US saw record high of 5,668 books banned in libraries in 2025, says agency
6 hours ago
- #Book Bans
- #Censorship
- #Intellectual Freedom
- ALA reported a record high of 5,668 books banned in US libraries in 2025, with an additional 920 restricted.
- Challenges targeted 4,235 unique titles, the second highest in over 30 years, with 40% involving LGBTQ+ or people of color representations.
- The most-banned book was Sold by Patricia McCormick, followed by titles like The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Gender Queer.
- Book challenges are increasingly coordinated and politically driven, with 92% from pressure groups or officials, up from 72% in 2024.
- Several US states, including Florida and Texas, have enforced laws limiting books on sexual orientation, gender identity, or 'harmful' content.