2023 was a tumultuous year for libraries. Book bans dominated headlines as well as city council and school board meetings, threatening the access of information to readers of all ages and the livelihoods and safety of library workers across the country. Despite these upheavals, libraries took action, continuing to provide critical services to their communities and develop truly innovative programs along the way.
2024 State of America's Libraries Report (PDF)
"...these are not ordinary times. The unprecedented wave of organized censorship intensifies, particularly in our public libraries. Adverse legislation that would undermine librarian agency and authority is getting a hearing in legislatures across the country. Climate change continues to impact libraries, damaging buildings in some areas and turning libraries into recovery centers in others. Budget cuts and staffing challenges undermine our ability to fulfill our missions. In these extraordinary times, libraries take action."
—ALA President Emily Drabinski
Help spread the word about the value of libraries with State of America's Libraries Report promotional tools, including the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2023.
Reporters should contact:
American Library Association Communications, Marketing & Media Relations Office, cmomedia@ala.org.