# data[].attributes.body
A book challenge occurs when an individual or group attempts to remove or restrict access to materials, questioning their appropriateness for a school library or curriculum. As your librarian, I want to emphasize that challenges can come from parents, community members, or even school staff. It's crucial to understand that a challenge is different from a selection inquiry and requires formal documentation.

# data[].attributes.headline
Do you know how many book challenges there were in 2024?

# data[].attributes.subject
Do you know how many book challenges there were in 2024?

# data[].attributes.body
A. 510

B. 2042

C. 934

D. 821

# data[].attributes.headline
Do you know how many book challenges there were in 2024?

# data[].attributes.subject
Do you know how many book challenges there were in 2024?

# data[].attributes.body
A. 510

B. 2042

C. 934

D. 821

There were 821 attempts to censor books in schools and public libraries in 2024. 5,813 titles were challenged in those attempts.

Unique titles: 2,451.

Most challenged title: All Boys Aren't Blue

Censorship by the Numbers | Banned Books

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Every year, the American Library Association compiles data on censorship attempts in libraries around the United States based on reports from the field and media coverage.

# data[].attributes.body
According to the American Library Association (ALA), 2022 set a record for book challenges. School libraries saw an unprecedented number of challenges, with over 2,500 unique titles being contested. Most challenges targeted books dealing with LGBTQ+ themes, racial issues, and sexual education.

Maps on the Censorship by the Numbers page show which states had the most challenges. In 2024, there were 6 recorded attempts to challenge books, reflecting 9 titles.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) has released new data documenting book challenges throughout the United States, finding that challenges were nearly double that of 2021, reaching the highest number of attempted book bans since ALA began compiling data about censorship in libraries more than 20 years ago.

# data[].attributes.body
According to the ALA, books are challenged for a variety of reasons including: sexual content, profanity, violence, religious viewpoints, LGBTQ+ content, racial issues, and political viewpoints. Understanding these common triggers helps us prepare appropriate responses while maintaining our commitment to intellectual freedom.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
List of frequently asked questions on banned and challenged books

# data[].attributes.body
The First Amendment protects students' right to receive information. Several Supreme Court cases, including Board of Education v. Pico (1982), have established that while schools have discretion in selecting materials, they cannot remove books simply because they disagree with their content.

# data[].attributes.body
However, the Supreme Court has limited minors' rights to receive information in two instances.

1. Information that is considered "educationally unsuitable"

2. Material that is consider "indecent" or "obscene"

The Supreme Court has clarified that exposure to a full category of speech cannot be made, that access must be consider item by item. For example, nudity can be obscene but can also be found in art or science for educational purposes.

# data[].attributes.body
The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and American Library Association (ALA) have written various white papers and interpretations of the library bill of rights, which affirm our responsibility to provide materials representing diverse points of view and to resist efforts to censor resources. I encourage all educators to familiarize themselves with these clarifying documents.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Our founders recognized that public schools are a vital institution of American democracy. But education, they also knew, involved more than reading, writing, and arithmetic. Education in a democratic society requires developing citizens who can adapt to changing times, make decisions about social issues, and effectively judge the performance of public officials. In fulfilling their responsibilities, public schools must not only provide knowledge of many subject areas and essential skills, but must also educate students on core American values such as fairness, equality, justice, respect for others, and the right to dissent.

ALA Statements and Policies on Schools and Minors' Rights

Access to Library Resources and Services for Minors: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights(2019)
Library policies and procedures that effectively deny minors equal and equitable access to all library resources available to other users violate the Library Bill of Rights. The American Library Association opposes all attempts to restrict access to library services, materials, and facilities based on the age of library users.

Access to Resources and Services in the School Library: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights (2014)
The school library plays a unique role in promoting intellectual freedom. It serves as a point of voluntary access to information and ideas and as a learning laboratory for students as they acquire critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed in a pluralistic society. Although the educational level and program of the school necessarily shapes the resources and services of a school library, the principles of the Library Bill of Rights apply equally to all libraries, including school libraries.

Minors and Online Activity: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights (2019)
The digital environment offers opportunities both for accessing information created by others and for creating and sharing new information. The rights of minors to retrieve, interact with, and create information posted on the Internet in schools and libraries are extensions of their First Amendment rights.

