In 2022, the American Library Association (ALA) documented 1,269 attempts to censor library resources, the highest number of attempted book bans since ALA began compiling data on censorship in libraries more than 20 years ago. Through these efforts, would-be censors targeted some 2,571 titles.
In 2023, this disturbing trend has continued. In the first 8 months of 2023, the ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom documented 695 attempts to censor library materials and services impacting 1,915 unique titles, a 20% increase from the same reporting period in 2022.
In 2022, many of the 13 most-challenged books featured themes or content related to LGBTQIA+ and people of color. Many of the books were also considered "sexually explicit" by those who challenged their appropriateness for libraries.
The accompanying graphic lists the 13 most-challenged books for 2022.
You can find out more about Banned Books Week, efforts to censor library materials, and actions taken to prevent censorship via ALA's Banned and Challenged Books website.
