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Based on reports ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) receives from libraries, schools, and the media on attempts to ban books in communities across the country, they compile and maintain lists of challenged books in order to inform the public about censorship efforts that affect libraries and schools.

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Research Guides: Banned Books: About Banned Books Week

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A page to commemorate Banned Books Week at Rutgers.

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Intellectual Freedom Stories from a Shifting Landscape

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Intellectual Freedom Stories from a Shifting Landscape

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Intellectual Freedom Stories from a Shifting Landscape

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Intellectual freedom is a complex concept that democracies and free societies around the world define in different ways but always strive to uphold. And ALA has long recognized the crucial role that libraries play in protecting this right. But what does it mean in practice? How do library workers handle the ethical conundrums that often accompany the commitment to defending it? Rather than merely laying out abstract policies and best practices, this important new collection gathers real-world stories of intellectual freedom in action to illuminate the difficulties, triumphs, and occasional setbacks of advocating for free and equal access to information for all people in a shifting landscape. Offering insight to LIS students and current practitioners on how we can advance the profession of librarianship while fighting censorship and other challenges, these personal narratives explore such formidable situations as

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Great interview about the new documentary, The Librarians, on WNYC last Friday, featuring Rutgers LIS graduate and NJ Librarians of the Year, Martha Hickson.

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Great interview about the new documentary, The Librarians, on WNYC last Friday, featuring Rutgers LIS graduate and NJ Librarians of the Year, Martha Hickson.

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The Librarians’ Doc Explores Book Bans & The ‘Right To Read’ In Texas | All Of It | WNYC

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Director Kim A. Snyder discusses her new documentary called “The Librarians,” which explores the role of libraries and the people who run them in today’s politically fraught atmospher…

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NJ State Library - Freedom to Read Act - Information Sessions

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NJ State Library - Freedom to Read Act - Information Sessions

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Signed into law on December 9, 2024, the Freedom to Read Act requires the State Librarian to consult with the New Jersey Library Association (NJLA) on the creation of model… Continue reading “Freedom to Read Act”

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We should trust individuals to make their own decisions. Raise your voice for everyone’s freedom to read. #UniteAgainstBookBans

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Banned Books Week is an annual event that highlights the value of free and open access to information.

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“Theory without practice is just as incomplete as practice without theory. The two have to go together.” - Assata Shakur

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“Theory without practice is just as incomplete as practice without theory. The two have to go together.” - Assata Shakur

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Assata Shakur

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“What we do is more important than what we say or what we say we believe.” - bell hooks

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“What we do is more important than what we say or what we say we believe.” - bell hooks

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Does your library have a policy for book challenges?

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Does your library have a policy for book challenges?

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Let us know what it is!

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"What you can do to fight censorship, keep books available in your libraries, and promote the freedom to read! "

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What you can do to fight censorship, keep books available in your libraries, and promote the freedom to read!

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Shareable graphics and downloads from ALA

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Shareable graphics and downloads from ALA

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American Library Association’s official home for free downloads about banned books

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The American Library Association condemns censorship and works to defend each person's right to read under the First Amendment and to ensure free access to information. Every year, ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) compiles a list of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books in order to inform the public about censorship in libraries and schools. The lists are based on information from reports filed by library professionals and community members, as well as news stories published throughout the United States.

Because many book challenges are not reported to the ALA or covered by the press, the Top Most Challenged Books lists and 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.

ALA documented 4,240 unique book titles targeted for censorship in 2023-a 65% surge over 2022 numbers-as well as 1,247 demands to censor library books, materials, and resources. Pressure groups focused on public libraries in addition to targeting school libraries. 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.

Of the record 4,240 unique titles targeted for censorship, the most challenged and reasons cited for censoring the books are listed below.

Looking for the most challenged books from previous years? Check out the Top 10 Most Challenged Books Archive for lists and data going back to 2001, as well as the 100 most challenged books of past decades.

Your support matters now more than ever. Donations strengthen ALA's efforts to fight censorship, support libraries and library workers confronting attempts to remove materials and other resources, and increase awareness about the nationwide assault on the freedom to read. If you're able, please consider donating to the Office for Intellectual Freedom today.

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Every year, ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom compiles a list of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books in order to inform the public about censorship in libraries and schools.

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Event Registration and Open Mic Sign Up Forms

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Event Registration and Open Mic Sign Up Forms

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Celebrating Intellectual Freedom: Banned Books Week - SCARLA

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Established in 1982, Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community in shared support of the freedom to read.

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LISSA - Library and Information Science Student Association at Rutgers

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LISSA - Library and Information Science Student Association at Rutgers

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Check out our site for more events and ways to join!

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Library and Information Science Student Association |

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The Library and Information Science Student Association is the Rutgers University graduate student chapter of the American Library Association. Our goals include providing students with opportunities to make connections and share ideas. We strive to build a network that promotes reciprocity and professional development. Rutgers MI students are automatically members of LISSA and can choose their degree of involvement.

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SCARLA - Student College, Academic, and Research Libraries Association at Rutgers

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SCARLA - Student College, Academic, and Research Libraries Association at Rutgers

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Check out our site for upcoming events and ways to join!

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The Rutgers Student College, Academic, and Research Libraries Association (SCARLA) organizes speakers, lecture series, events, trips and workshops to promote our understanding of academic librarianship. We aim to foster community among the students, faculty and librarians at SC&I and the Rutgers Library System and participate in conferences and activities sponsored by professional organizations at both the state and national level.