Fight Censorship
Libraries and schools across the country are experiencing unprecedented levels of attempts to ban or remove books from their shelves. The American Library Association documented 4,240 unique titles that were targeted for censorship in 2023, a stratospheric increase over the previous year’s record-shattering number. Nearly half of the challenged titles represent the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals. But that’s only part of the story. According to ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, challenges in public libraries soared by 92% over the previous year. Nearly half of book ban attempts took place in public libraries in 2023. “The reports from librarians and educators in the field make it clear that the organized campaigns to ban books aren’t over, and that we must all stand together to preserve our right to choose what we read” – Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom It’s up to all of us to fight back against censorship. Read on for ways you can get involved to defend the freedom to read in your community.
Join the Unite Against Book Bans Campaign
BOOKS FOR ALL
The New York Public Library and the American Library Association are partnering to invite libraries, school groups, and readers across the country to participate in Books for All—a national initiative to help communities learn about and discuss some of the books that are being banned or challenged, along with ways to take action.
Show Up for Your Library and Library Workers
Report Censorship
As part of its longstanding commitment to defend intellectual freedom in libraries, the American Library Association maintains a database of attempted challenges and bans. If a book challenge takes place in your district, ALA may be able to provide support and more customized resources to oppose the attempted challenge or ban. Reports are confidential unless you give ALA permission to share your story.
Write a Letter to Media or Officials