Publications

Defending Frequently Challenged Young Adult Books: A Handbook for Librarians and Educators (2016)
By Pat R. Scales

Do Minors Have First Amendment Rights in Schools (2015)
By Theresa Chmara published in Knowledge Quest (American Association of School Libraries)

Intellectual Freedom for Teens: A Practical Guide for Young Adult and School Librarians (2014)
By Kristin Fletcher-Spear and Kelly Tyler

Protecting Intellectual Freedom and Privacy in Your School Library (2013)
By Helen R. Adams

The First Amendment in Schools: A Resource Guide (2013)
By National Coalition Against Censorship

Protecting Intellectual Freedom in Your School Library: Scenarios from the Front Lines (2009)
By Pat R. Scales and ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom

Students' Right to Read (2009)
By National Council of Teachers of English

Censorship and Selection: Issues and Answers for Schools (2001)
By Henry Reichman

Webcasts

Student Rights, Protests and Free Speech (2016)
Featured Speaker: Emilio De Torre with the ACLU

Intellectual Freedom and Minors (2016)
Featured Speakers: Theresa Chmara and Chris Crutcher

Assistance and Consultation

The staff of the Office for Intellectual Freedom is available to answer questions or provide assistance to librarians, trustees, educators and the public about the schools and minors' rights. Areas of assistance include policy development, leveling, and professional ethics. Inquiries can be directed via email to oif@ala.org or via phone at (312) 280-4226.

Updated July 2019

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our founders recognized that public schools are a vital institution of American democracy. But education, they also knew, involved more than reading, writing, and arithmetic. Education in a democratic society requires developing citizens who can adapt to changing times, make decisions about social i…

# data[].attributes.body
In the Anchorage School District, the school board has given the superintendent the power to designate a procedure for materials to be challenged.

This guide provides information on what someone should do if they wish to request an item to be reconsidered.

If someone wishes an item removed from the school or the district, there is a form they should complete.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Libraries / Controversial Concerns Requests

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Alaska State School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

# data[].attributes.body
We won't watch the video (it's a little long!) but it's here for your reference.

When faced with a challenge: 1) Listen respectfully to concerns 2) Provide the formal reconsideration form (if appropriate) 3) Follow established procedures consistently 4) Document everything 5) Communicate clearly with all stakeholders.

Remember, maintaining professionalism is crucial throughout the process. You are always permitted to encourage someone to speak to your supervisor rather than responding directly.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Beyond the Stacks: Building Resilience in the Era of Book Challenges

# data[].attributes.body
Connect with professional organizations like ALA, NCTE, and AASL. These organizations provide resources, legal support, and professional guidance during challenges. I recommend joining their mailing lists for updates on intellectual freedom issues in education.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
225 Michigan Ave, Suite 1300
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 280-4226
E-mail: oif@ala.org

Support

OIF provides confidential support to anyone undergoing a material or service challenge. You can report censorship using our updated form.

Our free consulting services help you prepare for censorship and implement vital intellectual freedom best practices within your library or school. We create and edit policies, strategize plans for working with communities and families, and provide workshops and programs about the First Amendment, privacy laws, internet filtering, and intellectual freedom.

Training

Subject matter experts from the Office for Intellectual Freedom are available to speak at workshops and professional development sessions on topics such as collection development, professional ethics, and law and policy concerning intellectual freedom, censorship, privacy, internet filtering, the First Amendment and more.

We host webinars to educate librarians and the public about the nature and importance of intellectual freedom. Our webinars are recorded. After the live event, many of the recordings are accessible at the OIF YouTube channel.

Public Awareness

Banned Books Week in the fall draws attention to the harms of censorship and the benefits of unrestricted reading.

With a diverse group of librarians and writers, OIF publishes an engaging Intellectual Freedom Blog with a huge selection of topics and viewpoints. Every Friday, OIF News Editors, publish a free weekly compilation of news about censorship cases, and articles about privacy, internet filtering, academic freedom and the First Amendment. Anyone can subscribe to receive the Intellectual Freedom News in their email inbox on Fridays.

OIF releases an annual list of the Top Ten Most Challenged Books during National Library Week in April using its censorship database.

We produce and market products in the ALA Store to create awareness of intellectual freedom and Banned Books Week.

Publications

We collaborate with intellectual freedom leaders to continually provide updated resources on a broad range of intellectual freedom issues, including censorship, material challenges, collection policies, privacy, internet filtering, academic freedom and equal access to information.

Journal of Intellectual Freedom and Privacy (JIFP) includes substantive essays, peer-reviewed articles, book reviews, legal briefs, and opinion pieces. The $50 annual subscription allows readers to review the latest book banning incidents, court rulings, and legal controversies.

The 10th edition of the Intellectual Freedom Manual is more than just an invaluable compendium of guiding principles and policies; it’s also an indispensable resource for day-to-day guidance on maintaining free and equal access to information for all people, including

34 ALA policy statements and documents, 17 new or updated for this edition, addressing patron behavior, internet use, copyright, exhibits and use of meeting spaces

At-a-glance lists summarizing key issues such as access, challenges and censorship, access by minors to controversial materials, and advocacy

Explanations of legal points in clear, easy-to-understand language, alongside case citations

Numerous checklists to help readers stay organized

Our Community

ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee (IFC)
A committee of ALA’s Council responsible for safeguarding the rights of library users in accordance with the First Amendment. The IFC page includes its official charge, roster, current activities, and discussion of draft documents.

