A politically led review of displays in Warwickshire libraries has found "no evidence" of inappropriate placement – but Reform UK councillors are set to introduce selection criteria.

The review was instigated in early July after leader Cllr George Finch alleged that Warwickshire County Council libraries had been "promoting contested gender ideology". Subsequent council reports cite "verbal concerns raised with the leader" as the primary reason for the review.

Cllr Finch made reference to library displays celebrating Pride month in Rugby when interviewed by the BBC and, in a subsequent interview with the Local Democracy Reporting Service, referred to "books that shouldn't be for reading by children" being placed at "children's height" in Kenilworth and Rugby.

By then, the review, led by the Reform UK cabinet leads on libraries Cllr Mike Bannister, health Cllr Anne-Marie Sonko, and children, families and education Cllr Wayne Briggs, had been triggered despite 50 people gathering on the steps of Shire Hall, Warwick, to protest against its launch.

Its report states that the trio visited 15 libraries between them, reviewed legal requirements and local library performance, benchmarked against four "comparable" local authorities and met with other stakeholders.

It included those cabinet members being provided with "a suite of photos" of Warwickshire library displays with the councillors noting that "approximately half of the library portfolio" had put up Pride displays in line with the local needs assessments conducted by the teams working at them.

The review published a list of findings and recommended actions that the entire Reform UK cabinet – panel of decision-making councillors in charge of major service areas – will be asked to approve when it meets on Thursday (October 15).

'No significant concerns'

It found children's spaces in all venues to be "well managed, child-friendly and appropriately designed" with "no significant concerns" on safeguarding or the presentation of children's collections. It added that adult-themed displays were "consistently located away from children's areas".

However, the recommendations call for guidance on the content and positioning of book displays to be updated, "particularly to cover sensitive topics and the location and content of displays near children's library areas".

"Refresher training should be provided to staff to embed this guidance and its application," it adds.

Displays, largely developed locally by library staff, were judged by the Reform councillors to be "balanced, professionally managed and reflective of community interests", although it was noted there was "little guidance" on how long they should be put up.

The review adds: "No evidence was found of inappropriate display placement and children's areas were appropriately considered when positioning materials.

"Library staff demonstrated political impartiality and applied existing policies consistently."

Nevertheless, comparisons with other councils led the review team to believe that "clearer guidance" would be beneficial with senior staff requested to include "criteria for local selection, balance, prominence, age suitability (and) children's areas… to ensure displays are proportionate and politically neutral".

It suggests displays should be refreshed fortnightly "while allowing flexibility to respond to local needs assessment".

'Consistent use of corporate branding'

Reference is also made to staff not only being but appearing to be politically impartial, advocating that be achieved through "consistent use of corporate branding, so that council buildings and spaces feel inclusive to all residents".

What that means in practice is not detailed, but in June, Cllr Bannister told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that residents had raised concerns with him about library staff wearing rainbow lanyards.

The review's recommendation is that senior council staff consider "steps to be taken" on that front.

It also recommends the development of a wider libraries strategy alongside community profiles for each site to ensure they are tailored to the needs of their users and localities.

In a statement of its recommendations and conclusions, the review team noted their work had "highlighted a professional, committed workforce delivering a high-quality service for all communities", reiterated that the review had never included any plans to ban or censor books and that councillors felt "assured" over the process to handle concerns.

It adds: "Stock selection and management, and the operation of the stock management policy must remain the domain of professional library staff.

"Library staff should continue to exercise their professional judgement with due regard given to appropriate placement of books and materials. This review does not seek to change this in any way.

"The review's recommendations focused primarily on opportunities to strengthen clarity, consistency and assurance."

It also states a desire to maximise the use of apprenticeships within the service.

On Monday, Reform UK issued a statement ahead of the decision in which Cllr Bannister praised the "excellent job" done by staff but also the need for "practical improvements to support staff and strengthen the service".

"The review identified areas where guidance could be clearer, including the absence of a formal policy specifically covering displays and events for library staff, and the need for guidance on room hire," he said.

"Clear guidance protects staff just as much as it reassures residents, because everyone has a clear understanding of how decisions are made, particularly around displays, events and sensitive subjects.

"The result will be a clearer, more consistent and more accountable library service, while retaining the professionalism and freedom that are fundamental to a modern public library."