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!
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
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