Emphasising on the imperative need to safeguard public libraries and their staff from far-right threats, President Michael D Higgins, in his speech at the annual Bloomsday Garden Party at Áras an Uachtaráin held last Sunday, emphasised that the responsibility falls on everyone living in a civilised society, and not simply the Garda Síochána.
President Higgins criticised those who threaten library staff and destroy books under the facade of being ‘protestors’, stating they are in reality vigilantes who aim to impose censorship and are possibly engaged in illegal activities. He lauded libraries as treasured community hubs, untouched by commercialisation, offering a hospitable environment that doesn’t require patrons to spend money or purchase something to enjoy their facilities. He commended the library staff for fostering an environment encouraging intellectual curiosity for Irish individuals of all ages.
He voiced concern over the forced yet temporary closure of libraries due to threats from individuals expressing their disapproval over certain books by demanding their removal. This discourse was prompted by recent incidents across various national libraries, in which staff and events were targeted, causing occasional intervention by the police, with several incidents happening in Cork.
During a recent public sector trade union conference, Fórsa, library staff disclosed instances of harassment, filming and verbal abuse during their work hours.
Always condemn any act of book destruction as an utter disgrace, urged President Higgins, who gave this speech at an annual event held to commemorate James Joyce, his book Ulysses and its enthusiasts.
Acclaimed writers like Joyce have experienced the detrimental effects of censorship and book burning. Modern society must not make room for these despicable examples of vandalism. Libraries ought to be serene sanctuaries for soulful engagement, a quiet haven for intellectual stimulation and discovery. Efforts must be undertaken to maintain libraries as such. In the words of Socrates, they serve as the ‘birthing suite for the emergence of ideas’.
The president said, “The thought of a world devoid of libraries is truly a terrifying dystopian concept. Keeping the legacy of Joyce alive, today we reflect on his profound and enduring genius. This is achieved by ensuring our public libraries persist and develop, have their reach widened and their protection reinforced, and continue to serve as vital centres for knowledge and inquisitive minds. Challenges from far-right groups aiming to intimidate libraries and library employees, along with demands for regressive and unenlightened censorship, need to be addressed. It’s equally essential to ensure that the libraries continue to carry a broad collection of literature that encapsulates the great diversity of our modern society. Such an endeavour isn’t just within the purview of the police but is a collective responsibility for all of us.”