A book that is being requested to be banned from a library by a person or organization.
In 2023 it was revealed that during the U.S.'s 2021-2022 school year, 11 people were responsible for over 60% of book challenges (Natanson). The American Library Association documented 821 attempts to censor materials and services at libraries, schools, and universities in 2024. The most common reasons for challenges were false claims of illegal obscenity for minors; inclusion of LGBTQIA+ characters or themes; and dealing with topics of race, racism, inclusivity, equity, and social justice across 2,452 unique titles (ALA).
According to the American Library Association in 2024, 17 states challenged more than 100 book titles in 2023. Florida and Texas, by far, challenged the most books in 2023, with a combined total of more than 4,000 titles (Simmerman et al.) with Texas emerging as the national leader in book ban attempts as of February 2025 (Saavedra). Many more books may be challenged and/or banned, but underreporting impacts the available numbers because reporting censorship poses significant risks to a library worker's professional livelihood and safety (ALA).
A book title that has been removed from a library (or collection) because someone considers it harmful or dangerous (Drabinski qtd. in Blair).
"Banning books is a type of censorship, but the act can take many forms. Removing a book from the shelf isn’t the only method that amounts to censorship – requiring parental permission to read it or moving it to a less accessible section are both examples of soft censorship," (ACLU-NJ) also known as quiet censorship (ALSC Intellectual Freedom committee).
Censorship and book banning negatively impact academic freedom, research, and innovation. "The suppression of banned books undermines the core principle of academic freedom, where scholars should explore diverse ideas without fear. This freedom nurtures critical thinking and innovation, integral to progressing society." (Sage Journals).
As of January 28, 2025, 538 of Texas's banned books come from just 12 school districts (Dearmore). Fort Worth ISD is noted as an extreme example for shutting down their school libraries to conduct an audit and removing more than 100 books from circulation (Dearmore).
For specific book title information, the Dallas Observer published a list of some of the books banned by various school districts across Texas in their article: Every Texas School District Book Ban. KHOU (Houston's CBS-affiliate, Channel 11) has an interactive Greater Houston Challenged & Banned Books Map.
The public can learn more about book bans by visiting the American Library Association's Banned & Challenged Books page.
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