In 2023, book banning and censorship reached an all-time high, with a record 4,240 unique book titles targeted for removal, a 65% increase over the 2,571 unique titles targeted in 2022 and a staggering 128% increase over 2021 numbers. 47% of the books targeted for censorship were titles representing the voices and lived experiences of people of color and people who identify as LGBTQ+. Coordinated censorship attempts continue to happen at an alarming rate, impacting schools and public libraries nationwide and threatening the First Amendment rights of all Americans.

Public and school libraries should be safe havens of knowledge and community, offering access to diverse viewpoints and empowering students and the public to engage with the issues of our time. The Freedom to Read Community Day of Action will unite libraries and elevate the voices of readers nationwide. Stand with us against book bans on Saturday, October 19, 2024.