Banning Policy
Lewisham libraries are experiencing a surge in abusive incidents, prompting concerns about the effectiveness of the Banning Policy.
Lewisham libraries are currently addressing a significant increase in abusive incidents, with verbal and threatening behaviour now comprising over half of all reported cases. Data presented to the Lewisham Health and Safety Committee in February 2026 showed a 10.2% rise in overall incidents across Hub Libraries between October 2023-September 2024 and October 2024-September 2025.
The primary driver for this increase was a 24% rise in verbal and threatening abuse, which now accounts for 57.4% of all library-related incidents. This ongoing situation highlights the challenges faced by staff and the context for the Banning Policy, which is implemented in Lewisham libraries to address challenging behaviour.
Key facts
- Verbal and threatening behaviour makes up over half of all reported incidents in Lewisham libraries. Source
- Overall incidents in Lewisham's Hub Libraries increased by 10.2% between October 2023-September 2024 and October 2024-September 2025. Source
- Verbal and threatening abuse rose by 24% in Lewisham libraries during the same period. Source
- Data on abusive incidents was presented to the Lewisham Health and Safety Committee in February 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.