Censored: The False Beliefs that Fuel Book Banning

Book banning isn’t a new conjecture. We can look as far back as 1637, when the New English Canaan created an uproar with the Puritans. The book by Thomas Morton showed compassion for the Native Americans, reflecting on the beauty of the natural world while poking fun at the Puritans, noting they “make a great show of religion but no humanity.” He was sent to the Isle of Shoals in New Hampshire, making him America’s first political exile.

The efforts to challenge books have surged to the highest level in 20 years. Most often, books about BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ people are targeted, and we are seeing polarization in politics play a large role. And it’s not just in our schools. Public libraries are facing challenges as well.

Banning efforts are being made on the public level in states such as North Carolina and Texas, and just this week we saw South Carolina Senate lawmakers pass an amendment that threatens to cut funding to libraries who don’t comply with vaguely stated provisions. We are seeing public librarians losing their beloved jobs for non-compliance and library board directors driven to resign over battles for diversity and inclusion.

?We know that the majority-71percent of voters oppose book banning in our public libraries. Yet the loud voices who support these bans often present information based on personal beliefs instead of truth. In an effort to support our librarians and public libraries, I believe it is important to separate these facts from feelings. In order to counter the spread of misinformation,?I am sharing five mistruths, from fear mongering to protocol.

1.Only books considered sexually explicit, contain offensive language or are age inappropriate are challenged

It may surprise you, but many of the most challenged books are not those that contain sexual content or profanity. In fact, books from the Twilight series to classics like Romeo and Juliet, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Of Mice and Men often top the list. Even the children's series Captain Underpants has fallen under scrutiny, being challenged due to its scatological humor. Whether it is a disagreement in religious viewpoint, differing beliefs of what is age appropriate or simply contains “depressing themes,” books are challenged for a number of reasons, including personal preference, all the time.?

2. The books a library carries is simply a reflection of librarian interests and beliefs

While it is true that Librarians are often responsible for curating their collection, this decision is based on data, not personal beliefs. Circulation numbers, Kirkus book reviews, best-seller lists and tools such as our own CollectionHQ are carefully consulted as librarians determine the demands of their patrons and how to most effectively allocate their budgets. If it were based on the affections of your local librarians, you would likely see shelves stocked with the Harry Potter series and numerous copies of Pride and Prejudice.

3. Allowing access to diverse books will corrupt my child

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but librarians aren’t standing at the library turnstiles, waiting to push controversial literature on its smallest patrons (or largest for that matter).?Any parent or caregiver with the internet or a streaming account knows there is a world of information we may find inappropriate just a click away. That doesn’t mean those programs or platforms shouldn’t exist or that others should be unable to access them.

4. There is no harm in banning books.

Besides the self-obviating infringement of our first amendment rights, book banning can have social impact as well. When we choose who gets to tell their stories and those that should be censored, we are reinforcing the idea that some viewpoints and experiences are worthy of discussion, implying that those that we ban are not. We create a monolithic society that prevents the exploration of our differences and suppresses the availability of others' lived reality. Books need to be both windows and mirrors. When we are in a place where we feel isolated and confused, books can be the bridge in understanding we are not alone and literally saves lives.??

5. There is nothing I can do.

With all the attention this topic is getting, you may feel overwhelmed or even disengaged, believing that it doesn't impact your life. Access to information impacts everyone, however, and we have a responsibility to support our librarians and leaders as they advocate for our freedoms and equality. Our friends at the American Library Association (ALA) provide great suggestions and resources on their website so you can get involved and stay informed. The National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) supplies students with tools and strategies to combat book banning as well. Use your voice, time, talent and finances to stand behind causes you believe in.

Whether it's learning about the past to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself or upholding our right to freedom of speech, book banning doesn’t just impact our schools but our public libraries and the communities we live in as well. When we support our access to information, we not only widen our world view but find connectedness in ways we so desperately need.