"School Libraries Purge Books Amid Growing Censorship Concerns"

Book Removals from School Libraries Reach Alarming Levels, PEN America Warns A record 6,870 books were banned or restricted in public school libraries across the United States during the 2024-2025 academic year, according to a report released by PEN America. This marks a significant increase from the previous year's total of 10,046 bans and has sparked concerns about censorship and free expression in schools. The report highlights the systematic removal of books that tackle sensitive topics, diverse perspectives, and complex issues, such as racism, LGBTQ+ rights, and mental health. These books are often challenged by parents or community members who object to their content, leading to restrictions on access or outright bans. According to PEN America, this trend is not only alarming but also disturbingly normalized. The most-banned books of the 2024-2025 school year include titles such as "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas, "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie, and "Looking for Alaska" by John Green. These books are often challenged due to their depiction of mature themes, language, or content that some consider objectionable. PEN America's report emphasizes the importance of book access in schools, stating that "books have long been a cornerstone of education, providing students with windows into different worlds, perspectives, and experiences." The organization argues that restricting access to books can have far-reaching consequences for students' critical thinking skills, empathy, and understanding of complex issues. According to Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR News, PEN America's report is a "wake-up call" for educators, policymakers, and community leaders. "The fact that we're seeing this kind of censorship in schools is not only alarming but also deeply concerning," she said. "It's essential that we prioritize free expression and access to information in our educational institutions." PEN America's report comes as the organization continues to advocate for book access and free expression in schools. The group has been working with educators, policymakers, and community leaders to develop strategies for promoting book access and challenging censorship. As the debate around book removals from school libraries continues, PEN America's report serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting students' right to access information and explore complex issues through literature. With 6,870 books banned or restricted in just one year, it is clear that this trend will require continued attention and action from educators, policymakers, and community leaders. Background: PEN America has been tracking book challenges and bans for several years, releasing annual reports on the most-banned books in public schools. The organization defines a book ban as any action taken against a book due to its content, leading to its removal or restricted access for students. Context: The rise in book removals from school libraries is part of a broader trend of censorship and free expression concerns in public schools. According to PEN America's report, the number of book challenges has increased exponentially over the past two years, with 2024-2025 seeing the highest number of bans on record. Expert Opinion: Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR News, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing free expression and access to information in schools. "The fact that we're seeing this kind of censorship in schools is not only alarming but also deeply concerning," she said. "It's essential that we prioritize free expression and access to information in our educational institutions." Current Status: PEN America continues to advocate for book access and free expression in schools, working with educators, policymakers, and community leaders to develop strategies for promoting book access and challenging censorship. Next Steps: As the debate around book removals from school libraries continues, PEN America's report serves as a call to action for educators, policymakers, and community leaders. It is essential that we prioritize free expression and access to information in our educational institutions to ensure that students have the resources they need to succeed. This story was compiled from reports by NPR News and BREAKING: NPR News.