Challenges to library books continue at record pace in 2023, American Library Association reports
1 year, 3 months ago

Challenges to library books continue at record pace in 2023, American Library Association reports

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Book bans and attempted bans continue to hit record highs, according to the American Library Association. Through the first eight months of 2023, the ALA tracked 695 challenges to library materials and services, compared to 681 during the same time period last year, and a 20% jump in the number of “unique titles” involved to 1,915. “The irony is that you had some censors who said that those who didn’t want books pulled from schools could just go to the public libraries,”’ says Deborah Caldwell-Stone, who directs the association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom. The ALA defines a challenge as a “formal, written complaint filed with a library or school requesting that materials be removed because of content or appropriateness.” In 2019, the last pre-pandemic year, the association recorded just 377 challenges, involving 566 titles. “Now you have people turning up at meetings and asking that 100 titles be removed.” The ALA released its numbers in advance of its annual banned books week, Oct. 1-7, when libraries highlight challenged works.

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History of this topic

Judge rules Arkansas law allowing criminal charges against librarians is unconstitutional
17 hours, 40 minutes ago

Judge rules Arkansas law allowing criminal charges against librarians is unconstitutional

Associated Press  

— A federal judge on Monday struck down key parts of an Arkansas law that would have allowed criminal charges against librarians and booksellers for providing “harmful” materials to minors. “I respect the court’s ruling and will appeal,” Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin said in a statement to The Associated Press. “The law deputizes librarians and booksellers as the agents …

New Jersey becomes latest state to prohibit bans on books in school, public libraries
2 weeks ago

New Jersey becomes latest state to prohibit bans on books in school, public libraries

Associated Press  

PRINCETON, N.J. — New Jersey Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy signed a law Monday to prohibit public and school libraries from banning books in the state and to enshrine protections against civil and criminal charges for librarians who comply with the law. Murphy signed the bill at Princeton’s public library, a short walk from Princeton University’s ivy-draped campus and cast the …

Banned Books Week starts with mixed messages as reports show challenges both up and down
3 months ago

Banned Books Week starts with mixed messages as reports show challenges both up and down

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Two reports released Monday provide a mixed but compelling outlook on the wave of book removals and challenges as the annual Banned Books Week begins for schools, stores and libraries nationwide. “And we expect that to continue through the end of the year.” The library association defines a “challenge” as a “formal, written complaint filed with a …

A San Francisco store is shipping LGBTQ+ books to places where they are banned
5 months, 3 weeks ago

A San Francisco store is shipping LGBTQ+ books to places where they are banned

Associated Press  

SAN FRANCISCO — In an increasingly divisive political sphere, Becka Robbins focuses on what she knows best — books. Among those topping banned lists have been Maia Kobabe’s “Gender Queer,” George Johnson’s “All Boys Aren’t Blue” and Nobel laureate Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye.” An LGBTQ+ related book is seen on display at Fabulosa Books, in the Castro District of …

Alabama lawmakers advance bill that could lead to prosecution of librarians
7 months, 4 weeks ago

Alabama lawmakers advance bill that could lead to prosecution of librarians

LA Times  

Alabama lawmakers this week advanced legislation that could see librarians prosecuted under the state’s obscenity law for providing “harmful” materials to minors, the latest in a wave of bills in Republican-led states targeting library content and decisions. It also expands the definition of prohibited sexual conduct to include any “sexual or gender oriented conduct” at K-12 public schools or public …

Report: Last year ended with a surge in book bans
8 months, 1 week ago

Report: Last year ended with a surge in book bans

NPR  

Report: Last year ended with a surge in book bans Enlarge this image toggle caption PEN America PEN America PEN America says there was an "unprecedented" surge in book bans during the latter half of 2023, according to a new report. The free expression group says that from July-December of last year, it recorded 4,349 instances of book bans across …

Librarians fear new penalties, even prison, as activists challenge books
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Librarians fear new penalties, even prison, as activists challenge books

Associated Press  

When an illustrated edition of Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” was released in 2019, educators in Clayton, Missouri needed little debate before deciding to keep copies in high school libraries. “There’s a depiction of a rape scene, a handmaid being forced into a sexual act,” says Tom Bober, Clayton district’s library coordinator and president of the Missouri Association of School …

Maia Kobabe’s ‘Gender Queer’ tops list of most criticized library books for third straight year
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Maia Kobabe’s ‘Gender Queer’ tops list of most criticized library books for third straight year

