The American Library Association and PEN America released reports on book challenges and removals as Banned Books Week begins. The ALA found a drop in complaints in 2024 but noted a rise in efforts to censor books in public libraries over the past four years. PEN documented a tripling of book removals in 2023-24, with over 10,000 books pulled, particularly in states like Florida and Iowa with restrictive laws.
Efforts to censor books have increased, with 414 attempts reported from Jan. 1 to Aug. 31, compared to 695 last year. Deborah Caldwell-Stone from the ALA noted that challenges have decreased due to books already being removed, but intensified when students returned to school. A significant number of challenged books were by or about people of color or LGBTQ individuals.
While activism and court rulings have helped in combating censorship, challenges persist. Legislation in 13 states could threaten library services, and book bans continue in places like New College of Florida and Utah State Board of Education. The ALA defines a challenge as a formal complaint filed requesting removal of materials, while PEN defines bans as any restriction of access to a book.
Both organizations report a focus on books with racial and LGBTQ themes being targeted. Banned Books Week aims to highlight the importance of free speech and has the support of various organizations. The reports from the ALA and PEN shed light on the ongoing battle to protect access to diverse and controversial literature in libraries and schools.
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