Unknown individuals are deliberately damaging and destroying “queer literature” in the regional library of Neubrandenburg, a city of about 60,000 residents in the Mecklenburgische Seenplatte district. This was reported by the Nordkurier. The items affected were primarily young adult titles, but travel literature and self-help guides were also impacted. To date, replacement costs for the city have amounted to 200 euros.
In a notice titled “Vandalism in the Library,” the municipal facility outlined the damages that had been observed for several weeks and called on the public to report suspicious activity to staff. “These acts not only lead to financial losses and constitute property damage, but also hinder free access to information and the diversity of our collection,” the notice states.
Library stands for “Openness, Respect, and Diversity of Opinion”
As a library, it stands for “openness, respect, and diversity of opinion,” the notice continues. “We are committed to ensuring that all people have nondiscriminatory access to media and knowledge. We therefore ask for your support: If you observe suspicious activity in the areas mentioned or notice damage, please inform our staff or the security team immediately.”
In the affected areas, the books have now been rearranged. There is also more oversight. Neubrandenburg hit the headlines in the autumn of 2024 when the city council prohibited the raising of rainbow flags at the station; openly gay Mayor Silvio Witt (independent) subsequently announced his resignation (TheColu.mn reported). Later Witt spoke of a “rough discourse” in the city and complained about insults from council members.
