Reform councillor’s claim about ‘trans-ideological’ books in Kent libraries proven false
A statement by a Reform UK councillor that he had ensured the removal of “trans-ideological material and books” from children’s sections in Kent’s libraries has been undermined after records showed no such books were ever present there.
Paul Webb, the council’s cabinet member for communities, which oversees libraries, shared a video on X claiming a resident had alerted him to “trans-ideological material” in a library’s children’s section.
He stated: “I investigated and confirmed this was true. Today, I ordered all such books to be removed from children’s sections. These books don’t belong there. Children should not be told they were born in the wrong body. This ends now.”
Webb’s post was reshared by council leader Linden Kemkaran, who wrote: “Another win for #commonsenseinKent! My outstanding cabinet member Paul Webb has ensured this inappropriate material is REMOVED from kids’ sections.” Her message included an image of *The Autistic Trans Guide to Life* on what seemed to be a library display stand near a Pride sign.
However, local skepticism arose when the news site *Kent Current* reported that county records showed all copies of the book were located in the adult nonfiction section, not the children’s area. The photo appeared to depict a display at Herne Bay library’s entrance.
Questioned by *CuriosityNews*, the council confirmed no adult transgender-related books had ever been placed in children’s sections. The complaint, they explained, referred to a book displayed near an entrance, which had since been moved to “a section children would not typically access.”
In a statement, the Reform-led council said: “Kent’s libraries do not and will not expose children to adult transgender literature. Staff have been instructed to ensure all books are categorized appropriately and kept out of areas meant for children, including welcome displays.”
The measures followed a resident’s report about an adult transgender book displayed at one library’s entrance, which has since been relocated.
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