brief description of the reason for complaint
  • Outcome
1. My Shadow is pink -   Scott Stuart - 2023  - regressive/ homophobic/ lesbophobic - kept in stock
2. The Awesome Autistic Guide for Trans Teens Yenn Purkis and Sam Rose   - 2024  - Puberty blockers referenced - kept in stock
3. Every Body Book by Rachel E Simon   - 2024  - Puberty blockers referenced - kept in stock
4. When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide for Parents by Lisa Marchiano, Sasha Ayad, and Stella OMalley - 2026 - transphobic - kept in stock

3. Withdrawals linked to complaints or challenges - Please provide details of any books withdrawn from library stock where the recorded reason for withdrawal included:   
  • a complaint
  • a challenge
  • a request for removal
  • community concern
  • reputational concern
  • sensitivity concerns
For each item, please provide:
  • Title
  • Author
  • Year of withdrawal
  • Recorded reason for withdrawal
N/A

4. Source of complaint. Where recorded, please indicate whether a complaint, challenge, request for reconsideration, review or removal request originated from: Where the complainant was an organisation, elected representative, public body, political organisation, or other body acting in an official capacity, please provide the name of that organisation or body where recorded. This request does not seek personal data relating to private individuals.
  • a member of the public =  4 (assumed)
  • an elected councillor
  • a Member of Parliament
  • a political party or political organisation
  • a school, college or university
  • a charity, campaign group or advocacy organisation
  • a religious organisation
  • another public body
  • another organisation acting in an organisational capacity

5. Policies and procedures - Please provide copies of any policies, guidance, procedures or review frameworks used by the library service in relation to:
  • complaints about library materials
  • challenges to library materials
  • requests for reconsideration of library materials
  • decisions to withdraw, restrict, relocate or relabel library materials

See attached stock policy
 

We trust this now satisfies your request and that you find this information to be helpful, however if you are unhappy with the way in which your request has been handled, then please email us at [email protected] quoting the reference FOI/8142 and we will be happy to review your request

For future reference, Nottinghamshire County Council regularly publishes previous FOI requests and answers on its website, under Disclosure logs, that may provide details relating to your query. (see link) Your privacy: we use your personal information such as name and address so that we can comply with our legal obligations to respond to FOI requests.  For further details about the use of information about you, please see the information handling privacy notice on our website at https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/media/4323566/informationgovernanceandinformationrightsprivacynotice.pdf

If you are dissatisfied with the handling of your request, you have the right to ask for an internal review.   Requests should be submitted within 40 working days of the date of receipt of the response to your original request and should be addressed to: Complaints and Information Team, Nottinghamshire County Council, County Hall, Loughborough Road, West Bridgford, NOTTINGHAM, NG2 7QP or [email protected].

Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.

If you are not content with the outcome of the internal review, you have the right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision.  The Information Commissioner can be contacted at: Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, WILMSLOW, SK9 5AF or Yours sincerely

Complaints and Information Team

Chief Executives Department

Nottinghamshire County Council

The Council is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring all personal information is kept confidential and safe. For more details see our general and service specific privacy notices at: https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/global-content/privacy

 



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