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Maia Kobabe’s graphic memoir “Gender Queer” continues its troubled run as the country’s most controversial book, topping the American Library Association’s “challenged books” list for a third straight year. “A few advocacy groups have made ‘Gender Queer’ a lightning rod,” says Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom. ”People are trying to shut down …

Censorship efforts at libraries continued to soar in 2023, according to a new report
9 months, 1 week ago

Censorship efforts at libraries continued to soar in 2023, according to a new report

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Bannings and attempted bannings of books soared again in the U.S. last year, continuing to set record highs, according to a new report from the American Library Association. On Thursday, the ALA announced that 4,240 works in school and public libraries had been targeted in 2023, a substantial hike from the then-record 2,571 books in 2022 and …

American Library Association report says book challenges soared in 2023
9 months, 1 week ago

American Library Association report says book challenges soared in 2023

NPR  

American Library Association report says book challenges soared in 2023 Enlarge this image toggle caption Rick Bowmer/AP Rick Bowmer/AP Attempts to restrict library books continued to accelerate last year, according to a report released Thursday from the American Library Association. "We're seeing organized groups go to school boards, go to library boards, demanding the removal of dozens, if not hundreds, …

In Georgia, a bill to cut all ties with the American Library Association is advancing
9 months, 3 weeks ago

In Georgia, a bill to cut all ties with the American Library Association is advancing

NPR  

In Georgia, a bill to cut all ties with the American Library Association is advancing Enlarge this image toggle caption Claire Savage/AP Claire Savage/AP Those who've been trying to remove certain books from childrens' sections at public libraries are now taking aim at what they see as a source of the problem: the American Library Association. But Walker's more sweeping …

Judge blocks most of an Iowa law banning some school library books and discussion of LGBTQ+ issues
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Judge blocks most of an Iowa law banning some school library books and discussion of LGBTQ+ issues

Associated Press  

DES MOINES, Iowa — A federal judge on Friday temporarily blocked key parts of an Iowa law that bans some books from school libraries and forbids teachers from raising LGBTQ+ issues. Judge Stephen Locher’s preliminary injunction halts enforcement of the law, which was set to take effect Jan. 1 but already had resulted in the removal of hundreds of books …

A new report shows how corrosive book banning is. Novelist Lauren Groff is fighting back
1 year ago

A new report shows how corrosive book banning is. Novelist Lauren Groff is fighting back

LA Times  

PEN America’s latest report on book bans is glaring, but “Matrix” author Lauren Groff is on the front lines and opening a banned-book shop in Florida. As a new report from PEN America aggregates two years of data on book bans to show how they stigmatize specific authors, Lauren Groff — author of “Florida” and the recent novel “The Vaster …

To fight so-called book bans, some states are threatening to withhold funding
1 year ago

To fight so-called book bans, some states are threatening to withhold funding

NPR  

To fight so-called book bans, some states are threatening to withhold funding Enlarge this image toggle caption Ted Shaffrey/AP Ted Shaffrey/AP On Jan. 1, Illinois' new law meant to slow the rapid rise of books being challenged or pulled from library shelves goes into effect. The Illinois law states that in order to be eligible for state grants, a library …

Book bans: Will the culture wars come for Britain’s books?
1 year ago

Book bans: Will the culture wars come for Britain’s books?

The Independent  

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about …

Missouri library bans ‘porn star book’ – but only after waitlist runs out
1 year, 1 month ago

Missouri library bans ‘porn star book’ – but only after waitlist runs out

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. An internal review committee determined that the controversial …

Republicans Use 'Decency' Law To Ban Books
1 year, 1 month ago

Republicans Use 'Decency' Law To Ban Books

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING At the November meeting of the Rutherford County, Tennessee, steering committee, Chairman Craig Harris asked the county’s public library board about their feelings on books that conservative members of the community had deemed indecent — and potentially in violation of a new city ordinance promoting “decency.” “Do you think ‘Let’s Talk About It’ should have been removed?” …

‘The Art of War’ and Amy Schumer’s memoir are among many books banned in US prisons. Here’s why
1 year, 1 month ago

‘The Art of War’ and Amy Schumer’s memoir are among many books banned in US prisons. Here’s why

