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Shifting Landscape of Book Challenges in Libraries
NEW YORK — The nature of book bans and challenged books in libraries is evolving, according to the American Library Association (ALA), with removals increasingly driven by organized campaigns rather than individual complaints. This shift represents a significant development in the ongoing debate over censorship and intellectual freedom in American libraries.
Rise of Organized Challenges
The ALA’s latest State of American Libraries Report, issued Monday, reveals that over 70% of attempted book bans now stem from coordinated organizations and elected officials. This is a stark contrast to previous years, as only 16% of challenges originated from parents, indicating a move away from isolated parental concerns to broader, politically motivated actions.
Key Groups and Websites Involved
Frequently targeted books, such as Maia Kobabe’s “Gender Queer” and Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye,” are often highlighted on websites like www.ratedbooks.org and disseminated through lists compiled by groups including Moms for Liberty and other conservative activists.
ALA’s Perspective on Censorship Trends
Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, stated, “We can trace many of the challenges to lists of books that have been distributed by Moms for Liberty and other groups,” underscoring the influence these organizations have on the current wave of book challenges.
Top 10 Challenged Books of 2024
The annual report from the ALA included its list of the 10 most “challenged books” of 2024. The list includes:
- “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” by George M. Johnson
- “Gender Queer,” by Maia Kobabe
- “The Bluest Eye,” by Toni Morrison (Tie)
- “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” by Stephen Chbosky (Tie)
- “Tricks,” by Ellen Hopkins
- “Looking for Alaska,” by John Green (Tie)
- “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” by Jesse Andrews (Tie)
- “Crank,” by Ellen Hopkins (Tie)
- “Sold,” by Patricia McCormick (Tie)
- “Flamer,” by Mike Curato
Recurring Themes in Challenged Books
A significant number of the most challenged books address LGBTQ+ themes, continuing a multi-year pattern. Other reasons for objection include depictions of drug addiction, as seen in Ellen Hopkins’ “Crank,” and sensitive topics like slavery and sexual abuse, present in Patricia McCormick’s “Sold.”
Defining “Challenge” and Data Collection
The ALA defines a “challenge” as a formal, written complaint submitted to a library or educational institution demanding the removal of materials based on content or perceived inappropriateness. The association gathers data on censorship through media reports and librarian submissions, but believes the reported figures significantly underestimate the actual volume of book removal requests.
Libraries Under Pressure
This report arrives at a particularly vulnerable period for libraries. Budgetary constraints are impacting library services nationwide, with some institutions facing reduced funding. This financial strain adds another layer of difficulty for libraries already grappling with increased censorship pressures.
Recent Trends in Book Ban Attempts
While the ALA reports a decrease in challenge attempts to 821 in 2024, compared to 1,247 the previous year, book ban attempts remain significantly elevated compared to pre-2021 levels. Several states, including Texas, Florida, Iowa, and Utah, have enacted legislation restricting the types of books school libraries can acquire.
The Chilling Effect of Censorship
Caldwell-Stone expresses concern that the apparent decrease in reported challenges does not reflect a decline in censorship. Instead, she suggests libraries are increasingly preemptively avoiding controversial titles or materials potentially prohibited by new laws, leading to a form of self-censorship.
Librarians’ Concerns and the Future of Access
“I spoke to a librarian from Texas who told me she was looking over a political book and wasn’t sure if she could add it to the collection,” Caldwell-Stone recounted. “Librarians don’t want to get prosecuted or otherwise face legal trouble. A lot of librarians are operating under these kinds of threats,” highlighting the difficult climate facing library professionals and the potential impact on public access to information and diverse perspectives.