Staff Report / Ithacalocal.org

From January 1 to August 31, 2024, the American Library Association (ALA) documented 1,128 unique titles targeted for censorship in public, school, and academic libraries. During the same period, there were 414 reported attempts to censor library materials and services.

In comparison, the ALA reported higher numbers in 2023, with 1,915 unique titles challenged and 695 attempts to censor materials.

The current statistics indicate a decline in censorship attempts in 2024, but the figures still exceed those from before the pandemic. Some libraries are reportedly preemptively restricting access to certain books to prevent organized censorship campaigns.

The ALA states that its data primarily reflects information from media reports and library workers, and encourages individuals to report library censorship confidentially.

Source: Tompkins County Public Library | Ithaca NY

Source Type: Library

Source Location: Ithaca

Ithaca, NY

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