Public libraries allow people to borrow books for free, of course, and in many areas they also allow their patrons to borrow music CDs, DVDs, games, tools, hobby equipment, and more. Libraries are additionally known to provide a wide variety of free or low-cost services such as wifi and computer access, classes, indoor gathering spaces, and even language support. The sheer number of positive contributions that libraries provide in and around their communities can not be overstated.
The Rise of Book-Banning Movements
Sadly, in recent years a small, yet well-organized national movement has been sweeping the US. Despite the fact that 90% of American voters have a positive opinion of librarians and 71% oppose removing books from libraries, efforts to ban books have exploded in recent years. This movement believes that libraries are dangerous, calling for book bans and restrictions to prevent people from borrowing books that the movement does not approve of. Even worse, in some areas calls for library closures and threats of violence have put the very existence of community libraries at risk.
Increasing Pressure on School Libraries
Previously, book bans had mostly focused on schools and school libraries. According to the American Library Association, school libraries received demands to censor and remove 4,240 different books from schools and libraries in 2023. This is a 65% increase from 2022, which had itself recorded the previous record high of 2,571 book removal requests. Books about puberty, sexual health, sexuality, and racial minorities were the primary targets of these attempted bans. Books about racial and sexual minorities in particular made up 47% of the targeted books.
The Threat to Public Libraries
It does not appear that book banners will be satisfied with pushing their narrow personal worldviews on only schoolchildren. They have now set their eyes on the general American public, targeting community public libraries and their librarians using the same ban lists.
Book banners have unfortunately achieved a few scattered successes across the US, with a spate of state laws in, for example, Florida, Utah, and Texas targeting school libraries. These laws do not currently apply to public libraries, but that does not mean that public libraries are safe. It is clear that these efforts will continue until they are either stopped or successful.
I worry about what might happen if these book bans and calls for censorship are left unchallenged. There is great potential for wide-reaching harm. Attacking libraries does not only prevent members of the community from accessing a valuable service. It also leads to direct harm against librarians. Already, some states are attempting to criminalize providing library services. Librarians who stock books that fall outside of the narrow view of content considered “appropriate” by conservative lawmakers could find themselves facing charges. Librarians in some areas have even received personal attacks and threats simply for doing their jobs.
If these book banners were acting in good faith, then perhaps a discussion could be had. Unfortunately, they are not. This movement is about opposing diversity and trying to punish those who have dared to think differently. Libraries are at risk across the US, in red, blue, and purple states. We should also remember that America tends to export its social issues, which means book-banning efforts could someday pop up in other countries. Perhaps, even yours. There is no telling if this anti-book, anti-freedom-of-expression, and anti-intellectualism ideology will stop at America’s borders. Sadly, I doubt it will. For that reason, this is an issue that I do not think anyone can afford to ignore.
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