Banned Books Week and Censorship

Who Bans or Challenges Books?

First, it's important to emphasize that neither librarians nor libraries ban or challenge books!  Libraries are all about the freedom to read and librarians discourage censorship in all forms.  Typically, a book challenge or banning occurs when individual or group decides that a particular book does not belong on the shelf in a library because of something that particular individual or group does not like about the book.  Perhaps they think it uses offensive language or presents an idea that is radical or different from societal norms.  Perhaps these individuals believe they need to protect children or another group from non-mainstream, difficult or controversial ideas and information.  Parents challenge books more often than any other individual or group, but other examples are:  government bodies, elected officials, religious organizations or officials, board members and even teachers!

Why are Books Banned or Challenged?

The top three reasons why books are challenged or banned are:  sexually explicit, offensive language, and unsuited to any age group.  Other reasons include racism, anti-family, nudity, suicide, drugs, violence, homosexuality, political viewpoint, religious viewpoint and others!