Banned Books

Jump to resources

There have been record attempts in Oregon to ban books in recent years. This dangerous trend is particularly alarming as fascists feel empowered to undermine our rights. Courts at all levels are making regressive decisions, rolling back protections for pregnant people, women, and our LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. It’s not just politicians who are leading this regressive effort but also small fringe groups and individuals who feel entitled to dictate what books and information the rest of us have access to. According to the American Library Association, a record 4,240 unique titles were targeted for removal in libraries nationally — a 65% percent increase compared to the previous record in 2022. Of those 4,240 books, nearly half were by or about LBGTQ+ individuals and people of color.

The ACLU is dedicated to the protection of free speech and free expression. When a small group of individuals tries to keep the rest of society from reading a book, viewing a painting, or voicing their opinions, they undermine the freedoms guaranteed for all people in the United States by our Constitution.

There is a general misconception that the term “banned book” means that the federal government is trying to unilaterally interfere in the public’s access to these works. Challenges are typically done on a small scale by a group of concerned citizens, or sometimes local government actors, who attempt to have the materials removed from their schools, local libraries, and bookstores because the content or themes of these books do not align with their personal beliefs.

A book is “challenged” when a person or group objects to the materials and attempts to remove or restrict their accessibility. A book is “banned” when this removal is successful.

Thanks to the work of libraries and the ACLU, most book challenges are now unsuccessful.

While Banned Books Week is a time to celebrate intellectual freedom, the fight against book censorship is ongoing. Take a moment to read our Executive Director's thoughts on this here.

Scroll down to explore more Banned Books rescources and to download our free printable. Visit the ACLU National shop to purchase Banned Books swag to sport in your communities.

Jump to resources

There have been record attempts in Oregon to ban books in recent years. This dangerous trend is particularly alarming as fascists feel empowered to undermine our rights. Courts at all levels are making regressive decisions, rolling back protections for pregnant people, women, and our LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. It’s not just politicians who are leading this regressive effort but also small fringe groups and individuals who feel entitled to dictate what books and information the rest of us have access to. According to the American Library Association, a record 4,240 unique titles were targeted for removal in libraries nationally — a 65% percent increase compared to the previous record in 2022. Of those 4,240 books, nearly half were by or about LBGTQ+ individuals and people of color.

The ACLU is dedicated to the protection of free speech and free expression. When a small group of individuals tries to keep the rest of society from reading a book, viewing a painting, or voicing their opinions, they undermine the freedoms guaranteed for all people in the United States by our Constitution.

There is a general misconception that the term “banned book” means that the federal government is trying to unilaterally interfere in the public’s access to these works. Challenges are typically done on a small scale by a group of concerned citizens, or sometimes local government actors, who attempt to have the materials removed from their schools, local libraries, and bookstores because the content or themes of these books do not align with their personal beliefs.

A book is “challenged” when a person or group objects to the materials and attempts to remove or restrict their accessibility. A book is “banned” when this removal is successful.

Thanks to the work of libraries and the ACLU, most book challenges are now unsuccessful.

While Banned Books Week is a time to celebrate intellectual freedom, the fight against book censorship is ongoing. Take a moment to read our Executive Director's thoughts on this here.

Scroll down to explore more Banned Books rescources and to download our free printable. Visit the ACLU National shop to purchase Banned Books swag to sport in your communities.

Please download and print to display in your libraries, classrooms and safe spaces!