Banned Books Week spotlights attempts to restrict books in libraries and schools

The push to ban books in libraries, schools, and bookstores throughout the country remains strong.

Pioneering actor, author, and activist George Takei has been named honorary chair of Banned Books Week, which will take place Oct. 5 – 11. Banned Books Week draws attention to national and local efforts to remove or limit access to books in libraries, schools and bookstores. The event, launched in 1982, celebrates the freedom to read and express ideas and emphasizes the importance of fighting censorship. “The 2025 theme of Banned Books Week serves as a reminder that censorship efforts persist to this day,” American Library Association President Cindy Hohl said. “We must always come together to stand up for the right to read.”

Libraries and schools are reporting a significant rise in attempts to ban or restrict books in the United States over the past three years. New data reported to the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom shows that the majority of book censorship attempts are now originating from organized movements.

“As the organized attempts to censor materials in libraries persist, we must continue to unite and protect the freedom to read and support our library workers, especially at a time when our nation's libraries are facing threats to funding and library professionals are facing threats to their livelihood.” American Library Association President Cindy Hohl said.

In 2024, the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 821 attempts to censor library materials and services. In those cases, 2,452 unique titles were challenged. Last year, ALA tracked 1,247 attempts with 4,240 unique titles challenged. Though the number of reports decreased in 2024, the number of documented attempts to censor books continues to far exceed the numbers prior to 2020.

Banning and restricting library materials

Who is challenging library books and resources?

Before 2020, the vast majority of challenges to library books and resources were brought by a single parent who sought to remove or restrict access to a book their child was reading. Recent censorship data are evidence of a well-organized movement, the goals of which include removing books about race, history, gender identity, sexuality, and reproductive health from America's public and school libraries.

Nearly 72% of censorship attempts in 2024 were initiated by pressure groups and decision makers who have been swayed by them.

New data reported to the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom shows that the majority of book censorship attempts are now originating from organized movements.

Where are the attempts to restrict books taking place?

How many books were challenged or banned?

In 2024, ALA documented 2,452 unique titles challenged or banned in U.S. libraries and schools, which was the third-highest number the organization has recorded. In 2023, a record 4,240 unique titles were targeted for censorship, with the majority being written by or about LGBTQ+ individuals, Black individuals, Indigenous individuals, and people of color.

Top 10 most-challenged books of 2024

SOURCE USA TODAY Network reporting and research; American Library Association, Office for Intellectual Freedom