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Book Banning and Censorship: Home

A collection of books that have been frequently banned, challenged, or restricted according to the American Library Association's Office of Intellectual Freedom.

Book Banning and Censorship

For centuries, literature has been subject to censorship, challenges, and bans. Preliminary data shows that 2023 will have the highest number of book challenges in the United States since the American Library Association began recording data over twenty years ago. MC Library's Collection Development Guidelines affirm our commitment to the Library Bill of Rights, intellectual freedom, and the freedom to read.

"In making selections, the library attempts to include material representing differing points of view on controversial issues. As long as subjects fit into the general collection guidelines of the library, they will be considered without censorship or prejudice when determining the collection’s balance."

Members of the library profession hold strong values related to intellectual freedom, the freedom to read, academic freedom, censorship, and more. Explore the websites below for more information on how libraries protect your rights. 

Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2023

#1: Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe

#1: Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe

 

Number of Challenges: 106

Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit 

Available at MC?: Yes!

Total Amount of Book Challenges in 2023 (Map)

Titles Challenged in Public Schools and Libraries During 2023

Attempts to censor books during this period: 938. Total titles challenged in those attempts: 9,021.

Titles Challenged in Public Schools and Libraries During 2023

ALA Statistics on Challenges in 2023

Who Initiates Attempts to Censor Books?

Who Initiates Attempts to Censor Books?

In 2023, the American Library Association documented the highest number of titles targeted for censorship since ALA began compiling data more than 20 years ago. 4,240 unique titles were challenged last year, up from 2,571 targeted in 2022. In 2023, organized pressure groups used their power to try to empty library shelves of all books they deem inappropriate. 

28% of censorship attempts were initiated by patrons

24% were initiated by parents

21% were initiated by pressure groups

13% were initiated by boards/administration

9% were initiated by other/unknown

3% were initiated by librarians/teachers/staff

2% were initiated by elected officials/government

Statistics based on 954 cases | Censorship statistics compiled by Office for Intellectual Freedom | American Library Association

Library Displays for Banned Books Week

Library book display

Germantown Library

Library book display

Rockville Library

Library book display

TP/SS Library

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