Freedom to Read

A book can be considered “banned” when it has been officially prohibited or restricted from being made available to the public in specific locations—such as public schools or libraries—or by certain authorities due to objections about its content, themes, or ideas. Banning a book involves deliberate efforts to prevent individuals from accessing or reading the book.

The terms "challenged book" and "banned book" are related but represent different stages in the process of attempting to restrict or remove a book from a specific location. A challenged book is one that has been formally questioned or objected to by an individual or group, often within a library or school, due to content concerns. A banned book is one that has been removed or restricted from a library, school, or other institution's collection as a result of a challenge or official action, preventing its access to the public.  A book may be challenged first, and if the challenge is successful, it can then be banned.

There are many types of books that are being challenged or banned. In recent years, a disproportionate number of materials facing challenges or banning are written by and about the experiences, histories, and movements of people of color and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. According to PEN America, opens a new window, over a six-month period during the 2022-2023 school year:

• 30% of unique titles banned are books about race, racism, or feature characters of color
• 26% of unique titles banned have LGBTQIA+ characters or themes
• 56% of all banned books in 2022 were young adult (teen) titles

In 2022, 48% of book challenges targeted materials in public libraries (Office for Intellectual Freedom, American Library Association). When books are banned in public spaces like libraries, it sends the message that some people, places, identities, and perspectives don’t belong in our communities and should be kept private. Saint Paul Public Library believes that it is essential for everyone to see themselves reflected in their library. When we stand up for everyone’s stories, we create communities where everyone belongs.

No, book banning is not a new phenomenon. It has existed throughout history, often driven by various motivations, including religious, political, or social reasons. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in book bans and challenges in the United States. This rise can be attributed to several factors, including heightened polarization on social and political issues, increased awareness and advocacy for diverse and inclusive literature, and the ease of organizing and mobilizing objections through social media and online platforms. In fact, according to the American Library Association, 2022 saw the highest number of attempted book bans since the ALA began compiling censorship data more than 20 years ago: the 1,269 book challenges seen in 2022 nearly doubles the 729 challenges reported in 2021.

Banned Books Week is an annual event taking place in late September and early October in the United States that celebrates the freedom to read and raises awareness about the dangers of censorship. During this week-long observance, libraries, bookstores, schools, and various organizations highlight books that have been banned or challenged in the past, emphasizing the importance of intellectual freedom and the right to access diverse ideas. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle to protect individuals' access to information and the power of literature to challenge societal norms.

The Library believes that you have the right to choose what you and those in your care read. Children’s Specialists in our libraries are happy to make age-appropriate suggestions that your family will enjoy. However, parents and legal guardians are ultimately responsible for children's use of library materials.

The American Library Association (ALA) is a resource for those looking to take action against book bans. The ALA’s Office of Intellectual Freedom provides additional support for people facing challenges to books, programs, policies or services. You can report censorship ad request assistance with a challenge using its challenge report form, opens a new window. Promote books and authors by reading books, sharing reading lists and recommendations, hosting book clubs, and more.