Staffordshire County Council publishes draft library displays policy after Pride row

Staffordshire County Council has published a draft policy setting out how displays, events and activities will be managed in its libraries, following controversy over the stopping of displays during Pride Month.

THE SIGNAL BRIEF

What’s new: Staffordshire County Council has published a draft policy setting out how displays, events and activities should be managed across its libraries.

Why it matters: The review follows controversy in June after Pride events were no longer promoted in county libraries and discretionary displays were paused.

What’s next: The policy will be considered by the council’s scrutiny committee on October 22, with Cabinet expected to make a decision in November.

This article is based on reporting from the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), a BBC funded initiative set up to strengthen reporting on local democratic issues. The Staffordshire Signal has taken part in the scheme since September 2026, which means we're able to draw on a selection of LDRS stories alongside our own.

County councillors will discuss a new policy on how space is used in Staffordshire libraries next week – four months after a row erupted over the stopping of displays during Pride Month.

Staffordshire County Council leader Martin Murray took to social media in June to state that Pride events would no longer be promoted in the county’s public libraries.

The decision was part of a review of the use of library display space and the authority said that whilst the review took place, all displays that do not promote the core library offer or wider council services were paused. Thousands of people signed an online petition calling for the council to reverse any policy that prevented libraries and other council services from displaying materials that recognise and celebrate LGBTQ+ communities and other protected groups during awareness and heritage months.

The Reform UK-led authority has now published its draft Libraries Displays, Events and Activities Policy. On Thursday (October 22) the council’s Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee is being asked to “consider whether the proposed principles provide an appropriate balance between effective and efficient community hubs, political neutrality, operational practicality and support for community activity.”

The council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for communities and culture Hayley Coles said:

“Staffordshire libraries are for everyone. They are places where people can borrow books, find information, get advice, take part in activities and access council and partner services.

“Libraries are shared spaces used by people with many different experiences, views and beliefs. The policy aims to keep them neutral, effective and efficient, while prioritising information and advice that has the biggest impact for residents — from help with the cost of living, jobs and health, to improving literacy and encouraging a love of books.

“I recognise this subject has generated strong views, particularly following the pause on discretionary displays while the review was undertaken. Some residents and stakeholders support a more consistent focus on the core library offer, while others have concerns that some groups may feel excluded.

“The views of all Staffordshire residents matter and will be considered through the Community Impact Assessment and the formal democratic decision-making process, including public scrutiny and Cabinet.”

A draft library display space schedule, spanning a year, indicated that events including Remembrance, Christmas, World Book Day, Easter, St George’s Day and Armed Forces Day could be marked. Displays could also cover topics such as cost of living and carers’ support, health and wellbeing, volunteering opportunities and fostering.

The draft policy said:

“Managers should consider whether the display, event or activity supports the core library offer, an approved programme, a council priority, a statutory responsibility or evidenced local need, supports one or more Libraries Strategy priorities, relates to any public holiday, or official state commemoration legally designated by the Crown or Parliament. For the avoidance of doubt, this definition applies exclusively to the following recognised events: public holidays, state commemorations, Armistice Day, Remembrance Sunday, Armed Forces Day, Commonwealth Day, Coronation Day, His Majesty’s Accession Day, the official Birthday of His Majesty the King (and) St George’s Day.

“Activities are likely to be outside the core library offer where their main purpose is private, commercial, party political, campaigning, fundraising, personal promotion or unrelated to council priorities or approved plans. These requests are not automatically refused but must be assessed carefully against this policy.

“With limited space and resources, priority will be given to information that has the greatest positive impact for our communities – connecting people with information, services and support that can help them. Materials will not be displayed if they are unlawful, misleading, hateful, discriminatory, sexually explicit, unsafe or intimidating, or if they go against equality or safeguarding duties.

“Libraries may provide information and access to services, but must not promote, advocate or campaign for a particular cause or viewpoint.”

Following next week’s scrutiny committee meeting, the council’s cabinet is expected to make a decision on the policy in November.

Written by Kerry Ashdown, Local Democracy Reporter.

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