The year 2023 was another record-breaker for book bans. The American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) documented1,247 attempts to censor library books and other materials—most of which were works by or about people of color, members of the LGBTQ community, or both. Since these attempts often target multiple items, OIF recorded 4,240 unique titles at risk, a 65% increase from the previous year.
This article traces the history of censorship, highlighting significant moments such as the Comstock Laws of 1873 and more modern book bans, including challenges to materials on race, sexuality, and controversial themes. Libraries have consistently played a crucial role in combating these efforts. It also shows how censorship evolves, with current challenges targeting works like Amanda Gorman’s The Hill We Climb and books discussing racial and social issues.