Banned Books & Censorship - Longview

Is there such a thing as forbidden knowledge? Are some ideas too dangerous for members of a society to handle? That is the questionable purpose behind book banning and censorship, methods meant to create a degree of social control by restricting access to ideas, literature, art, and other kinds of expression. American conservatives have been engaging in this activity in an effort to limit access to information about race relations, gender politics, and sexuality. Published in 2024 and drawing from recent news stories, this edition of The Reference Shelf looks at the political debate and the social movements behind this resurgence in authoritarianism.

More books are being banned in America today than ever before. This censorship is part of a larger assault on schools, public libraries, and universities. In On Censorship, published in 2023, longtime public librarian and former director of the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom James LaRue issues a call to action for citizens. LaRue highlights the dangers of book banning and censorship in our public and educational spaces.This book is essential reading for all those who believe in free expression, who support libraries, and who cherish the central freedoms that American democracy represents.

Small-town librarian Amanda Jones understands how books can affirm a person's sense of self. So in 2022, when she heard of a local public hearing that would discuss "book content," she knew what was at stake. Schools and libraries nationwide have been bombarded by demands for books with LGTBQ+ references, discussions of racism, and more to be banned. At the meeting, Amanda spoke in support of stories that represent minority groups, and since then has faced death threats and personal attacks. Mapping the book banning crisis occurring across the nation, That Librarian calls book lovers everywhere to rise in defense of our readers.

Published in 2019, Critical Insights examines the wide range of literary texts that have been subjected to censorship, either at the time of their first publication, later in their history, or both.