Embedded Files
Censorship by the Numbers includes an interactive map of censorship attempts, 2015-2024
ALA cites the following factors contributing to the decrease in documented censorship from 2023:
Underreporting – Many book challenges are not publicly reported or covered by the press. In many cases, reporting censorship poses significant risk to a library worker’s professional livelihood and personal safety.
Censorship by Exclusion – This occurs when library workers are prohibited from purchasing books, or required to place books in restricted or less accessible areas of the library due to fear of controversy.
Legislative restrictions – Several states have passed laws restricting the type of materials available in libraries and schools based on the ideas or topics addressed in the materials. Many of these laws require school districts to restrict or remove library materials that are broadly deemed to include “sexual content” or controversial themes, resulting in the removal of books with literary or educational merit from school libraries that include LGBTQ+ characters or themes, or the removal of books about race or racism and featuring characters of color.
The data shows that the majority of book censorship attempts are now originating from organized movements.
Pressure groups and government entities that include elected officials, board members, and administrators initiated 72% of demands to censor books in school and public libraries.
Reporting censorship and challenges to materials, resources, and services is vital to developing the best resources to defend library resources and to protect against challenges before they happen.
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