Happy National Library Week (April 6-April 12, 2025!
Each year the American Library Association (ALA) publishes the State of America's Libraries Report on the first Monday of National Library Week. This annual report goes in-depth on censorship challenges from the past year and determines the Top 10 Most Challenged Books list.
The past few years have shown unprecedented levels of attacks on banned books. Not surprisingly, at a time where American democracy is being threatened, the majority of books challenged include themes or content related to LGBTQIA+ issues, race, gender, racism, and social justice. The justifications are broad and unevenly applied, often at the insistence of smaller groups that do not represent the majority of Americans nor public opinion. Challenging a book is a targeted strategy intended to divert time, attention, and money as a way to silence voices and experiences that do not meet the narrow opinions of a minority of right-wing groups.
If you're wanting to learn more the latest news surrounding book challenges and censorship, I recommend following the work of librarian and writer, Kelly Jensen, especially her 56 Small Tasks to Be Proactive Against Book Censorship in 2025 and Beyond.
We think the annual Top 10 Most Challenged Book list usually makes a terrific foundation for thoughtful, inclusive, and diverse reading recommendations that you can check out from Oakland Public Library. Which ones have you read?
And we think you should too. These were the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2024 - go check them out from OPL's catalog.
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