IFC Privacy Subcommittee

ALA Committee on Professional Ethics (COPE)
A committee of ALA’s Council charged with augmenting the Code of Ethics through interpretations and guiding documents. The COPE page includes its official charge, roster with term dates, and current activities and reports.

Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT)
A grassroots membership group of more than 1,000 intellectual freedom advocates. The IFRT executive board organizes programs, events, and awards. For $15 per year, all IFRT members receive free intellectual freedom eLearning.

Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF)
FTRF was established in 1969 as a First Amendment legal defense organization affiliated with the American Library Association. FTRF is a separate corporation from the American Library Association, working in close liaison with the ALA.

State Intellectual Freedom Network (SIFnet)
OIF hosts a series of online “State of the States” virtual meetings for Intellectual Freedom Committee (IFC) chairs from ALA Chapters and AASL Affiliates. These meetings are an opportunity to promote communication and discuss state, local, and national intellectual freedom issues.

Staff

For First Amendment, policy, filtering, meeting rooms and privacy support:
Deborah Caldwell-Stone
Director
(312) 280-4224
dstone@ala.org

For challenge support:
Kristin Pekoll
Assistant Director
(312) 280-4221
kpekoll@ala.org

For Banned Books Week:
Vacant

For Freedom to Read Foundation and Merritt Fund Support:
Joyce McIntosh
(312) 280-4223
jmcintosh@ala.org

# data[].attributes.body
Maintain detailed records of your selection process and criteria for your classroom library. Include professional reviews, curriculum connections, and educational value justifications. As your librarian, I can provide templates and guidance for documenting these decisions effectively.

# data[].attributes.body
Regular communication with parents and community members about your classroom library goals and selection criteria can prevent challenges. Consider hosting information sessions, creating newsletters, or maintaining a list of books to share with parents and families.

# data[].attributes.body
Stay informed through webinars, workshops, and professional literature. The ALA offers excellent training on intellectual freedom and challenge response. I'm always available to coordinate or recommend relevant professional development opportunities.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Intellectual Freedom: Issues and Resources

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A commitment to intellectual freedom transforms your library. ALA actively advocates and educates in defense of intellectual freedom—the rights of library users to read, seek information, and speak freely as guaranteed by the First Amendment. Intellectual freedom is a core value of the library profe…

# data[].attributes.headline
Banned Book: 'The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian' by Sherman Alexie

# data[].attributes.subject
Banned Book: 'The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian' by Sherman Alexie

# data[].attributes.body
14 year old Arnold Spirit Jr. lives and attends school on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Washington State. The reservation suffers from poverty, alocholism, and food insecurity. Junior is bullied for for his odd looks, medical issues, and poor eyesight. Junior enrolls in an all-white high school off the reservation in an effort to create a better life for himself, but he faces prejudice at school, and is called a "traitor" at home.

Sherman Alexie's novel has faced bans and challenges for its themes of alcoholism, poverty, and sexuality. In Montana, the book faced challenges in several school districts, with demands for its removal from middle and high school curricula.

Scales, P.R. (2021). Books Under Fire: A Hit List of Banned and Challenged Children's Books. 2nd edition. American Library Association.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.alternative_text
the absolutely true diary of a part-time indian

# data[].attributes.headline
Banned Book: 'Monster' by Walter Dean Myers

# data[].attributes.subject
Banned Book: 'Monster' by Walter Dean Myers

# data[].attributes.body
Monster opens on 16 year old Steve Harmon sitting in his cell at Manhattan Detention Center thinking about how he got there. He describes his fears about violence and sexual assault in the detention center. He tries to convince the reader that he isn't a "monster," as he's been referred to by the attorneys, but as his trial date comes closer he starts to wonder if they attorneys were right about him.

The book was challenged in 2006-2007, 2013, 2019, and 2020 for language, violence, and mature themes.

Scales, P.R. (2021). Books Under Fire: A Hit List of Banned and Challenged Children's Books. 2nd edition. American Library Association.

# data[].attributes.headline
Have you ever had a book questioned or challenged by a parent?

# data[].attributes.subject
Have you ever had a book questioned or challenged by a parent?

# data[].attributes.body
Join with a partner. Choose a book from the list below. If you aren't already familiar with it, take a look at the book resumeor spotlink linked to the book. Take turns pretending you are a parent concerned about the book, and practice how you might respond.

Here's a list of books that have been challenged that you can use to start your conversation.

1. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

2. All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson

3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

4. Looking for Alaska by John Green

5. Sold by Patricia McCormick

# data[].attributes.body
What did you learn?

Do you feel more comfortable responding to a book challenge?

What questions do you still have?

# data[].attributes.body
Banned Books Week is October 5-11, 2025 but you don't have to wait until then to learn more!

Check out the bannedbooksweek.org website for news, resources, and ideas on teaching about censorship.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Banned Books Week is an annual event that highlights the value of free and open access to information.