72% of US Book Bans Stem from Organized Groups and Government: ALA Report

Book Bans Rise in US: 72% of Challenges Stem from Organized Groups and Government, ALA Reports The American Library Association (ALA) recently released its annual list of the top 10 most challenged books in the United States. This year's report reveals a disturbing trend: a significant majority of challenges are originating from organized pressure groups and government entities. According to the ALA, 72% of the attempts to censor books in 2024 came from these sources. "The 2024 data shows that the majority of book censorship attempts are now originating from organized movements," stated the ALA in a press release. "Pressure groups and government entities, including elected officials, board members, and administrators, initiated 72% of demands to censor books in school and public libraries." The ALA's list is compiled from confidential reports filed by library professionals and community members, offering a snapshot of censorship attempts nationwide. The reasons for the challenges frequently cited include LGBTQ+ themes, discussions of race, and social justice issues. This year's top 10 list includes titles such as "All Boys Aren't Blue" by George M. Johnson and "Gender Queer" by Maia Kobabe, both frequently targeted for their frank depictions of gender identity and sexuality. The ALA strongly condemns censorship and advocates for every person's right to read. This report serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing fight to protect intellectual freedom and ensure access to diverse perspectives in libraries and schools across the nation.