Spineless: Examining PEN America’s 2024 Report on Book Bans

The surge of book bans in the United States has continues to post a significant challenge for libraries, schools and communities committed to intellectual freedom and knowledge sharing. PEN America’s 2024 report, “Banned in the USA: Beyond the Shelves”, sheds light on the alarming escalation of censorship, detailing its scope, key targets and the response from librarians determined to protect access to diverse literature.

Key Takeaways from the Banned in the USA Report

So let’s talk numbers. According to the report, during the 2023-2024 school year there were:

10,046 book-banning instances (54.7% increase year-over-year)
1,406 unique titles banned (164.4% increase year-over-year)
2,662 authors impacted (77.5% increase year-over-year)

This marks a considerable increase compared to previous years (see 2022-2023 and 2021-2022), reflecting the continued disturbing trend toward broader restrictions on educational content. States leading this movement include Texas (surprise!), Florida and Missouri, which together account for the majority of these bans.

Book Ban Impact on Marginalized Communities

PEN America’s analysis also highlights that the books most frequently targeted address themes central to social justice and identity:

41% of banned books include LGBTQ+ themes or have LGBTQ+ protagonists or prominent secondary characters
40% feature protagonists or secondary characters of color
21% discuss issues of race and racism
10% feature character or themes related to religious minorities
5% feature protagonists with disabilities

The focus on these themes underscores how censorship disproportionately impacts stories that amplify marginalized voices, limiting young readers’ exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences. This creates educational environments where students from these communities struggle to see themselves reflected in the materials available to them which is absolute poppycock.

“Book bans threaten to erase entire communities from educational narratives, marginalizing voices that have historically been underrepresented.”

— PEN America 2024 Report

The Rise of “Soft Censorship”

“Soft censorship,” as mentioned in PEN America’s report and expanded upon by Book Riot, refers to the subtle ways books are restricted without formal bans, such as removing them from curricula or discouraging their use in classrooms. This form of censorship erodes the foundation of intellectual freedom by creating an environment where controversial or diverse materials gradually disappear without formal acknowledgment, leaving gaps in representation and understanding. All of this underscores the vital role librarians play as defenders of access to information and champions of diverse, inclusive collections that challenge quiet censorship.

Librarian Tactics to Combat Censorship

So, how are librarians supporting our communities despite these challenges? Librarians remain steadfast advocates for access to diverse literature. One effective strategy has been the creation and distribution of comprehensive banned book lists, ensuring that the public remains informed and that banned works stay visible. Digital archiving and social media have become essential tools, amplifying the visibility of banned books and highlighting censorship efforts to broader audiences. Events such as “Banned Books Week” serve as platforms to engage communities in discussions on the importance of protecting intellectual freedom.

Partnerships with civil rights and educational organizations have been pivotal in combating both overt and soft censorship. The American Library Association (ALA) has been at the forefront, offering resources that empower librarians and communities to stand against restrictive measures. Their Office for Intellectual Freedom provides legal support, guidance, and public advocacy tools to protect readers’ rights and promote equitable access to information. These collaborations amplify the fight for intellectual freedom and challenge policies that disproportionately affect marginalized communities, equipping librarians to resist both formal book bans and quieter, insidious forms of censorship that limit diverse voices.

“Book bans are more than an attack on individual books or librarians; they represent an assault on the very principles of freedom and inclusion that libraries stand for.”

— Lessa Kanani’opua Pelayo-Lozada - ALA President

The fight against book bans comes with significant risks, as librarians may face threats to job security and intense public scrutiny for defending challenged materials. Legislative measures, such as those imposing fines or punitive actions for providing certain books, further escalate these challenges, adding immense pressure to uphold intellectual freedom—all of which align with the rise of educational gag orders in the past year.

The Broader Implications of Book Bans

Book bans are symptomatic of broader cultural and political shifts that aim to limit access to information and stifle public discourse. The long-term impact of this trend could significantly affect educational equity, reducing students’ ability to engage critically with a wide range of ideas and stories. The PEN America report underscores that librarian resistance is crucial for safeguarding democracy’s core values, such as freedom of expression and the right to access diverse perspectives—but they can’t be in this fight alone.

Understanding and acting on the findings of PEN America’s report is essential. Public support for libraries and librarians is critical to counter these challenges. By engaging with and advocating for intellectual freedom at local and national levels, communities can help ensure that access to diverse and inclusive stories remains protected for our future generations.