Surge in Book Challenges Press Kit
The American Library Association (ALA) champions and defends the freedom to read as promised by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States.
Efforts to ban books have persisted in American history, but those efforts are now reaching unprecedented heights. According to censorship data released March 14, 2024, ALA documented 4,240 unique book titles targeted for censorship in 2023, as well as 1,247 demands to censor library books, materials, and resources. Pressure groups and individuals demanding the censorship of multiple titles, often dozens or hundreds at a time, drove the surge.
The number of titles targeted for censorship at public libraries increased by 92% over the previous year, accounting for about 46% of all book challenges in 2023; school libraries saw an 11% increase over 2022 numbers. There were attempts to censor more than 100 titles in each of these 17 states: Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Titles representing the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals made up 47% of those targeted in censorship attempts. Each attempt to ban a book represents a direct attack on every person’s constitutionally protected right to freely choose what books to read and what ideas to explore.
ALA compiles data on book challenges from reports filed by library professionals in the field and from news stories published throughout the United States. Because many book challenges are not reported to the ALA or covered by the press, the data compiled by ALA represents a snapshot of book censorship. Read more about our methodology.
Media contacts:
Raymond Garcia, cmomedia@ala.org
Charisse Barnachea, charisse@mekkymedia.com
Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2023
Library staff in every state faced an unprecedented number of attempts to ban books. ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 1,247 challenges to library, school, and university materials and services in 2023, resulting in more than 4,240 unique title challenges or removals. Most targeted books were by or about LGBTQIA+ persons or people of color.
Because many book challenges are not reported to the ALA or covered by the press, the Top Most Challenged Books lists and 2023 data compiled by ALA represent only a snapshot of book challenges. A challenge to a book may be resolved in favor of retaining the book in the collection, or it can result in a book being restricted or withdrawn from the library.
Spokespeople
Emily Drabinski
ALA President (2023-2024)
ALA President Emily Drabinski is Associate Professor, Queens (N.Y.) College Graduate School of Library and Information Studies. She is a life member of ALA, and her past ALA service includes a term as chair of the International Relations Committee (2020-21), ALA councilor-at-large (2018-20), and chair of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Information Literacy Frameworks and Standards Committee (2019-20). Drabinski holds an MLIS from Syracuse University, a BA in political science from Columbia University, and an MA in composition and rhetoric from Long Island University, Brooklyn.
Deborah Caldwell-Stone, JD
Director, ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom and Executive Director, Freedom to Read Foundation
For over two decades, Deborah Caldwell-Stone has advised librarians, teachers and library trustees on a wide range of intellectual freedom issues, including censorship of library resources, book challenges, internet filtering, and the impact of new technologies, regulations and government surveillance on library users' privacy and confidentiality. A former appellate litigator, Caldwell-Stone received her J.D. with Honors from Chicago-Kent College of Law.
Number of Unique Titles Challenged in the U.S. by Year, 2000-2023
From 2000 to 2020, the number of unique titles challenged in schools and libraries remained relatively low and steady as individuals challenged one book at a time. In recent years, individuals and groups have begun challenging titles en masse as part of lists submitted to public and school libraries.
Press Releases / Statements
March 14, 2024: American Library Association reports record number of unique book titles challenged in 2023
September 27, 2023: Banned Books Week 2023: Programs, Day of Action, and Events Announced
September 20, 2023: LeVar Burton to lead 2023 Banned Books Week as honorary chair
September 19, 2023: American Library Association releases preliminary data on 2023 book challenges
Additional Resources
Unite Against Book Bans is ALA's national initiative to empower readers everywhere to stand together in the fight against censorship.
Censorship data from 2023 paints a vivid picture of attempts to ban or restrict library books and resources across the United States. We break down censorship by the numbers.
ALA's annual State of America's Libraries Report, which highlights the most critical issues facing libraries across the country. Includes 2023 censorship figures.
A clearinghouse of resources to assist library workers and advocates in responding to and supporting others facing those challenges.
The ALA Freedom to Read Statement was originally issued in May of 1953 by the Westchester Conference of the American Library Association and the American Book Publishers Council, and was last amended June 30, 2004.
Documents designated by the Intellectual Freedom Committee as Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights and background statements detailing the philosophy and history of each.
