Library chiefs hit back at islamic books claim

Sep 7 2007

CITY council chiefs have hit back after a report claimed hardline Islamic books could be found in Birmingham libraries.

A survey by right-leaning think-tank the Centre for Social Cohesion claimed books preaching an extremist interpretation of Islam could be found in the Second City's libraries.

The survey also focused on Tower Hamlets in London where it claimed books written by extremists and jailed preachers made up much of the Islamic collection.

The report's main author and thinktank director Douglas Murray claimed the "warped" presentation of Islam represented a "major threat to public safety".

He said: "Firstly, it risks radicalising Muslims who are simply trying to find out about their religion and, secondly, it risks increasing suspicion and distrust of the Islamic faith among members of the British public.

"It risks fuelling the tensions that lead to terrorist attacks."

But a Birmingham City Council spokesman said: "Many of the writings highlighted are historic and scholarly works. We do not stock any material in any of our libraries that incites racial hatred.

"We have a balanced selection of literature on Islam and other cultural beliefs."