US schools and libraries faced more calls to ban books in 2023 than in any other year on record.
- This follows a surge that started in 2021. 4,240 unique book titles were challenged last year, a 65% increase on 2022. It is also the highest figure documented in over 20 years.
- Literature concerning race and gender was particularly contested, with autobiographical graphic novel "Gender Queer" named the most challenged library book of the year.
Public libraries are now a key battleground for proposed bans: the number of titles targeted for censorship at libraries rose by 92%, compared with 11% at schools.
Librarians now face harsh penalties, including potential fines and imprisonment in several states, for distributing books that are deemed inappropriate.
Source: Sherwood News and the American Library Association
