It seems like we’re hearing about “banned books” a lot lately. Headlines from November and December of 2024 include the following: 

     "Knox County schools receive list of books to ban from libraries under state law”

     “Florida Department of Education releases list of over 700 banned books in K-12 schools”

     “Rutherford County faces heated debate over book bans in school as 150 more titles are pulled from library shelves”

     “SC Department of Education will vote on whether to ban an additional 5 books”

But the reality is that banning books is not as common as some the headlines would lead you to believe. However, what is common (and disturbingly more frequent) is book challenges. So, what’s the difference?

According to the American Library Association “A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials” whereas “banning is the removal of those materials.” In other words: every book that is banned has been challenged, but not every book that has been challenged is banned.

So, is challenging better than banning? Well… yes, buuuuut neither is good. As the ALA states: “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.” Essentially, when a person (or group) challenges a book they are proclaiming that they know what’s best for you and your family and your neighbors. They have decided that others should not have access to something based on their beliefs and opinions. People challenge books for different reasons. Some believe certain books are inappropriate for certain age groups. Others may object to the book's message or themes. It's important to remember that people have different values and beliefs, and what one person finds offensive, another may not.

The challenge process is pretty standard at most libraries and usually involves someone submitting a “Request for Reconsideration.” Librarians, teachers, administrators, governing bodies, etc. want people to have the opportunity to discuss the collection. Patrons, students, parents, etc. always have input on a library’s collection whether they know it or not; just by checking out items (or not checking items out) patrons influence what’s added to a library’s collection. Additionally, most libraries encourage patrons to make recommendations to add to the collection so it makes sense that they want to hear from patrons if they have concerns. 

HOWEVER, just as not every recommendation is able to be added, not every challenge will result in a banned book. In all actuality, in most cases the challenges will not result in a book being removed because the people who purchase books for a library collection are trained professionals who usually have advanced degrees and experience in collection management. These librarians and teachers don’t just select items based on Amazon’s “Top Picks” or some random list of popular books - they read reviews in trade publications, review the current collection for gaps, consider trends, and much more. By the time an item is ordered a fair amount of effort and thought has gone into its purchase.

So, what does it take for a book to get banned? Generally, the governing body of the library (for public libraries this is a Library Board and for schools this may be the administration or the School Board) has the final say in if a challenged item should be withdrawn. Unfortunately, sometimes all it takes is some weak decision makers to make laws that support the idea that there is only one “right” way to view the world. Most recently, groups of like-minded individuals came together and decided what they think is acceptable for people to have access to. They created lists of titles which were distributed and then people within these groups found the titles at their local libraries and challenged them. Further, they contacted local politicians and persuaded them that books they disagreed with were detrimental to vulnerable people; many even associated reading these books with violent behaviors and self-harm. In some cases these decision-makers were afraid to be seen as supporting anything “bad” and didn’t take the time to research the titles in question or to learn about how books are selected for libraries and were swayed by these groups. 

Citizens must understand that book challenges and bans can have a significant impact on individuals and communities. They can limit access to information and ideas, restrict freedom of speech, and censor diverse perspectives. When books are challenged or banned, it can create a chilling effect on authors, publishers, and librarians, discouraging them from producing or sharing certain types of content.

Remember that books can spark conversations, challenge our thinking, and broaden our perspectives. By understanding the difference between banning and challenging books, we can work together to protect our right to read and learn. If you want to learn more and better understand the process, talk to your local librarians who will be happy to tell you what you want to know. 

Unfortunately, the headlines featured at the top ARE all about actual book bans. 

 

Protecting Intellectual Freedom

It's important to protect intellectual freedom and the right to access information. Libraries and individuals can take steps to prevent book bans and challenges. This includes staying informed about current challenges, attending library board meetings, and supporting organizations that promote literacy and intellectual freedom. 

Here are some websites where you can find information about book banning and challenging:

  • American Library Association (ALA) - Banned & Challenged Books: This website provides information on challenged and banned books, including lists of frequently challenged books, resources for parents and educators, and information on how to get involved in protecting intellectual freedom.  
  • United Against Book Bans: This website provides resources and information on how to fight book bans and censorship.  
  • PEN America: This organization works to protect freedom of expression in the United States and around the world. Their website includes information on book bans and censorship, as well as resources for writers and artists.  
  • National Coalition Against Censorship: This organization works to defend freedom of expression in all forms. Their website includes information on book bans and censorship, as well as resources for educators, librarians, and parents.  

These websites can provide you with more detailed information and statistics on book banning and challenging, as well as resources to help you get involved in protecting intellectual freedom. Sign up to join us in protecting our freedom to read in North Dakota!