Current:Home > ScamsCensorship efforts at libraries continued to soar in 2023, according to a new report-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Censorship efforts at libraries continued to soar in 2023, according to a new report
View Date:2024-12-23 22:24:18
NEW YORK (AP) — Bannings and attempted bannings of books soared again in the U.S. last year, continuing to set record highs, according to a new report from the American Library Association.
On Thursday, the ALA announced that 4,240 works in school and public libraries had been targeted in 2023, a substantial hike from the then-record 2,571 books in 2022 and the most the library association has tallied since it began keeping track more than 20 years ago.
As in recent years, many of the books being challenged — 47% — have LGBTQ and racial themes.
The number of separate challenges recorded by the ALA, 1,247, is actually down by 22 from last year. But efforts to censor dozens or even hundreds of books at a time have surged in Florida and Texas, among other states, reflecting the influence of such conservative organizations as Moms for Liberty and such web sites as www.booklooks.org and www.ratedbooks.org.
“Each demand to ban a book is a demand to deny each person’s constitutionally protected right to choose and read books that raise important issues and lift up the voices of those who are often silenced,” Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, said in a statement.
Caldwell-Stone said she was especially concerned about the rise in challenges at public libraries, now some 40% of overall challenges — more than double the percentage from 2022.
“We used to hear that when a book was removed from a school library that the child could still get it from the library in town,” she said. “Now we’re seeing the same groups turn around and demand the books be removed from the public libraries.
Next month, the association will release its annual list of books most frequently challenged. Maia Kobabe’s graphic memoir “Gender Queer” has topped the list for the past two years, with other criticized releases including Jonathan Evison’s “Lawn Boy,” Sherman Alexie’s “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” and Nobel laureate Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye.”
The ALA’s numbers are based on media accounts and reports from librarians. The association has long believed that many challenges go uncounted, or that some books are pulled by librarians in anticipation of protests.
veryGood! (33)
Related
- The state that cleared the way for sports gambling now may ban ‘prop’ bets on college athletes
- Hilary Duff's Relatable Wellness Approach Is What Dreams Are Made Of
- Far-right populist emerges as biggest vote-getter in Argentina’s presidential primary voting
- New Orleans City Hall announces death of Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s husband, attorney Jason Cantrell
- Stressing over Election Day? Try these apps and tools to calm your nerves
- They were alone in a fight to survive. Maui residents had moments to make life-or-death choices
- Police questioned over legality of Kansas newspaper raid in which computers, phones seized
- How to get rid of pimples: Acne affects many people. Here's what to do about it.
- Infowars auction could determine whether Alex Jones is kicked off its platforms
- CNN revamps schedule, with new roles for Phillip, Coates, Wallace and Amanpour
Ranking
- The ancient practice of tai chi is more popular than ever. Why?
- Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani to miss next pitching start over arm fatigue
- Pregnant Kourtney Kardashian Showcases Baby Bump in Garden Walk Selfie
- Biden administration urges colleges to pursue racial diversity without affirmative action
- Are Dancing with the Stars’ Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber Living Together? She Says…
- Niger’s coup leaders say they will prosecute deposed President Mohamed Bazoum for ‘high treason’
- Maui officials and scientists warn that after the flames flicker out, toxic particles will remain
- 3 found dead in car in Indianapolis school parking lot
Recommendation
-
Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Shares Hysterical Farmers Only Dating Profile Video After Kody Split
-
The best horror movies of 2023 so far, ranked (from 'Scream VI' to 'Talk to Me')
-
The Taliban are entrenched in Afghanistan after 2 years of rule. Women and girls pay the price
-
21 Amazon Outfits Under $45 for Anyone Who Loathes the Summer Heat
-
Maine elections chief who drew Trump’s ire narrates House tabulations in livestream
-
Man wanted in his father’s death in Ohio is arrested by Maryland police following a chase
-
Philadelphia Eagles LB Shaun Bradley to miss 2023 season after injury in preseason opener
-
Ivy League football coaches praise conference’s stability (and wish they weren’t so alone)