2022 Book Ban Data

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ALA reports record number of demands to censor library books and materials in 2022.

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.

 

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1,269

OIF documented 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources in 2022, the highest number of attempted book bans since ALA began compiling data about censorship in libraries more than 20 years ago. The unparalleled number of reported book challenges in 2022 nearly doubles the 729 book challenges reported in 2021.

Primarily text graphic in front of a top view of several books from the side. Text in graphic reads "1,269 attempts to ban or restrict library materials in 2022." American Library Association logo.

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A line graph displaying the Number of Attempts to Ban or Restrict Library Materials in the U.S by Year. The graph maps five figures: 458 attempts in 2003, 464 attempts in 2012, 156 attempts in 2020, 729 attempts in 2021, and 1,268 attempts in 2022. The background image is of the side of several books seen from above. The ALA logo is in the top right.

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2,571

A record 2,571 unique titles were targeted for censorship, a 38% increase over the 1,858 unique titles targeted for censorship in 2021. 58% of the reported book challenges targeted books and materials in school libraries, classroom libraries or school curricula; 41% of book challenges targeted materials in public libraries.

Primarily text graphic in front of a top view of several books from the side. Text in graphic reads "2,571 unique book titles targeted in 2022." American Library Association logo.

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A line graph displaying the Number of Unique Titles Challenged by Year in the U.S. The graph maps seven figures: 378 unique titles in 2000, 259 unique titles in 2005, 262 unique titles in 2010, 190 unique titles in 2015, 223 unique titles in 2020, 1,858 unique titles in 2021, and 2,571 unique titles in 2022. The background image is of the side of several books seen from above. The ALA logo is in the top right.

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90%

The prevalent use of lists of books compiled by organized censorship groups contributed significantly to the skyrocketing number of challenges and the frequency with which each title was challenged. Of the overall number of books challenged, 90% were part of attempts to censor multiple titles.

12% were in cases involving 2 - 9 books
38%
were in cases involving 10 - 99 books
40% were in cases involving 100 or more books

Prior to 2021, the vast majority of challenges to library resources only sought to remove or restrict access to a single book.

Donut chart and text in front of a top view of several books from the side. Text in graphic reads "90% of all challenged books were part of attempts to ban multiple titles." American Library Association logo.

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Take Action

Unite Against Book Bans logo: graphic of a book opening with text that reads "Unite Against Book Bans"
Join Unite Against Book Bans

Unite Against Book Bans is ALA's national initiative to empower readers everywhere to stand together in the fight against censorship with an array of resources, tools, and actions.

 

Join the Campaign

A block of text that reads "REPORT CENSORSHIP" over a pile of open books.
Report Censorship

Reporting censorship and challenges to materials, resources, and services is vital to defending library resources and to protect against challenges before they happen.

 

Report Censorship


Infographic: Top Ten Most Chalenged Books of 2021:The American Library Association tracked 729 challenges to library, school, and university materials and services in 2021. Of the 1,597 individual books that were challenged or banned in 2021, here are the top 10 most challenged: 1. Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe. Reasons: Banned, challenged, and restricted for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to have sexually explicit images. 2.    Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison. Reasons: Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to be sexually explicit.     3.    All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson. Reasons: Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, profanity, and because it was considered to be sexually explicit.     4. Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez. Reasons: Banned, challenged, and restricted for depictions of abuse and because it was considered to be sexually explicit. 5. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. Reasons: Banned and challenged for profanity, violence, and it was thought to promote an anti-police message and indoctrination of a social agenda. 6. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. Reasons: Banned and challenged for profanity, sexual references, and use of a derogatory term.     7. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews. Reasons: Banned and challenged because it was considered sexually explicit and degrading to women.     8. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. Reasons: Banned and challenged because it depicts child sexual abuse and was considered sexually explicit.     9. This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson. Reasons: Banned, challenged, relocated, and restricted for providing sexual education and LGBTQIA+ content.     10. Beyond Magenta by Susan Kuklin. Reasons: Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to be sexually explicit.

Top 13 Most Challenged Books of 2022

Download the two-page 2022 Infographic

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The Top 13 Most Challenged Books of 2022 infographic was released as part of the 2023 State of America's Libraries Report on Monday, April 24. View the full report.

 


Additional Resources

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Frequently Challenged Books

Lists of frequently challenged books compiled by ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom to inform the public about censorship efforts that affect libraries and schools.

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"Fight Censorship" Resource Clearinghouse

A clearinghouse of resources to assist library workers and advocates in responding to and supporting others facing those challenges.

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Library Bill of Rights Interpretations

Documents designated by the Intellectual Freedom Committee as Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights and background statements detailing the philosophy and history of each.


Methodology

ALA compiles data on book challenges from reports filed with its Office for Intellectual Freedom by library professionals in the field and from news stories published throughout the United States. Because many book challenges are not reported to the ALA or covered by the press, the 2022 data compiled by ALA represents a snapshot of book censorship throughout 2022. 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.