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Banned Books

Learn about the recent spike in book bans in the United States and what you can do to fight censorship.

2023 Book Challenge infographic

New Data Shows Record Surge of Book Challenges in Public Libraries

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On September 20, the American Library Association (ALA) released new preliminary data that documents the continued rise in attempts to censor books and materials in public, school, and academic libraries during the first eight months in 2023. The data shows that, between January 1 and August 31, 2023, ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom reported 695 attempts to censor library materials and services and documented challenges to 1,915 unique titles. The number of unique titles challenged has increased by 20% from the same reporting period in 2022, the year in which the highest number of book challenges occurred since ALA began compiling this data more than 20 years ago.

New Data Shows Record Surge of Book Challenges in Public Libraries Read More »

Amanda Gorman recites her inaugural poem, "The Hill We Climb," during the 59th Presidential Inauguration ceremony in Washington, Jan. 20, 2021. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took the oath of office on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. (DOD Photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Carlos M. Vazquez II)

Banned Book Club to Discuss Amanda Gorman’s The Hill We Climb

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Amanda Gorman’s The Hill We Climb has been selected as the next selection in Chicago Today’s Banned Book Club. And Chicago Today hosts Cortney Hall and Matthew Rodrigues and American Library Association (ALA) Executive Director Tracie D. Hall—who selects the club’s featured books—invite everyone to read and discuss the book with them during a live Facebook chat.

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Jason Reynolds

“Libraries are places for everybody.” A Conversation with Jason Reynolds

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Jason Reynolds is one of the most acclaimed writers of young adult literature in the world. The recipient of a Newbery Honor, a Printz Honor, an NAACP Image Award, and multiple Coretta Scott King honors, Reynolds is the bestselling author of Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks, All American Boys (with Brendan Kiely), Long Way Down, Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You (with Ibram X. Kendi), Stuntboy, in the Meantime, Stuntboy, In-Between Time, and Ain’t Burned All the Bright, as well as books in the Mile Morales Spider-Man franchise for Marvel Entertainment. And he has great taste in music.

Reynolds spoke with I Love Libraries recently about writing for young readers, the fun and challenges of working in the superhero world, book bans, library memories, music, and more.

“Libraries are places for everybody.” A Conversation with Jason Reynolds Read More »

banned books map

U.S. Book Challenges Update: September 2 Edition

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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 Georgia, North Carolina, New York, and Florida.

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banned books map for August 18, 2023

U.S. Book Challenges Update: August 18 Edition

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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, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Vermont.

U.S. Book Challenges Update: August 18 Edition Read More »

Neil Gaiman

“I will always be on the side of the libraries”: A Conversation with Neil Gaiman

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Neil Gaiman wears many hats: novelist, journalist, comic book writer, screenwriter, television producer, musician. And he’s a fierce supporter of libraries. The author of American Gods, Neverwhere, Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch, The Sandman, Coraline, and so many more has had a lifelong love affair with reading. (He’s even featured in a brand-new Celebrity READ poster from ALA Graphics!) And he credits librarians for fostering his curiosity about books and learning at a young age.

Gaiman spoke with I Love Libraries recently about libraries, his literary influences, book banning in the U.S., movies, and more.

“I will always be on the side of the libraries”: A Conversation with Neil Gaiman Read More »

banned books map

U.S. Book Challenges Update: August 11 Edition

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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 New York, Texas, and Virginia, as well as a report on a beloved children’s book that is facing a ban in Florida.

U.S. Book Challenges Update: August 11 Edition Read More »

July 21 banned books map

U.S. Book Challenges Update: July 21 Edition

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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 Pennsylvania and Florida, as well as news about authors, musicians, and sports figures fighting back against book bans.

U.S. Book Challenges Update: July 21 Edition Read More »

ALA Executive Director Tracie D. Hall at the June 12 law signing at Harold Washington Library.

Illinois Bans Book Bans

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Illinois has become the first U.S. state to ban book bans. Governor J.B. Pritzger has signed into law a bill that requires libraries to adopt the American Library Association’s (ALA) Library Bill of Rights, which states that “materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.” If the public or school library chooses not to follow these guidelines or similar ones, they’ll lose access to grant funding from the Illinois Secretary of State’s office. The law will go into effect on January 1, 2024.

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