Censorship by the numbers
“The record number of book challenges we’re reporting today are not the result of a parent filing authentic requests for reconsideration. Overwhelmingly, we’re seeing groups and individuals at library board meetings demand the removal of long lists of books obtained from organized censorship groups who share these lists on social media." - Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom
In 2023, the American Library Association documented the highest number of titles targeted for censorship since ALA began compiling data more than 20 years ago. 4,240 unique titles were challenged last year, up from 2,571 targeted in 2022.
WHO INITIATES ATTEMPTS TO CENSOR BOOKS?
28% Patrons
24% Parents
21% Pressure Groups
13% Board/administration
3% Librarians/teachers/staff
2% Elected officials/government
9% Other/unknown
WHERE DO CENSORSHIP ATTEMPTS TAKE PLACE?
54% Public libraries
39% School libraries
5% Schools
2% Higher education/other
BOOKS AND BEYOND
ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 1,247 censorship attempts in 2023. Here’s the breakdown:
76% Books, graphic novels
5% Displays
4% Access (Library closures, funding, bomb threats)
4% Hate crimes (vandalism, theft of materials representing marginalized groups)
3% Programs
2% Films
6% Other
CENSORSHIP ON THE RISE
The unparalleled number of unique titles targeted in 2023 marked a 65% increase over 2022. During the two decades prior to 2021, the average number of unique titles targeted per year was 273.
NUMBER OF UNIQUE TITLE CHALLEGED BY YEAR
2004: 390
2014: 183
2021: 1,858
2022: 2,571
2023: 4,240
WHO INITIATES ATTEMPTS TO CENSOR BOOKS?
28% Patrons
24% Parents
21% Pressure Groups
13% Board/administration
3% Librarians/teachers/staff
2% Elected officials/government
9% Other/unknown
In 2023, organized pressure groups used their power to try to empty library shelves of all books they deem inappropriate.
WHERE DO CENSORSHIP ATTEMPTS TAKE PLACE?
Public library collections came under increased scrutiny in 2023. A significant factor in the increase was that groups who had previously targeted materials in school libraries began bringing challenges to the same titles at their public library.
54% Public libraries
39% School libraries
5% Schools
2% Higher education/other
Books and Beyond: ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 1,247 censorship attempts in 2023. Here’s the breakdown:
76% Books, graphic novels
5% Displays
4% Access (Library closures, funding, bomb threats)
4% Hate crimes (vandalism, theft of materials representing marginalized groups)
3% Programs
2% Films
6% Other
BOOKS AND BEYOND
ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 1,247 censorship attempts in 2023. Here’s the breakdown:
76% Books, graphic novels
5% Displays
4% Access (Library closures, funding, bomb threats)
4% Hate crimes (vandalism, theft of materials representing marginalized groups)
3% Programs
2% Films
6% Other
NUMBER OF UNIQUE TITLE CHALLEGED BY YEAR
2004: 390
2014: 183
2021: 1,858
2022: 2,571
2023: 4,240
CENSORSHIP ON THE RISE
The record-breaking number of unique titles targeted in 2023 marked a 65% increase over 2022. Prior to 2021, the average number of unique titles targeted per year was 273.