Booksology It’s been four years since this wave of book censorship began. There are many newcomers to the fray, none of whom are realizing that it’s not essentially about books. It is about ensuring access to public goods such as public libraries and public schools, which remain democratic institutions of citizen participation, and which do not apply to homosexuals, people of color, or other social norms. It’s about making sure everyone has access, including people. The decent image of cishet able-bodied Christian white men has not disappeared.
It is great to see a continued increase in the willingness of all people, especially young people, to learn and participate in the fight to protect their First Amendment rights. There are plenty of guides on what to do and how to do it, including four years worth of literary activity newsletters. Next week, another guide will be published, a yearly plan for understanding the past, present, and future of Banned Books.
But this week, as we close out 2024, let’s take a look back at some of the year’s most popular and most urgent posts on censorship. The news roundup itself will be short, considering most schools are on vacation and public library boards are not scheduled to meet during this time.
Now is the time to catch up, reflect, and refuel for what will be an even longer, tougher, darker battle in 2025.
Louisiana HB 777 criminalizes librarians and libraries affiliated with the American Library Association
We can breathe a little sigh of relief that this bill, which would criminalize librarians who join their own professional organizations, was not passed in Louisiana. However, several states and territories have banned library professionals from working with the American Library Association, and similar legislation could be introduced in 2025. Here’s a handy guide to pre-submitted anti-libraries. , the upcoming book censorship bill in Congress and what can be done about it.
Why did a high school student hand over a book to the superintendent at graduation? A year of one student’s fight against book bans.
Annabelle Jenkins’ graduation moment received a lot of coverage this summer, but few news outlets took the time to talk to Jenkins about why she decided to hand over a copy of her book to her school’s superintendent. “The Handmaid’s Tale” graphic novel. She fought a book ban at her high school in Idaho for more than a year. Her story shows what it means to stand up for the right to read. It was a great pleasure talking to her. We know that her stories are seen on after-school shows across the country, even if those stories aren’t always captured on video.
Why teens across the country are getting free Brooklyn Public Library digital cards
The obvious answer to why teens are asking for free digital cards through the Brooklyn Public Library’s Books UnBanned program is because they’ve experienced book bans. Yes, that’s certainly a reason, but there are plenty of others, as the teens themselves shared with the library. As we head into 2025, here are the themes that are important and need to be hammered home over and over again. Libraries are about access. For many people, this digital card is the only way they can access books and resources for education, entertainment, and enrichment.
Book Ban County Chair Awarded Censorship Honor to Girl Scout Banned Books Library
Here’s another great teenage story. Kate Lindley saw her school board ban books, and in response, she decided to create several banned book corners around town for Girl Scout service projects. Meanwhile, the county commission decided that in honoring her accomplishments, they needed to censor what her project was actually about. And as it turned out, it was because some of the county commissioners were involved in banning books from both public libraries and public schools.
Utah bans 13 books from public schools across the state
When I see headlines like this, I hope that number doesn’t increase. Unfortunately, in Utah, a new law states that 1. Books that are banned in three or more public school districts will be banned statewide, and 2. The bill would apply retroactively. 14 books banned in public schools. A few more books may be added to the list. Is it shocking to hear that a small number of school districts make most of the state’s decisions? So much for “local control” and “custodial authority.”
Guinness World Record for book banned in Escambia County, Florida: The Dictionary
In early 2024, we learned the true depth of the book ban situation in Escambia County, Florida schools. More than 1,600 books were pulled out. As the year draws to a close, a federal judge is asking a local government to settle one of its lawsuits out of court, saying it’s costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Also this year, it was discovered that the county’s notorious educators responsible for many of these bans began coming to public libraries to complain. As we head into the new year, we are reminded that what started in public schools will move to public libraries. No matter how many times banners tell us that just because we remove books from schools doesn’t mean they will no longer be available in public libraries. .
Books about disabilities are popular for banning.
We know that guides to puberty, sex, and gender are a popular no-no within the “people have bodies” category, but books are a stumbling block as well. In honor of Disability Pride Month, we’ve rounded up some of today’s most commonly banned books featuring disabled authors and storylines. Pair this book with our guide to the most commonly banned sexual assault books as well.
