Record Number of Book Bans Reported in US Schools and Libraries in 2023

A new report from the American Library Association (ALA) highlights a disturbing trend in the education sector, as a record number of book bans were reported in US schools and libraries in 2023. The ALA documented 4,240 unique book titles targeted for censorship last year, marking the highest number ever recorded.

Many of the censored books revolved around LGBTQ+ communities or tackled themes related to race. Notable classics such as Lord of the Flies and To Kill a Mockingbird were among the titles deemed inappropriate by some groups.

Emily Drabinski, the President of ALA, condemned the spike in book bans, stating that such actions pose a direct threat to the freedom to read. She emphasized the importance of diversity in literature, asserting that libraries should reflect the communities they serve to promote learning and empathy.

The report also revealed a substantial increase in demands to ban teaching materials and resources, totaling 1,247 documented instances in 2023. This surge in censorship attempts raises concerns about the accessibility of diverse literature in educational settings.

While the ALA plans to release a detailed list of the most targeted books in April, some of the commonly challenged titles in 2022 included works like Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe, All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M Johnson, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.

Across the US, 17 states experienced concentrated efforts to ban over 100 books each, indicating a widespread and coordinated campaign against certain literary works. States like Colorado, Texas, Florida, and Virginia were at the forefront of the book ban movement.

Drabinski highlighted the pivotal role of libraries in communities and expressed concerns over the challenges faced by library professionals who strive to uphold the right to access diverse reading materials. The escalating trend of book bans poses a critical threat to intellectual freedom and education in the United States.