The freedom to read is under unprecedented attack on all levels – locally, statewide and nationally.
Dive Into the Data
In 2022, the American Library Association (ALA) recorded the highest number of attempted book bans since ALA began compiling data about censorship in libraries more than 20 years ago. The unparalleled number of book challenges in 2022 nearly doubles the number of challenges reported in 2021. 58% of the reported book challenges targeted books and materials in school libraries, classroom libraries or school curricula; 41% of book challenges targeted materials in public libraries.
Access the data here: https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/book-ban-data#
Similarly, PEN America recorded 3,362 book bans during the 22-23 school year, an increase of 33% from the 21-22 school year. The overwhelming majority of book bans target works by and about people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals under the guise of “pornography” or “obscenity.”
Access the full report and index here: https://pen.org/2023-banned-book-list/
Book Banning Isn’t Popular
Statistics show again and again that the overwhelming majority of Americans and parents oppose book banning. A recent national analysis of challenges filed during the 2021-2022 school year found that the majority of book challenges can be attributed to a very small number of people — 11 to be exact.
We are determined not to let this small but loud minority speak and decide for the majority in our community who defend the freedom to read.
Stay Informed
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Support #FReadom
The following organizations are on the front lines of the fight against censorship:
EveryLibrary is the first and only national organization dedicated to building voter support for libraries. Throughout the last nine years, EveryLibrary has supported hundreds of library campaigns, fought against bad legislation, pushed back as the AFP spent tens of thousands to keep a libraries from being built, and fought against school library closures across the country. Now, more than ever, they are fighting to save school libraries and public libraries from book banners. EveryLibrary is a 501(c)4 organization.
National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC)
The National Coalition Against Censorship was formed by a group of activists affiliated with the ACLU in response to the 1973 Supreme Court decision in Miller v. California, which narrowed First Amendment protections for sexual expression and opened the door to obscenity prosecutions. As an alliance of more than 50 national non-profits, including literary, artistic, religious, educational, professional, labor, and civil liberties groups, they have engaged in direct advocacy and education to support First Amendment principles for over 40 years. NCAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. Founded in 1922, PEN America works to ensure that people everywhere have the freedom to create literature, to convey information and ideas, to express their views, and to access the views, ideas, and literatures of others. PEN America is a registered 501(c)(3) organization.
Douglas County FReadom Defenders 