What does the Book Challenge form look like?
If you don’t work in a library or school, you may not know what a book appeal form actually is, a formal step required to get a book through the review process. This post has been shared in several formats, including the Nation’s Most Prolific Books banner. The aim is to understand how little is asked of complainers and why schools and libraries allow such poorly crafted and sometimes straight plagiarized complaints to be taken seriously. It’s about helping people wonder if they’re there.
How public libraries are currently being targeted – and not just for books
The conversation about public libraries here this year and in recent years has not been about banning books. Instead, we’re talking about how banning books could be the catalyst for a more sinister plan to destroy public libraries. We’ve seen too many public libraries deal with bad bulletin boards, sudden defunding, and attempts by city and county officials to take over the library. Here’s a look at where and how public libraries are being hurt beyond “just” book bans. This is a reminder: “Get your books from these free sites!!!” or “I’m going to buy my racist relative’s banned books!” “I’m hoarding and giving away books I know will be banned” is a true reflection of what’s actually going on here. It’s not a solution. Expect to see more articles like this in 2025. The first article will be published here sometime in January.
Common myths about book bans are wrong
Yes, the book has been banned.
No, banning a book does not increase an author’s book sales except in rare cases.
No, book bans do not make children beg to read. They just don’t read at all.
This is a guide to common myths spread by friends, family, and mainstream media, and how to deal with them. Some of these may also serve as a reminder for you as you prepare for what’s to come in 2025.
Note: Last week’s Literary Activities Newsletter rounded up the states that have passed anti-book bans and what they actually mean. One of the states that passed the bill in 2023 was accidentally left out. That’s Connecticut. Public Law 23-101. The bill would provide a pool of funding for public libraries that meet short criteria, such as not banning books.
Book Censorship News: December 27, 2024
Don’t get too excited about the shorter-than-usual list this week and the coming weeks. This is traditionally a relatively quiet time for book censorship, as schools are closed and most libraries do not have board meetings during this period.
- This week marked an important victory in the ongoing battle over First Amendment rights in public libraries and access to books in Arkansas.
- Canyon Independent School District (Texas) has banned the use of Bibles in all district schools. We are reminded that this is still a book ban and a violation of student rights. (This is also a poorly understood state law, but it makes sense at this point).
- The ACLU sued the Elizabeth School District in Colorado for banning the books because they primarily featured people of color and LGBTQ+ people.
- Cache County Schools (UT) does not ban I know why the caged bird sings or The Handmaid’s Tale.
- The executive director of the Christian County Public Library (MO) is retiring in the new year after facing harassment for having LGBTQ+ books in its collection.
- Two new directors have been appointed to the struggling Garfield County Public Library (CO). This will be interesting to watch as this year’s long battle over books on public library shelves drags on. Remember, Colorado has an anti-book ban, but it doesn’t really Really It’s important here.
- A look at the growing effort to ban books in Oregon and its opposition.
- This story is protected by a paywall, but the winners of a First Amendment lawsuit in Crawford County, Arkansas, are now raising money for local libraries. Because even though they won the promotion of books, their next tactic to destroy libraries is to cut off funding to them.
- An update on the ongoing book ban campaign at the Middlebury Public Library (Indiana). Read actual comments from city council members here. That’s nice. Finally, I say this. “I don’t care what other people do, I care what we do,” Clark said. “If I make decisions based on what is politically popular or what might help me get re-elected rather than what I believe is right, I hope I lose the next election. I would rather lose a position on principle than win by doing something I disagree with.”
- Some parents are angry that their 8th graders are reading books. the hatred you give At a school in Manchester, Michigan.
- A year ago, there was a lot of uncertainty about the future of Liberty Lakes Public Library (WA). guess what? The situation has not improved, and the future of the library is again a big question mark.
- This story is paid, but 5 books He is still on the fence about whether he will be expelled from Boiling Springs High School (SC). Unsurprisingly, the book has an LGBTQ+ theme.
- This story is protected by a paywall (see pattern), but a teacher who saw a complaint about daring to put an LGBTQ+ book in an Ohio classroom had the complaint filed by another teacher. It turns out that I wish I could tell you more about it, but I’m sorry. Democracy disappears behind paywalls.
