Old Matches, New Flames

Modern Book Bans and the Question of Censorship

Source: PEN America

4,231 books
were banned from American school libraries

91% of Americans are opposed to the removal of books from libraries.

in the 2023-2024 school year

The number of book banning incidents tripled from
2023-2024

Is this censorship?

Since 2020, controversy over library books and school curriculums has skyrocketed and grabbed national attention. Through legislation and community backlash, books that address critical race theory, sexuality, BIPOC experiences, and LGBTQ identities are being restricted across America.

In a country built on the freedom of speech, how is this allowed?

This exploration of the quiet impacts and intentions of book bans reveals the political battleground within American libraries, catching librarians in the crossfire. It begs the question: Is this an effort for censorship, or are books merely a political pawn?

Get Involved

Conversations

Rebecca Sofferman
Middle school librarian in Colchester, Vermont

(on parental rights in libraries)

Anthony Crawford
History teacher in Oklahoma

(on restrictive legislation in Oklahoma)

Carolyn Foote
Co-founder of the FReadom Fighters organization

(on the group's efforts to protect books)

Kate McCann
Vermont State Representative

(on protective legislation in Vermont)

Huda Shaltry
Legislative Chair of the Idaho Library Association

(on the chilling effect of restrictive legislation in Idaho)

Eugene Volokh
Law professor at UCLA School of Law

(explaining the Board of Education v. Pico court case)

Ellen Hopkins
One of the most banned authors of the 21st century

(on her daughter inspiring the YA novel Crank, and the importance of exploring topics of addiction, assault, etc.)

Lynette Mejía

Co-founder and executive director of Louisiana Citizens Against Censorship

(on the political barriers within the book banning issue)

Michael Lunsford
Executive director of Citizens for a New Louisiana

(on his concerns regarding certain books in libraries)

Michael Colford
Director of Library Services at the Boston Public Library

(on the importance of inclusivity in libraries)

Stay Informed

For more statistics on book challenges and bans, check out these resources:

Old Matches, New Flames

Modern Book Bans and the Question of Censorship

4,231 books were banned from American school libraries

91% of Americans are opposed to the removal of books from libraries.

in the 2023-2024 school year

The number of book banning incidents tripled from 2023-2024

Is this censorship?

Conversations

Rebecca Sofferman Middle school librarian in Colchester, Vermont (on parental rights in libraries)

Anthony Crawford History teacher in Oklahoma (on restrictive legislation in Oklahoma)

Carolyn Foote Co-founder of the FReadom Fighters organization (on the group's efforts to protect books)

Kate McCann Vermont State Representative (on protective legislation in Vermont)

Huda Shaltry Legislative Chair of the Idaho Library Association (on the chilling effect of restrictive legislation in Idaho)

Eugene Volokh Law professor at UCLA School of Law (explaining the Board of Education v. Pico court case)

Ellen Hopkins One of the most banned authors of the 21st century (on her daughter inspiring the YA novel Crank, and the importance of exploring topics of addiction, assault, etc.)