Freedom to Read: Book Challenges and Bans

"The American Library Association condemns censorship and works to ensure free access to information. Every year, the Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) compiles a list of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books in order to inform the public about censorship in libraries and schools. The lists are based on information from media stories and voluntary reports sent to OIF from communities across the U.S."

"Every year people try to take away readers’ power to decide what books are right for themselves or their children to read by bringing challenges to remove books from libraries. Comic books, graphic novels, and manga are frequently challenged and even banned. Use Comic Book Legal Defense Fund’s free resources to learn more about comics censorship, and how you can help fight for free expression!"

"Whether during an informal complaint or a formal reconsideration of a library resource, library staff, administrators, trustees, and Reconsideration Committee members complete their work using general agreed-upon principles such as:
... Libraries have diverse materials reflecting differing points of view, and a library’s mission is to provide access to information to all users.
... Any person has the right to express concerns about library resources and expect to have the objection taken seriously.
... When library resources are reconsidered, the principles of the freedom to read, listen, and view are defended rather than specific materials."

"A record number of book challenges were recorded in 2021-2022 - including award winning graphic novels New Kid, Gender Queer, and Maus. Historically book challenges have focused on three areas: children’s or YA titles, titles with “diverse content,” and titles / formats that have previously been challenged. And, year over year, and especially these past few years, comics and graphic novels have been one of the most challenged formats."

Shares elements of a school collection development policy.

"This Story Matters: Standing Up for Students’ Right to Read in the Face of Censorship."

"This guidance is intended to equip librarians with strategies to navigate online abuse. While this resource acknowledges the ways that online abuse can move offline, it is primarily focused on digital safety."