The MCPL Blog: Challenged Books

April 10, 2018

It's National Library Week (April 8-14), and the American Library Association (ALA) just released the 10 most challenged books of 2017. These are titles are ones that folks have most frequently attempted to remove from different schools and libraries across the United States for various reasons. Since the ALA (and most libraries) strive to provide a wide range of materials that appeal to all different kinds of people, removing materials from a library collection and other forms of censorship are not ideal. Below is the ALA's most challenged books of last year. Take a gander at the list below and tell us what you think. Are there any titles on the list that you've read? Any titles that you're surprised to...

September 27, 2017

We are smack-dab in the middle of Banned Books Week, which is an annual initiative organized by the American Library Association (ALA) celebrating the freedom to read.  Banned Books Weeks is all about celebrating every person's right to read whatever it is they want, Library staff, book sellers, publishers, journalists and readers across the country often tend to celebrate this week, as they continue to advocate for the expression of diverse ideas and stories, despite the attempt to censor or challenge certain titles by some folks who disagree with their content or viewpoint. Below is a list compiled by the ALA of the most-frequently challenged books of 2016, based on more than 300...

May 2, 2016

The great thing about libraries is that they offer countless materials for a wide variety of people to experience, regardless of age, race, size, background, sexual orientation, religion or economic status. Since each person has their own opinions and expectations of what constitutes a "good book," patrons across the world sometimes challenge books in an effort to have them removed from the library's collection. Each year, the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom compiles reports from libraries, schools and the media on attempts to ban books in communities across the country. Below is the ALA's list of the top 10 most-challenged books of 2015. If you're interested in seeing what...

September 24, 2014

Is your favorite book a banned book? Every year, the Office of Intellectual Freedom receives hundreds of reports from libraries and schools about challenged books. In September, libraries celebrate the freedom to read and open access to information during Banned Books Week. Here are the most challenged titles of 2013, from BannedBooksWeek.org. The 10 most challenged titles of 2013: Captain Underpants (series), by Dav Pilkey Reasons: Offensive language, unsuited for age group, violence The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison  Reasons: Offensive language, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group, violence The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie...

October 1, 2012

This week is Banned Books Week! Sunday, September 30th through Saturday, October 6th. Time to celebrate the freedom to read! This annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information. (http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek) Take a look at the list of books that were challenged in 2011. Top 10 Most Frequently Challenged Books in 2011: (Out of 326 challenges as reported by the Office for Intellectual Freedom, American Library Association) ttyl; ttfn; l8r, g8r(series), by Lauren Myracle Reasons: offensive language; religious viewpoint; sexually explicit; unsuited to age group The Color of Earth(series), by Kim Dong Hwa Reasons: nudity; sex education;...

September 29, 2010

This week is Banned Books Week; time to celebrate the freedom to read. The theme this year is Think for Yourself and Let Others Do the Same. See the list of books that were challenged the most often in 2009, and read a banned or challenged book today!. Top 10 Most Frequently Challenged Books of 2009 (Out of 460 challenges as reported to the Office for Intellectual Freedom, American Library Association) ttyl; ttfn; l8r, g8r (series), by Lauren Myracle -- Reasons: drugs, nudity, offensive language, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson -- Reasons: homosexuality The Perks of Being A Wallflower by...