The American Library Association (ALA) reported record-breaking censorship demands and book ban attempts in U.S. public libraries and schools in 2023. A disturbing 1,247 demands aimed at 4,240 unique book titles was documented, marking a 65% increase from 2022’s figures, which accounted for 2,571 books.
In no less than 17 states, attempts to ban books targeted more than 100 distinct titles. Public libraries witnessed a particularly sharp rise in censorship demands, marking a 92% increase from the previous year and accounting for 46% of all book challenges. School libraries, traditionally the primary focus of book ban attempts, also reported an 11% increase.
Almost half of the challenged books were either written by LGBTQ+, Black, or other marginalized authors, or told stories concerning these communities. Aligning with the national trend, there has been a noticeable increase in conservative groups and legislators challenging diversity initiatives in schools. This has prompted students to protest and organize banned book groups.
Significant advocacy for book bans comes from groups like Moms for Liberty, designated as a far-right extremist anti-government group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Investigations have also exposed suppression efforts led by Moms for Liberty’s book rating system and a review site from a former member, which drives individuals to impose censorship demands.
While the anti-censorship rhetoric gains ground, with some groups initiating campaigns to counteract the book ban attempts, and federal judges in Iowa and Texas ruling against restrictive legislation, the ALA warns that censorship demands are likely to continue unabated. Therefore, legal professionals and library associations alike will need to stay vigilant and prepared to defend intellectual freedom and the right to choose what one reads.