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: 106
Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
Available at MC?: Yes!
Number of Challenges: 82
Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
Available at MC?: No
Number of Challenges: 71
Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit, sex education
Available at MC?: Yes!
Number of Challenges: 68
Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit, rape, drugs, profanity
Available at MC?: Yes!
Number of Challenges: 67
Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
Available at MC?: No
Number of Challenges: 62
Challenged for: claimed to be sexually explicit, rape, incest, EDI content
Available at MC?: Yes!
Number of Challenges: 56
Challenged for: profanity, claimed to be sexually explicit
Available at MC?: Yes!
Number of Challenges: 56
Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit, rape, drugs
Available at MC?: No
Number of Challenges: 55
Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit, sex education
Available at MC?: No
Number of Challenges: 53
Challenged for: claimed to be sexually explicit, rape
Available at MC?: Yes!
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
Public library collections came under increased scrutiny in 2023. A significant factor in the increase was that groups who had previously targeted materials in school libraries began bringing challenges to the same titles at their public library.
54% of censorship attempts were at public libraries
39% were in school libraries
5% were at schools
2% were at higher education institutions/other
Statistics based on 1,247 cases with known locations | Censorship statistics compiled by Office for Intellectual Freedom | American Library Association
ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 1,247 censorship attempts in 2023.
76% of these attempts were for books, graphic novels
6% were for other
5% were related to displays (book/library)
4% were related to access (library closures, funding, bomb threats)
4% were related to hate crimes (vandalism, theft of materials representing marginalized groups)
3% were related to programs
2% of these attempts were related to films
Censorship statistics compiled by Office for Intellectual Freedom | American Library Association
The record-breaking number of unique titles targeted in 2023 marked a 65% increase over 2022. Prior to 2021, the average number of unique titles targeted per year was 273.
In 2023, 4,240 unique titles were challenged
In 2022, 2,571 were challenged
In 2021, 1,858 were challenged
In 2014, only 183 unique titles were challenged
In 2004, 390 titles were challenged
Censorship statistics compiled by Office for Intellectual Freedom | American Library Association
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