Choudhury Raises Edinburgh Library Staff Safety Fears 2026

Key Points

• Foysol Choudhury MSP raised an urgent supplementary question on violence against Edinburgh library staff during Portfolio Questions on Culture in the Scottish Parliament last Wednesday.​
• Mr Choudhury asked the Cabinet Secretary about discussions with Police Scotland and local authorities to ensure library workers can provide services safely.
• Speaking after the session, Mr Choudhury stated that libraries are essential community spaces providing education, support, and connection for all ages.​
• He described reports of violence against staff as deeply concerning and emphasised that staff must be properly supported and protected.​
• Mr Choudhury called for the Scottish Government to collaborate with Police Scotland, local councils, and unions to assess risks, improve security, and provide staff training and support.​
• He added that library workers deserve to feel safe at work and communities deserve welcoming library spaces, pledging to continue pressing for action.​
• Cabinet Secretary responded that he had not held such discussions but shared concerns and requested specific incident details from Mr Choudhury to raise with local authority culture conveners.​
• City of Edinburgh Council confirmed reports from Unison trade union of violence against library workers, as reported earlier in February.​
• Mr Choudhury shared the question on social media platform X, highlighting the need for safe environments for library workers.​
• A related TikTok video from Mr Choudhury’s account discussed Scottish Government efforts to protect library staff.​

Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) February 28, 2026 – Foysol Choudhury MSP has raised urgent concerns over reports of violence against library staff in Edinburgh, questioning the Cabinet Secretary during Scottish Parliament proceedings on what measures the Government is taking with Police Scotland and local authorities to protect these essential workers.

The intervention came last Wednesday amid growing worries about the safety of public library employees who serve communities across the city. Mr Choudhury, representing the Lothian region, pressed for immediate action to safeguard staff amid recent troubling reports.​

What Did Foysol Choudhury Ask in Parliament?

During Portfolio Questions on Culture, Foysol Choudhury MSP posed a direct supplementary question to the Cabinet Secretary. As reported in the official parliamentary record, Mr Choudhury asked:

“Following recent reports of violence against Edinburgh library staff, can I ask the Cabinet Secretary what discussions the Scottish Government is having with Police Scotland and local authorities to ensure library workers can provide services to the community in a safe and protected environment?”

This query, captured verbatim in the Scottish Parliament’s official report from the Meeting of Parliament on 18 February 2026, underscores the immediacy of the issue. The question highlights the potential risks library workers face while delivering vital public services.

Following the session, as detailed by NEN.press, Mr Choudhury elaborated on the importance of libraries. He stated:

“Libraries are essential community spaces that provide education, support and connection for people of all ages.”​

How Did the Cabinet Secretary Respond?

The Cabinet Secretary acknowledged the concerns raised by Mr Choudhury but noted no prior discussions on the matter. According to the official parliamentary transcript, the Cabinet Secretary replied:

“I have not had such discussions, but Mr Choudhury’s question raises concerns that I would share with him. If he can forward any information about specific incidents that I am not aware of, I will most certainly bring that up in conversation with, among others, the culture conveners of local authorities. We are trying to work closely on cultural provision, and that seems exactly the kind of issue on which we need to have an active dialogue.”​

This response indicates a willingness to engage further once specifics are provided, emphasising ongoing collaboration on cultural services. It reflects a measured governmental approach, pending detailed evidence of incidents.

What Additional Statements Did Mr Choudhury Make?

Speaking after the parliamentary session, as reported by NEN.press, Foysol Choudhury MSP reiterated the critical role of library staff. He said:

“It is deeply concerning to hear reports of violence against staff who are simply doing their jobs. We must ensure they are properly supported and protected.”​

Mr Choudhury advocated for comprehensive measures, calling on the Scottish Government to work closely with Police Scotland, local councils, and unions. He specified the need to assess risks, improve security measures where required, and ensure staff receive appropriate support and training.​

He further emphasised:

“Library workers deserve to feel safe at work, and communities deserve safe, welcoming library spaces. I will continue to press for answers and action on this issue.”

These comments, shared via his social media including a post on X and a TikTok video, amplify his commitment to the cause.

