LOCAL SCHOOLS AND BOOK BANS


​WHAT ARE BOOK BANS? 

Book bans are educational gag orders that prevent students and communities from reading diverse authors and complex stories by removing books from school districts and libraries. This happens when parents, guardians, community members, and elected officials object to the content of a book and demand that schools and libraries pull them from classrooms, curricula, media centers, and libraries. These objections are rooted in a fear that their honest content will spark critical thinking that challenges conventional beliefs, cultural awareness, political ideologies, and religious values.


PROTECT OUR STORIES AND STORYTELLERS

There is an alarming nationally coordinated and well-funded campaign to ban widely-acclaimed authors and beloved books that center OUR stories about race, culture, gender, and sexuality. At greatest risk are books that offer honest accounts of historic injustices and inhumanities. These targeted book bans are widespread and easy to start, usually triggered by hysteria and demands at school board meetings, city council meetings, and legislator’s offices. 

This wave of censorship is a blatant attempt to erase our collective history and silence countless students, families, and communities. ​Educational gag orders muzzle diverse perspectives and critical thought AND prevent students from challenging norms, dismantling stereotypes, and examining biases.

These are OUR stories and OUR truths!

Statement on the Attack on Books in Schools, National Coalition Against Censorship
Banned Books Resources Hub, Penguin Random House 
10 Top Challenged Book List, American Library Association 
Ban This Booklist, ACLU ​
Read Books That Schools Want to Ban, The Atlantic
The New Illiteracy, Publishers Weekly​


BANNED BOOKS WEEK 2022

Mark your calendars: the 2022 celebration of Banned Books Week will be September 19 – 24!
Learn more here

Explore Ways YOU Can ​Combat Book Bans!​
​​
The American Library Association tracks censorship and challenges to materials, resources, and services across the nation using a live reporting system. Information is used to compile the Top 10 Most Challenged Books list and trend reports for public awareness

Report Censorship or Challenges HERE
Book Ban Busters tracks book bans across Ohio with a LIVE interactive book ban map, teaches and trains communities how to advocate against them, and spreads awareness about book bans via digital platforms and public events. ​
​
​Log in NOW!
The Unicorn Express is a (U.S-based) community-supported effort that sends free LGBTQ+ titles by mail to LGBTQ+ youth living in states and/or districts where bans have been put in place.

Request Book NOW!
Banned Books Box is a lively monthly subscription service that ships two banned books straight to your mailbox! Each delivery includes a lapel pin, bookmarks, and a special gift. Order a subscription for yourself and gift one to friend!
​
Subscribe TODAY!