Book bans, censorship, and intellectual freedom

In the News

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Parental control or book banning? Maricopa County considers restricting kids' access to some titles

Maricopa County will introduce a new pilot program allowing parents to place restrictions on what books their children can check out in the Queen Creek Library, the first of several potential changes at the county libraries amid criticism by conservative activists over books available on the shelves.

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“These numbers should terrify lawmakers:” Library borrowing boom threatens GOP funding cuts

The Cuyahoga County Public Library system is experiencing a boom that could spell political trouble for Ohio lawmakers attempting to cut library funding.

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A ban on book bans: Oregon bill would protect access to library materials

Oregon lawmakers are taking steps to protect access to library materials written by diverse authors or that include themes of race, gender or sexual orientation.

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Colorado bill meant to limit school​ library book bans signed into law

Colorado school districts will need to adopt policies by this fall about when and why library books can be taken from the shelves under a new law signed by Gov. Jared Polis on Thursday.

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Death by a thousand cuts? Johnson County libraries face uncertain future after state, federal funding cuts

Activity buzzed inside the Greenwood Public Library on a warm afternoon in April. Local residents browsed through the shelves, picking out the most recent bestsellers and literary classics as well as audiobooks, CDs and DVDs.

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Librarians hold town hall fighting for funding, opposing book bans

A group of school librarians, educators and families took part in a town hall to fight for increased funding of school libraries and to object to legislation aimed at banning certain books.

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Cuyahoga County Public Library reports growth as Ohio libraries face potential funding cuts

Cuyahoga County Public Library saw growth in nearly every area in 2024, according to its annual report released this week.

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New Hampshire lawmakers debate a book ban that could punish teachers, librarians

On a recent afternoon, Betsy Harrington used her laptop to scroll through pages of a book available in her teenage kids’ online school library. It’s a copy of “This Book Is Gay,” and she did not like what she saw.