IDEA Den

ALA's Top 10 Most Challenged/Banned Books 2023 

"The American Library Association condemns censorship and works to defend each person's right to read under the First Amendment and to ensure free access to information. Every year, ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) compiles a list of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books in order to inform the public about censorship in libraries and schools. This list compiled by ALA represents only a snapshot of book challenges."

In 2023, "The number of titles targeted for censorship at public libraries increased by 92% over the previous year."  This month's IDEA Den hopes to help us learn more and engage in conversation about this issue.

Source American Library Association (ALA)

According to the American Library Association (ALA), a challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials. Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others. As such, they are a threat to freedom of speech and choice.  (Citation: Harford Community College Library)

Learn more by visiting the ALA's Banned & Challenged Books site

Unite in Your Community, Defend Books, Help Speaking Up & Out,

Learn about Becoming a Prepared Intellectual Freedom Voter

Report Censorship, Find Resources, Get Involved

ALA's Freedom to Read Statement 

Learn about your rights, Resources to fight censorship

Report Censorship to the ALA's Office of Intellectual Freedom

There's also a tool kit available!

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