US saw record high of 5,668 books banned in libraries in 2025, says agency
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US saw record high of 5,668 books banned in libraries in 2025, says agency
"In 2025, challenges were recorded against 4,235 unique titles, the second highest since tracking began, with 40% involving representations of LGBTQ+ people or people of colour."
"The report found that challenges are becoming more coordinated and politically driven: 92% came from pressure groups, decision-makers or government officials, compared with 72% in 2024."
"Sarah Lamdan, executive director of OIF, stated that book bans were not sparked by concerned parents, but were part of a well-funded, politically driven campaign."
"The ALA defines a challenge as an attempt to remove or restrict access to a library resource, while a ban refers to the removal of materials from library collections."
In 2025, the American Library Association reported 5,668 books banned in US libraries, marking a significant increase in censorship. The most frequently banned book was 'Sold' by Patricia McCormick. Challenges were recorded against 4,235 unique titles, with 40% involving LGBTQ+ or BIPOC representations. The report indicated that 92% of challenges were politically motivated, contrasting with previous years where parental concerns were more prevalent. The ALA's findings reflect a growing trend of coordinated efforts to suppress diverse narratives in literature.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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