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Tens of thousands of books are being banned or restricted by U.S. prisons, according to a new report from PEN America. Timed to the start Wednesday of Prison Banned Books Week, “Reading Between the Bars” draws upon public record requests, calls from PEN to prison mailrooms, dozens of accounts from inmates and PEN’s struggles to distribute its …

Children and parents begin uphill fightback against book bans in Florida
1 year, 2 months ago

Children and parents begin uphill fightback against book bans in Florida

CNN  

Central Florida CNN — Now that books are being banned and disappearing from school libraries, students and parents are showing up to school board meetings in Florida to argue for access to books that take on difficult subjects. “‘Wait,’ Josie said, trying to roll away beneath him, but he clamped his hand over her mouth and drove harder and harder …

Column: Not satisfied with schools, book banners are now targeting adults’ right to read
1 year, 2 months ago

Column: Not satisfied with schools, book banners are now targeting adults’ right to read

LA Times  

Students and other citizens at a recent school board meeting in Orlando, Fla., protest efforts by the board and state authorities to remove books from school library shelves and suppress education on race and LGBTQ+ issues. “This year, to date, it’s 49%.” We’re seeing groups go to school or library board meetings to demand the removal of multiple titles all …

Conservative book ban push fuels library exodus from national association that stands up for books
1 year, 3 months ago

Conservative book ban push fuels library exodus from national association that stands up for books

Associated Press  

— After parents in a rural and staunchly conservative Wyoming county joined nationwide pressure on librarians to pull books they considered harmful to youngsters, the local library board obliged with new policies making such books a higher priority for removal — and keeping out of collections. “This effort to change what libraries are, or even just take libraries away from …

LGBTQ+ book bans are hitting California schools. How teachers can fight back
1 year, 4 months ago

LGBTQ+ book bans are hitting California schools. How teachers can fight back

LA Times  

These three books with LGBTQ+ themes have been banned in some Florida counties. If you’re an educator who encounters LGBTQ+ book bans or attempts to ban at your school, here’s what you need to know. Kasey Meehan, Freedom to Read program director at PEN America, said that book bans and attempts to ban overwhelmingly affect LGBTQ+ identities, characters, stories and …

Barack Obama speaks against 'book ban' in USA: However, the list includes books that promote explicit sexual content targeted at children
1 year, 5 months ago

Barack Obama speaks against 'book ban' in USA: However, the list includes books that promote explicit sexual content targeted at children

Op India  

On 16th July, former US President Barack Obama came in support of the librarians against the banned books. And librarians are on the front lines, fighting every day to make the widest possible range of viewpoints, opinions, and… pic.twitter.com/txhCTfH3Gh — Barack Obama July 17, 2023 Criticising the call for bans on books, he said, “Today, some of the books that …

A new Texas law forces vendors to rate sexual content in schoolbooks. They’re not happy about it
1 year, 5 months ago

A new Texas law forces vendors to rate sexual content in schoolbooks. They’re not happy about it

CNN  

CNN — The CEO of the largest independent bookstore in Texas oversees a four-story, 40,000-square-foot space in Austin and the 100 employees who staff it. The law’s primary author, Republican Texas State Rep. Jared Patterson, said its aim is simple: Get sexually explicit content out of schools. The law says that sexually relevant books depict sexual conduct but not necessarily …

Librarians train to defend intellectual freedom and fight book bans at Chicago conference
1 year, 6 months ago

Librarians train to defend intellectual freedom and fight book bans at Chicago conference

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — School librarian Jamie Gregory has been called a “pedophile” and “groomer,” bombarded with private messages threatening harm, accused of distributing pornography in schools, and had her personal address posted on social media. I’m not going to let that happen,” Gregory said Saturday to a room packed full of about 100 fellow librarians at a training session on fighting …

Bill to restrict youth access to ‘sexually explicit’ public library books advances in Louisiana
1 year, 7 months ago

Bill to restrict youth access to ‘sexually explicit’ public library books advances in Louisiana

Associated Press  

— Activists in Louisiana are voicing concerns over a bill advancing through the GOP-controlled Legislature to restrict children and teens’ access to public library books deemed “sexually explicit,” saying the proposal could be used to target LGBTQ+ content. Louisiana’ s bill, which advanced out of a legislative committee Tuesday and is headed to the full House for debate and possible …

Penguin Random House, human rights group, authors and parents sue Florida school district over book bans
1 year, 7 months ago

Penguin Random House, human rights group, authors and parents sue Florida school district over book bans

