National Library to add book to exhibition

The National Library of Scotland will add ‘The Women Who Wouldn’t Wheesht’ to its ‘Dear Library’ exhibition in Edinburgh.

The book was nominated among hundreds of other titles for potential inclusion in the ‘books that shaped me’ component of the exhibition.

Concerned about the effect of the polarising public discourse around the subject matter, the Library made the curatorial decision not to include the book in this exhibition. Meanwhile, it made sure that a copy of the book was available in its reading rooms.

The Library has since been subject to scrutiny regarding the decision.

The Library has spent the past few weeks exploring options to address the matter. Part of this work involved holding a meeting between the National Librarian, the Chair of the Board, and the book’s editors, which took place yesterday (3 September).

At yesterday’s meeting, the National Librarian and Chair of the Board heard the editors’ concerns and apologised for not consulting them in the decision making. The Library also had further conversations with staff and other exhibition stakeholders.

National Librarian Amina Shah said:

“The Library’s collections span centuries, and we can use these to explore some of the most pressing issues of our time.

“We aspire to bring people together, and encourage respectful and constructive conversation. We will always be inclusive, and we will always welcome everyone to the Library.”

The Library will work with the book’s editors and other exhibition stakeholders to ensure that the book’s placement in the exhibition is constructive and inclusive.

The Library will place the book on the exhibition shelves by the end of the week.