Cllr expresses solidarity with Louth County Library staff following online abuse

Councillor John Sheridan has expressed solidarity with Louth County Library staff following recent online abuse they had received in relation to the stocking of LGBT+ literature.

Cllr Sheridan had raised the matter at the Louth County Council April meeting. In comments to the Dundalk Democrat following the meeting, Cllr Sheridan said, “I raised this issue as there was some comments online, abusive and derogatory, to council library staff over the provision of LGBT+ books in our libraries.

“Our library staff deserve total support and solidarity to do their job safely and without any threat. At the Council meeting, the Director of Services confirmed that gardai had been consulted about the safety of the libraries and risk assessments had been held.”

Speaking on the work Louth Library Service has done on the provision of LGBT+ literature in recent times, Cllr Sheridan explained, “in 2021, Louth County Libraries did a fantastic purchase of LGBT+ books for our libraries. These books are a positive and inclusive resource for people who are LGBT+ and indeed those not LGBT+. 

"The books are also there as a resource for parents of LGBT+ people who may wish to engage and understand more about their child's journey”

The Ardee councillor continued: "Trans rights have been enshrined in Irish law since 2015. That was also the year of the marriage equality referendum.

“It's crazy to think that now in 2023, we are seeing sinister and misleading tropes whipped up again and this time libraries are the latest target. Libraries have always been safe spaces for all and should continue to be.”

Cllr Sheridan added, “I would also remind people locally we have very welcoming local support groups in Dundalk Outcomers, Drogheda Outcomers and the LGBT+ group in Dee Hub Ardee. I am delighted that Wednesday night's in person event in Drogheda library was such a fantastic success.”