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A school district and school board in Florida’s Escambia County …

The 15 most banned books in America this school year
1 year, 7 months ago

The 15 most banned books in America this school year

LA Times  

The recent surge in book bans in U.S. school districts and libraries is the latest front in a long-running battle that has swept up even literary masterpieces of John Steinbeck, J.D. Also removed were nine books from James Patterson’s “Maximum Ride” series and two books by Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison, among other titles. Nevertheless, the book was challenged as …

Indiana bill could make book banning in schools easier
1 year, 7 months ago

Indiana bill could make book banning in schools easier

Associated Press  

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana lawmakers on Thursday gave their final approval to a bill that could make it easier to ban books from public school libraries. “That’s how I would describe educational, by the way,” GOP Rep. Martin Carbaugh said before the House voted 70-27 in favor of it. Republican state Rep. Becky Cash insisted the bill “protects the schools.” “I …

These authors’ books are some of the most challenged in the US. They’re speaking out
1 year, 7 months ago

These authors’ books are some of the most challenged in the US. They’re speaking out

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Well, they do matter.” To Kobabe, learning that …

The school librarian in the middle of Louisiana’s war on libraries
1 year, 7 months ago

The school librarian in the middle of Louisiana’s war on libraries

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Louisiana attorney general Jeff Landry wants …

Biden lambasts book ban attempts in remarks to teachers: ‘Empty shelves don’t help kids learn very much’
1 year, 7 months ago

Biden lambasts book ban attempts in remarks to teachers: ‘Empty shelves don’t help kids learn very much’

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. And I’ve never met a parent who wants a politician dictating what their kid …

The book ban surge gripping America’s schools and libraries
1 year, 7 months ago

The book ban surge gripping America’s schools and libraries

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. PEN has described the measures collectively as part …

Book bans in US schools increased by 28 per cent in the first half of the school year, says new report
1 year, 7 months ago

Book bans in US schools increased by 28 per cent in the first half of the school year, says new report

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The number of book bans grew by 28 …

There Were 1,269 Efforts to Ban Books in 2022. These Were the Most Targeted.
1 year, 8 months ago

There Were 1,269 Efforts to Ban Books in 2022. These Were the Most Targeted.

Live Mint  

A graphic-novel memoir about gender identity. These books were among the most-challenged titles in U.S. libraries in 2022, according to a new report from the American Library Association. The attempts to ban “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe, “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson and “The Bluest Eye” by Morrison were part of a growing trend across the U.S. …

‘Gender Queer’ tops library group’s list of challenged books
1 year, 8 months ago

‘Gender Queer’ tops library group’s list of challenged books

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — With Florida legislators barring even the mention of being gay in classrooms and similar restrictions under consideration in other states, a report released Monday says books with LGBTQ+ themes remain the most likely targets of bans or attempted bans at public schools and libraries around the country. The American Library Association announced that Maia Kobabe’s graphic memoir …

Judge orders books removed from Texas public libraries due to LGBTQ and racial content must be returned within 24 hours
1 year, 8 months ago

Judge orders books removed from Texas public libraries due to LGBTQ and racial content must be returned within 24 hours

CNN  

CNN — A federal judge in Texas ruled that at least 12 books removed from public libraries by Llano County officials, many because of their LGBTQ and racial content, must be placed back onto shelves within 24 hours, according to an order filed Thursday. The lawsuit filed in the US District Court for the Western District of Texas in San …

Book ban attempts hit record high in 2022, library org says
1 year, 9 months ago

Book ban attempts hit record high in 2022, library org says

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Attempted book bans and restrictions at school and public libraries continue to surge, setting a record in 2022, according to a new report from the American Library Association released Thursday. “Every day professional librarians sit down with parents to thoughtfully determine what reading material is best suited for their child’s needs,” ALA President Lessa Kanani’opua Pelayo-Lozada said …

'Never seen anything like this': US librarians report book bans hit record high in 2022
1 year, 9 months ago

'Never seen anything like this': US librarians report book bans hit record high in 2022

Raw Story  

Librarians from across the United States released a report showing that pro-censorship groups' efforts to ban books with LGBTQ+ themes and stories about people of color have driven an unprecedented rise in the number of book challenges, with right-wing organizers pushing library workers to remove works ranging from the dystopian novel The Handmaid's Tale to children's books about foods enjoyed …

US saw record book-banning efforts in 2022, library group says
1 year, 9 months ago

