Scroll To Top

american library association

The 10 most challenged books of 2023

Book-banning efforts have been aimed primarily at books with LGBTQ+ content and those by or about people of color. Here are the top 10 books that were targeted.

True

Doug Emhoff at NYC event: Book banning ‘erodes our democracy’

He warned about the dangers of Republican book bans.

These are the most challenged library books in America — yes, most are LGBTQ+

Gender Queer, All Boys Aren't Blue, and This Book Is Gay lead the American Library Association's list of the 10 most challenged books of 2023.

Book ban attempts surge to record highs in 2023

The number of titles targeted rose 65 percent over 2022, according to the American Library Association.

Georgia Senate passes bill banning American Library Association from state libraries

The bill’s sponsors blamed the group’s new “Marxist lesbian” president for the legislation.

West Virginia Republicans want to prosecute 'pedophile librarians' over 'obscene' material

Not sure what constitutes "obscene matter?" Neither are the West Virginia Republicans who wrote a new bill seeking to prosecute educators for spreading it.

Far right accuses Oreos of 'grooming' because the company supports PFLAG

The National Legal and Policy Center has released an incendiary video about the Oreo brand and PFLAG. It asks, “Is your favorite cookie company grooming children?”

Ayanna Pressley Introduces Bill to Counter Book Bans Nationwide

In a bold response to the surge of book bans across the U.S., Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley is championing legislation to protect diverse literature in schools and libraries.

Republicans and Democrats Clash on Book Bans in Congressional Hearing

Republican House members and conservative groups contended that removing books from school libraries doesn't amount to banning them, while Democrats pushed back.

How to Fight Book Bans, According to the American Library Association's Queer President

“We need all hands on deck in this moment, and there’s something everyone can do,” Emily Drabinski says.

Wyoming Library Director Fired For Refusing to Scrap Shelves of LGBTQ+ Books

After 27 years at the library, she still believes that it’s important to offer books from all perspectives, including those of LGBTQ+ people.

Federal Judge Blocks Arkansas Law Targeting Books & Librarians

Again the judiciary stands in the way of GOP attempts to erase LGBTQ+ people.

Texas Judge Orders LGBTQ+ Books Be Returned to Public Libraries

The order also returns books on race that were also removed.