Banned Books

The New York Public Library has announced the 21 winners of its National Teen Writing Contest, which asked teens across the country, “Why is the freedom to read important to you?” The contest, which ran from October to December last year, is part of NYPL’s Books for All campaign that celebrates and raises awareness about the freedom to read in response to the alarming rise in book bans and challenges around the country.

Libraries and schools across the country are experiencing unprecedented levels of attempts to ban or remove books from their shelves. I Love Libraries will continue to raise awareness by highlighting attempts to censor library materials, as well as efforts by librarians, parents, students, and concerned citizens to push back against them. This report includes news from Minnesota, Tennessee, Texas, and Idaho.

For AAPI Heritage Month, the American Library Association/NBC Banned Book Club will discuss Khaled Hosseini’s acclaimed novel, “The Kite Runner.” Hosseini’s book has faced numerous bans and challenges since its release, rooted in Islamophobia and claims that it promotes sexual violence and terrorism.

Libraries and schools across the country are experiencing unprecedented levels of attempts to ban or remove books from their shelves. I Love Libraries will continue to raise awareness by highlighting attempts to censor library materials, as well as efforts by librarians, parents, students, and concerned citizens to push back against them. This report includes news from Colorado, Utah, Florida, and a look at state efforts to ban book bans.

On the May 5 episode of “Last Week Tonight,” host John Oliver defended public libraries, stating they’ve become another front in the ongoing culture war as many experience attacks on their funding, staff, and collections.

ALA and NBC’s Banned Book Club will discuss Rupi Kaur’s “milk and honey” Thursday, April 25. “milk and honey” is a collection of poetry about love, trauma, and healing. In 2022, it was one of many books that conservative parents wanted banned from public schools in the state of Texas. The book was also banned in multiple school districts in Missouri in 2023.

Libraries and schools across the country are experiencing unprecedented levels of attempts to ban or remove books from their shelves. I Love Libraries will continue to raise awareness by highlighting attempts to censor library materials, as well as efforts by librarians, parents, students, and concerned citizens to push back against them. This report includes news from Iowa, California, and Illinois, and words from an author speaking out against book bans in New Hampshire.