Public schools and libraries in the U.S. are facing an increase in book challenges, with over 10,000 books banned in public schools during the 2023-2024 academic year according to PEN America. Conservative organizations have been pushing for nationwide banning efforts, resulting in a significant spike in book bans. In contrast, the American Library Association reported a decline in book challenge reports, with 414 attempts to censor library materials during the first eight months of 2024, down from 695 attempts during the same period last year.
PEN America and the ALA use different methodologies to track book bans and challenges. While PEN America tracks bans in schools based on reports from various sources, the ALA compiles data on challenges from news stories and reports from library professionals. Both organizations stressed that their findings are likely an undercount as many challenges go unreported. The dramatic increase in book challenges in recent years has been attributed to state laws making it easier to remove books from schools without due process.
Efforts to fight against book banning have led to a slowdown in reported challenges, with community pushback and successes in courts contributing to the decline. The ALA highlighted instances of “soft censorship” where books are purchased but hidden or placed in restricted areas out of fear of challenges. Overall, both organizations emphasized the importance of protecting the freedom to read and the need to push back against censorship efforts.
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