Members of the National Education Union (NEU), including teachers, school librarians, support staff and leaders, have voted to oppose censorship and defend intellectual freedom and children’s rights. The motion was passed at the union’s annual conference in Brighton on 1st April, reflecting growing concern across the education sector about access to books and the pressures facing school libraries.

At the heart of the debate were reports from librarians of both internal and external censorship, alongside wider challenges including budget cuts, reduced hours and increasing workloads. A recent case in Salford - where more than 100 books were reportedly removed from a school library - was cited as a particularly concerning example of these pressures in action.

The motion, titled “Fight censorship, defend librarians”, calls on the NEU to actively promote intellectual freedom and children’s rights, and to position itself as a union supporting librarians as well as teaching staff. It also commits to publishing a formal anti-censorship statement, addressing the role of AI in decision-making processes, and hosting a future summit focused on intellectual freedom in education and libraries.

Why access to books matters

As NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede highlighted, fostering a love of reading and curiosity about the world is central to a strong education system. Access to a wide range of books - spanning different voices, experiences and perspectives - plays a crucial role in developing critical thinking, empathy and engagement.

For schools, this is not simply about choice, but about creating environments where all children can:

  • see themselves reflected in what they read
  • encounter new ideas and perspectives
  • develop independent thinking skills

Books, at their best, help children to understand both themselves and others - and this diversity of experience is a key part of building inclusive school communities.

This moment also connects strongly with the wider ambitions of the National Year of Reading, which places reading at the heart of children’s lives, communities and culture. At LoveReading4Schools, we see this through a number of key areas: the importance of reading for pleasure as a driver of attainment, wellbeing and lifelong learning; the need to address access and equity, ensuring no child’s reading journey is shaped by postcode or circumstance; and the balance between building both the skill and the will to read, recognising that motivation is just as important as ability. Alongside this, giving children voice, agency and representation through the books they encounter helps them to see themselves and others more clearly, while reading rooted in family, community and place reinforces that books are not just part of school life, but part of everyday life. Together, these principles reflect a simple but powerful belief: that access to a rich, diverse reading culture is fundamental for every child.

The role of school librarians

The discussion also highlights the vital role played by professional librarians. As noted by CILIP, school librarians bring expertise, training and professional judgement to the development of collections that are appropriate, balanced and relevant to their communities.

Their work is guided by established principles around intellectual freedom -ensuring that collections:

  • reflect a broad range of voices
  • support curriculum and reading for pleasure
  • are selected thoughtfully and responsibly

Calls to remove books based on individual objections risk undermining this professional expertise and the carefully curated nature of school library collections.

Supporting schools in a changing landscape

The NEU’s motion also acknowledges the increasingly complex environment in which schools are operating, including the growing influence of technology and AI. Alongside defending access to books, there is a clear emphasis on supporting pupils to develop critical thinking skills - particularly important in a digital age where information is abundant and not always reliable.

For school leaders, this moment presents an opportunity to:

  • review and strengthen library policies
  • work closely with librarians on collection development
  • ensure clear, transparent processes around challenges to materials

As CILIP has emphasised, collaboration between leadership teams and librarians is key to maintaining strong, inclusive and well-managed collections.

A shared commitment to reading

At LoveReading4Schools, we see every day the transformative impact that access to the right books can have. A rich, diverse and thoughtfully curated library is not a luxury. It is an essential part of school life, supporting both academic development and wellbeing.

For schools and educators, this is both a moment of challenge and of opportunity. By championing reading for pleasure, protecting access to diverse and inclusive collections, and working in partnership with skilled librarians, schools can create reading cultures where every child feels seen, inspired and empowered. As the National Year of Reading reminds us, building both the skill and the will to read is a shared responsibility - one that extends beyond the classroom into families and communities. In safeguarding children’s right to read widely and freely, we are not only supporting literacy, but nurturing curiosity, critical thinking and a lifelong love of reading that will stay with them well beyond their school years.