Banned Books Unit

This infographic outlines the common reasons why books or materials are challenged or banned. This infographic serves to communicate how important it is that books and materials that feature diverse lived experiences are available to students. Students of all ages need free, open access to books and materials. 

Abstract: Public libraries are safe spaces that tout free and open access to books, materials, and lifelong learning for everyone in their communities. Public libraries as safe spaces are particularly important to marginalized groups such as the members of the LGBTQIA+ community because libraries provide opportunities for these patrons to see themselves positively and accurately represented in books and media. Nevertheless, public libraries have difficulty protecting LGBTQIA+ interests due to the number of “challenges” and “bans” on books with LGBTQIA+ content. This research project will examine how censorship appears in public libraries across Oregon State through challenges and bans on LGBTQIA+ materials.

This presentation argues for keeping "banned" books on the shelves of public libraries and presents a six-week unit on how to approach the topic of banned books in a secondary classroom. At the end of the unit, students will have the chance to present common arguments for and against banned books in an in-class mock debate.