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.
Number of challenges: 39
Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit 
Available at MC?: Yes!
Number of Challenges: 38
Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
Available at MC?: Yes!
Number of Challenges: 35
Challenged for: Depiction of sexual assault, depiction of incest, claimed to be sexually explicit, EDI content
Available at MC?: Yes!
Number of Challenges: 35
Challenged for: Claimed to be sexually explicit, LGBTQIA+ content, depiction of sexual assault, depiction of drug use, profanity
Available at MC?: Yes!
Number of Challenges: 33
Challenged for: Claimed to be sexually explicit
Available at MC?: No
Number of Challenges: 30
Challenged for: Claimed to be sexually explicit
Available at MC?: Yes!
Number of Challenges: 30
Challenged for: Claimed to be sexually explicit, profanity
Available at MC?: Yes!
Number of Challenges: 28
Challenged for: Claimed to be sexually explicit, depiction of drug use
Available at MC?: Yes!
Number of Challenges: 28
Challenged for: Claimed to be sexually explicit, depiction of sexual assault
Available at MC?: Yes!
Number of Challenges: 27
Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
Available at MC?: No
Nearly 72% of censorship attempts in 2024 were initiated by pressure groups and decision makers who have been swayed by them.
36% of censorship attempts were initiated by a board or administration
26% were initiated by pressure groups
16% were initiated by parents
10% were initiated by elected officials or government
7% were initiated by other/unknown
4% were initiated by patrons
1% were initiated by librarians/teachers/staff
Statistics based on 5,813 book challenges | Censorship statistics compiled by Office for Intellectual Freedom | American Library Association
Multi-title challenges at schools remained alarmingly expansive in 2024. The trend of attempting to censor materials and services available to entire communities through their public library continued.
55% of censorship attempts were at public libraries
38% were in school libraries
5% were in schools
2% were in higher education institutions/other
Statistics based on 804 cases with known locations | Censorship statistics compiled by Office for Intellectual Freedom | American Library Association
ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 821 censorship attempts in 2024.
76% of these attempts were related to books and graphic novels
6% were related to hate crimes (vandalism and theft of materials representing marginalized groups)
6% were related to displays
3% were related to programs
3% were related to access (Library closures, funding, bomb threats)
2% were related to films
4% were related to other attempts
Censorship statistics compiled by Office for Intellectual Freedom | American Library Association
Pressure groups and the decision makers they influenced targeted 4,190 total titles in 2024. From 2001-2020, this constituency attempted to remove an average of 46 titles per year.
6% of titles were targeted by pressure groups and decision makers in 2005
8% of titles were targeted by pressure groups and decision makers in 2010
14% of titles were targeted by pressure groups and decision makers in 2015
25% of titles were targeted by pressure groups and decision makers in 2020
72% of titles were targeted by pressure groups and decision makers in 2024
Censorship statistics compiled by Office for Intellectual Freedom | American Library Association
Various factors contributed to the decline in reported censorship attempts in 2024, including legislative pressure, intimidation of library workers, fatigue, and attrition.
390 unique titles challenged in 2004
183 unique titles challenged in 2014
1,858 unique titles challenged in 2021
2,571 unique titles challenged in 2022
4,240 unique titles challenged in 2023
2,452 unique titles challenged in 2024
Censorship statistics compiled by Office for Intellectual Freedom | American Library Association
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