US saw record book-banning efforts in 2022, library group says

Al Jazeera  

Conservative groups are trying to restrict availability or ban books covering topics such as race and gender identity. “Every day professional librarians sit down with parents to thoughtfully determine what reading material is best suited for their child’s needs,” ALA President Lessa Kanani’opua Pelayo-Lozada said in a statement. In Florida, where Governor Ron DeSantis has approved laws to review reading …

School library book bans are seen as targeting LGBTQ content
1 year, 9 months ago

School library book bans are seen as targeting LGBTQ content

Associated Press  

DES MOINES, Iowa — Teri Patrick bristles at the idea she wants to ban books about LGBTQ issues in Iowa schools, arguing her only goal is ridding schools of sexually explicit material. “It’s a national phenomenon.” Longstanding disagreements about content in school libraries often focus this year on books with LGBTQ themes as policymakers nationwide also consider limiting or banning …

ACLU, Missouri library groups sue over new school book law
1 year, 9 months ago

ACLU, Missouri library groups sue over new school book law

Associated Press  

— The American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri and two state library associations are suing over a new state law that bans sexually explicit material from schools, saying it violates the rights of librarians and students. The ACLU, the Missouri Association of School Librarians and the Missouri Library Association are asking the Circuit Court in Kansas City to find the …

A librarian’s frontline view of Florida’s ‘vetting’ process for school books, and the titles being banned
1 year, 10 months ago

A librarian’s frontline view of Florida’s ‘vetting’ process for school books, and the titles being banned

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Behavior.” The upheaval is the result of a …

North Dakota weighs ban of ‘sexually explicit’ library books
1 year, 11 months ago

North Dakota weighs ban of ‘sexually explicit’ library books

Associated Press  

Books containing “sexually explicit” content — including depictions of sexual or gender identity — would be banned from North Dakota public libraries under legislation that state lawmakers began considering Tuesday. Though supporters of North Dakota’s bill repeatedly called the sexual content “obscene,” opponents said the material in question is not actually considered legally obscene. “It’s a cute book,” Kujawa said …

As book bans mount, literary stars are championing libraries and literacy
2 years, 3 months ago

As book bans mount, literary stars are championing libraries and literacy

CNN  

CNN — Readers and educators across America are observing Banned Books Week by exploring restricted books and supporting their authors – whether they are newly added to the ever-growing list of challenged works, or classics that have drawn controversy for decades. Greg Doherty/The Recording Academy/Getty Images Literacy groups are using the words of iconic “Reading Rainbow” host and children’s author …

At least 50 groups in the US advocated to ban books in the past year
2 years, 3 months ago

At least 50 groups in the US advocated to ban books in the past year

CNN  

CNN — At least 50 groups have recently played a role in the evolving movement to have books removed from schools, a new PEN America analysis shows. PEN America, a literary and free expression advocacy organization, released Monday its latest analysis of bans on school library books and class curricula that have occurred in the 2021-2022 school year. Jonathan Friedman, …

School book bans have seen an unprecedented surge this year, a new report says
2 years, 3 months ago

School book bans have seen an unprecedented surge this year, a new report says

LA Times  

Book bans at schools across the country are accelerating at a rate never before seen. Nearly 140 school districts in 32 states issued more than 2,500 book bans during the 2021-22 school year, which affected nearly 4 million students across 5,000 schools, according to the report, “Banned in the USA: The Growing Movement to Censor Books in Schools.” This movement …

Book ban efforts surging in 2022, library association says
2 years, 3 months ago

Book ban efforts surging in 2022, library association says

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The wave of attempted book banning and restrictions continues to intensify, the American Library Association reported Friday. “We’re seeing that trend continue in 2022, the criticism of books with LGBTQ subject matter,” Caldwell-Jones says, adding that books about racism such as Angie Thomas’ novel “The Hate U Give” also are frequently challenged. A middle school librarian in …

Book ban efforts surging in 2022, library association says
2 years, 3 months ago

Book ban efforts surging in 2022, library association says

LA Times  

Amanda Darrow, director of youth, family and education programs at the Utah Pride Center, poses in December 2021 with books that have been the subject of complaints from parents in Salt Lake City. “We’re seeing that trend continue in 2022, the criticism of books with LGBTQ subject matter,” Caldwell-Jones says, adding that books about racism such as Angie Thomas’ novel …

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