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Banned Books Week

Top 10 Challenged Books of 2022

Banned Books Week banner reading "Let Freedom Read. October 1-7, 2023"

"The theme for Banned Books Week 2023 is Let Freedom Read. ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom ALA documented 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources in 2022, the highest number of attempted book bans since ALA began compiling data about censorship in libraries more than 20 years ago. The unparalleled number of reported book challenges in 2022 nearly doubles the 729 book challenges reported in 2021. Of the record 2,571 unique titles targeted for censorship, most were by or about LGBTQIA+ persons and Black, Indigenous, and people of color." (American Library Association, 2023)

Censorship By The Numbers: Statistics on book challenges in 2022

Books & Beyond: ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 1,269 challenges in 2022. Here's the breakdown: 82% books, graphic novels and textbooks; 6% displays and exhibits; 4% programs and meeting rooms; 1& films; 7% other)

Censorship by the Numbers

Where Do Challenges Take Place: 48% Public Libraries; 41% School Libraries; 10% Schools; 1% Higher Ed Libraries & Other Institutions

Where Challenges Take Place

Who initiates challenges: 17% religious/political groups; 15% board/admin; 3% librarians/teachers; 3% elected officials; 4% others

Who Initiates Challenges

Censorship On The Rise: The unparalleled number of book challenges in 2022 nearly doubled the number reported in 2021. The number of unique titles targeted marked a 38% increase over 2021. 1,858 challenges in 2021; 2571 challenges in 2022.

Censorship On The Rise