"Books are a form of political action. Books are knowledge. Books are reflection. Books change your mind," ― Toni Morrison
For people who want everyone to think as they do, this power to educate and to change minds makes books seem scary. From the ancient Chinese emperor Shih Huang Ti to the modern Catholic Church and the U.S. Department of Defense, those who fear the power of certain books have banned or destroyed them.
The Puritans started banning books in what would become the United States of America almost as soon as they landed at Plymouth Rock. In 1637, the Puritan government, unhappy with his portrayal of Puritan life, banned Thomas Morton’s New English Canaan. The ban set the stage for the country’s long tradition of book censorship.
The concept of controlling what others are allowed to read may seem dated and fundamentally “Un-American.” But the stark reality is book challenges and bans are on the rise. The American Library Association (ALA) reports there were 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources in 2022, the highest number of attempted book bans since they began collecting this data over 20 years ago. The vast majority were written by or about members of the LGBTQIA+ community and people of color.
With this onslaught of censorship, we must pay attention to attempts at banning books and stand up for our freedom to read. For the past 41 years, the ALA has raised the American public’s awareness of the ongoing book challenges and bans with their Banned Books Week campaign, celebrated this year October 1-7.
In an effort to highlight the dangers of censorship and the value of our freedom of expression, library and First Amendment activist Judith Krug founded Banned Books Week in 1982. Through activities, events, and a slew of resources, the campaign encourages readers to voice their censorship concerns, examine challenged literary works, and celebrate free expression in their communities.
While Banned Books Week is a catchy title to grab the attention of people and the media, it does not tell the entire story. The censorship of books has nuances that range from self-censorship to outright banning:
This year’s theme for Banned Books Week, “Let Freedom Read,” aptly illustrates the ALA’s goal of raising awareness about intellectual freedom issues and defending the right to read. When they proclaim banning books closes off readers to people, places, and perspectives, but standing up for stories unleashes the power that lies inside every book, the ALA helps to liberate the oppressed and subvert the oppressors.
Historically, books were challenged, banned, and burned by those in power (think King George III and Nazi Germany.) However, as societies progressed and the freedom of expression became more accepted and protected, the mass destruction of books declined greatly.
Until a few years ago, book challenges were usually initiated by a parent or concerned community member and typically referred to an individual book. That changed in 2020 when non-profit and religious groups, and politicians began to request the removal of multiple titles. For example, in 2022, 90% of reported book challenges were demands to censor multiple titles. Of those demands to censor library books, 40% sought to remove or restrict more than 100 books all at once.
In 2022, book bans were reported in at least 32 states. The majority concentrated in Florida, Missouri, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah. As a matter of fact, three districts were responsible for 40 percent of all banned books from July to December 2022:
These restrictions in access and bans of books come in response to school board rules and state legislation that have no clear guidance for interpretation, beginning with Florida’s HB 1557: The “Parental Rights in Education Act” (a.k.a. “Don’t Say Gay” law). With this template in place, other states are quickly following suit, such as:
The American Library Association proposes countless ways to get involved during Banned Books Week and beyond. From local to national events and activities to free downloads, display ideas, and toolkits, there is something for everyone who wants to both learn about censorship and intellectual freedom and spread awareness in their communities.
Because the ALA knows firsthand how challenging it can be to start the conversations surrounding Banned Books Week, they offer a helpful Q&A section filled with strategies and resources. The ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom further provides a tool for reporting censorship and challenges to materials, resources, and services.
“Today, some of the books that shaped my life and the lives of so many others — are being challenged by people who disagree with certain ideas or perspectives. And librarians are on the front lines, fighting every day to make the widest possible range of viewpoints, opinions, and ideas available to everyone.”
In a world where information and ideas are at our fingertips, the act of banning books seems like a relic of the past. The resurgence of book challenges and trends in recent years, however, is a troubling trend with far-reaching implications.
Books are not mere words on pages. They represent knowledge, reflection, and change. Restricting access to and banning books is an attempt to control what we think and who we become as an entire society.
These bans disproportionately target works by or about LGBTQIA+ individuals and people of color, effectively silencing vital perspectives and experiences. In an era where diversity, equity, and inclusion are paramount, book bans threaten to roll back the hard-fought progress made in fostering a more inclusive society.
This year's Banned Books Week theme, "Let Freedom Read" emphasizes the importance of defending our freedom to read as a pillar of democratic society. Protecting this freedom requires vigilance, open dialogues, and support for organizations like the American Library Association.
If we do not actively oppose these bans and protect our freedom to read, we risk a future where ignorance, intolerance, and censorship prevail.