Book Banning Reaches Record Levels Across US Libraries
The American Library Association has revealed that book bans and attempted bans remain at unprecedented highs, with efforts to remove titles becoming increasingly coordinated and politicized. According to the ALA's annual State of America's Libraries Report, challenges to literary works have never been more systematic.
'Sold' Leads Most Challenged Titles for 2025
Patricia McCormick's 2006 novel "Sold," which addresses sex trafficking in India, topped the list of most challenged books in 2025. The ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom documented challenges to 4,235 different works, a figure surpassed only by the 4,240 recorded in 2023 since tracking began over three decades ago.
The association defines a challenge as "an attempt to have a library resource removed, or access to it restricted, based on the objections of a person or group." This year's list was released during National Library Week, which concludes on April 25.
Notable Titles Facing Objections
Other frequently targeted books include:
- Stephen Chbosky's high school novel "The Perks of Being a Wallflower"
- Maia Kobabe's graphic memoir "Gender Queer"
- Sarah J. Maas's romantic fantasy "Empire of Storms"
The ALA typically features ten books but expanded to eleven this year due to a four-way tie for eighth place:
- Anthony Burgess's dystopian classic "A Clockwork Orange"
- Ellen Hopkins's sibling drama "Identical"
- John Green's boarding school narrative "Looking for Alaska"
- Jennifer L. Armentrout's paranormal romance "Storm and Fury"
Primary objections cited include LGBTQ+ themes, depictions of sexual violence, and references to alcohol and cigarette use.
Shift from Local to Coordinated Campaigns
Historically, book challenges originated from individual parents or community members. However, the ALA notes a dramatic shift toward government officials and conservative activist groups like Moms for Liberty, who advocate for "parental choice" in educational materials.
In 2025, over 90% of challenges stemmed from activists and government officials, up from 72% in 2024. States such as Florida, Texas, and Utah have been particularly active in pushing for bans or restrictive legislation.
Sarah Lamdan, executive director of the ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom, emphasized: "In 2025, book bans were not sparked by concerned parents, and they were not the result of local grassroots efforts. They were part of a well-funded, politically-driven campaign."
Actual Removals Exceed Challenges
The ALA found that actual book removals—totaling more than 5,600—significantly outpaced the number of formal challenges. Lamdan attributed this to the widespread dissemination of targeted lists, noting that activists circulate these lists nationally, leading to repetitive targeting at library board meetings.
This trend echoes findings from PEN America, which previously reported multiple bannings of titles like "Sold" and "A Clockwork Orange."
Libraries Defend Intellectual Freedom
ALA President Sam Helmick stated in a release: "Libraries exist to make space for every story and every lived experience. As we celebrate National Library Week, we reaffirm that libraries are places for knowledge, for access, and for all."
The ALA compiles its data through media reports and library submissions, acknowledging that actual numbers are likely higher due to underreporting. The association continues to monitor and advocate against censorship, highlighting the vital role of libraries in preserving diverse narratives and intellectual freedom.
