American Library Association: “In a time of deep political divides, library staff across the country are facing an overwhelming number of book ban attempts. In 2023 alone, the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 1,247 efforts to censor books and other resources in libraries—an increase of 65% from the year before. In total, 4,240 unique book titles were targeted, many of them representing LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC voices and experiences. As we gear up for Banned Books Week 2024 (September 22-28), with the theme “Freed Between the Lines,” we’re reminded how much is at stake. The freedom to explore new ideas and different perspectives is under threat, and book bans don’t just restrict access to stories—they undermine our rights. Now is the time to come together, celebrate the right to read, and find freedom in the pages of a book. Let’s be “Freed Between the Lines.” This year, we’re excited to have award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay as our honorary chair. From Selma to 13th and When They See Us, DuVernay’s work shines a light on the power of storytelling. Her adaptations of frequently banned books, like A Wrinkle in Time, remind us why it’s so important to protect diverse voices…”

Memo on School Book Bans from PEN America – Preliminary National Findings for the 2023-2024 School Year Show Dramatic Rise in Book Bans 10,000. PEN America research finds 10,000+ instances of book bans in the 2023-2024 school year—more than double the last school year.

See also the New York Times – Looking for a Superhero? Check the Public Library. “…You know something is wrong in America when beloved schoolteachers and librarians become the target of hate groups…”