Reports by the Herald Sun and Sunrise excited concerns some councils might ban books, toys and characters from libraries, in particular, for failing to meet a ‘gender test’.

Municipal Association of Victoria president Mary Lalios said there would be no book or toy bans.

“We want to expand – not ban – the types of stories accessed by our kids to show experiences beyond gender stereotypes, such as girls being the hero who saves the day and boys staying inside on a rainy day to bake,” Cr Lalios said.

“Kids will continue to read childhood classics like Thomas the Tank Engine at their local library, kinder and childcare centre.”

Goldfields Library Corporation chief executive officer Mark Hands said gender equality and equal opportunity were ‘simply social norms that we work with and consider every day’.

“Specific initiatives have not been formulated,” he said.

“Libraries are just part of a continuum of work by many organisations to ensure gender stereotypes are not a limiting factor on choices in life.”

While he said the library corporation’s picture book and junior fiction collection included classics like Thomas the Tank Engine, Winnie the Pooh and Noddy, it also featured works like The Paper Bag Princess and Aaron Blabey’s Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley.

“These are great stories that present different role models,” Mr Hands said.

“It’s not about banning or restricting choice but about expanding and diversifying choice.”

He said the library corporation was working closely with its member councils and other partner organisations regarding gender equality. 

“Libraries are absolutely here for everyone, we live this ethos every day,” Mr Hands said.

“It’s a positive approach that’s not about banning or restricting, it’s about including everyone, equality and collaboration.

“We have science programs, robot building sessions, Lego tables and craft activities for all children.

“Everyone is welcome and encouraged to discover and explore a range of interests.”

Cr Lalios stressed the importance of prevention strategies to ending violence against women.

“As a society we need to work together to end the epidemic levels of violence against women and children that results in a police call-out every two minutes in Australia,” Cr Lalios said.

“Education and care settings for children are identified in Australia’s national framework as a priority area because they have an important role in the socialisation, cognitive and emotional development of our young people.

“Access to a wider range of books is one small step to help our current generation of children to challenge gender stereotypes, and to grow up believing that men and women are equal.”