What Are the Underlying Reports of Violence?

The concerns stem from recent reports confirmed by the City of Edinburgh Council. As reported by Deadline News on 5 February 2026, the Council acknowledged reports from the Unison trade union detailing violence against library workers in the city.​

While specific incidents in Edinburgh libraries remain detailed in union communications rather than public records here, the issue echoes broader patterns in Scotland and the UK. For context, North East Bylines revealed Freedom of Information documents showing a history of violence, threats, drug and alcohol abuse, and verbal abuse at libraries in North Tyneside, with police called to 266 incidents at three centres between 2016 and 2020.​

In one documented case from 31 January 2018, staff dealt with youths on scooters causing chaos, swearing at employees, kicking doors, and terrifying vulnerable customers, prompting multiple police calls. A former staff member criticised the council for inadequate responses, calling for door staff, body cameras, and an inquiry into duty of care failures.​

Though focused on the North East, such reports illustrate the nationwide challenges Mr Choudhury addresses in Edinburgh.

Why Are Libraries Vital Community Hubs?

Libraries serve as cornerstones of local communities, offering free access to education, digital resources, social support, and cultural events. In Edinburgh, with its 28 public libraries managed by the City of Edinburgh Council, these spaces attract thousands weekly, particularly families, students, and vulnerable groups.​

Mr Choudhury highlighted their role in providing “education, support and connection for people of all ages,” a sentiment echoed in parliamentary discussions on culture. Violence disrupts this, potentially deterring usage and straining public services already under budget pressures.

Unions like Unison have long campaigned for better protections, with the Edinburgh confirmation marking a key escalation.​

What Actions Is Mr Choudhury Demanding?

Foysol Choudhury MSP is pushing for multi-agency collaboration. His demands include risk assessments, enhanced security such as CCTV or panic buttons, staff training in de-escalation and self-defence, and mental health support post-incidents.​

By involving Police Scotland for patrols or rapid response protocols and local councils for facility upgrades, he seeks systemic change. Unions would ensure worker voices shape policies, aligning with health and safety regulations under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.​

Mr Choudhury’s pledge to “continue to press for answers and action” signals ongoing parliamentary scrutiny.​

How Does the Government Plan to Address Library Safety?

The Cabinet Secretary’s offer to discuss with local culture conveners suggests decentralised action, given libraries fall under council remit. The Scottish Government funds cultural services but relies on COSLA (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) for implementation.​

No national policy on library security exists yet, but this could prompt guidelines similar to those for retail or care workers. Forthcoming dialogues may yield funding for training or tech upgrades.​

Police Scotland’s role would focus on crime prevention, potentially increasing community policing in library hotspots.

What Is the Broader Context of Violence Against Public Workers?

Violence against public-facing staff is rising UK-wide. Royal College of Nursing reports surging assaults on NHS workers; similar trends hit teachers and transport staff. In libraries, issues often involve substance misuse, mental health crises, or youth anti-social behaviour.​

Edinburgh’s urban density amplifies risks, with libraries in areas like Leith or Niddrie facing higher incidents. Unison’s reports likely detail assaults, verbal abuse, or threats, prompting Mr Choudhury’s intervention.​

Nationally, the Health and Safety Executive notes over 1.7 million work-related ill-health cases yearly, many stress-related from violence.​

Who Is Foysol Choudhury MSP?

Foysol Choudhury, Labour MSP for Lothian since 2021, brings community advocacy experience. A founding director of Edinburgh Mela and vice chairman, he focuses on integration and public services.​

His parliamentary roles include culture scrutiny, making this a natural fit. Despite a 2025 Labour suspension over unrelated harassment allegations (now independent), he remains vocal on worker rights.​

What Happens Next for Edinburgh Libraries?

Mr Choudhury may table further questions or seek a debate. Councils could review security via risk assessments, potentially installing more cameras or hiring stewards. Unions push for zero-tolerance policies.

Communities await safer spaces, ensuring libraries endure as inclusive hubs. This story, drawn from parliamentary records, NEN.press, Deadline News, and others, highlights a pressing civic issue demanding swift resolution.