D.C. Public Library Fights Book Censorship with Banned Books Week

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The D.C. Public Library is marking Banned Books Week from Sept. 22-28, asserting its role as a First Amendment institution amid a nationwide surge in book challenges.

This year’s theme, “Freed Between the Lines: Find Your Story,” emphasizes the library’s commitment to protecting freedom of speech, assembly and association.

The American Library Association (ALA) reported a sharp increase in censorship attempts in 2023, with 1,247 challenges to materials and services at libraries, schools, and universities. This represents a 65% rise from 2022, which itself saw a 38% increase from the previous year. These challenges targeted 4,240 unique titles, with many focusing on books related to LGBTQIA+ subjects or communities of color.

“D.C. Public Library does not ban books,” said Richard Reyes-Gavilan, the library’s executive director. “Yet the surge in censorship attempts across the country threatens our ability to access diverse viewpoints, learn and grow. Book bans infringe upon our First Amendment rights and are fundamentally opposed to the principles upon which our nation is founded.”

Library circulation data for the 10 books most frequently challenged in 2023, as identified by the American Library Association (ALA), shows different levels of use among D.C. residents from January to August 2024: 

1. “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe: 252 total circulations (135 physical, 117 digital) Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit.
2. “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson: 134 total circulations (55 physical, 79 digital) Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit.
3. “This Book Is Gay” by Juno Dawson: 26 total circulations (5 physical, 21 digital) Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, sex education, claimed to be sexually explicit.
4. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky: 151 total circulations (65 physical, 86 digital) Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, LGBTQIA+ content, rape, drugs, profanity.
5. “Flamer” by Mike Curato: 52 total circulations (19 physical, 33 digital) Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit.
6. “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison: 449 total circulations (193 physical, 256 digital) Reasons: Rape, incest, claimed to be sexually explicit, EDI (equity, diversity, inclusion) content.
7. (tie) “Tricks” by Ellen Hopkins: 0 circulation [ (No copies available) Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, drugs, rape, LGBTQIA+ content
8. (tie) “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” by Jesse Andrews: 60 total circulations (20 physical, 40 digital) Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, profanity.
9. “Let’s Talk About It” by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan: 7 total circulations (7 physical, 0 digital – No digital copy available for purchase) Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, sex education, LGBTQIA+ content.
10. “Sold” by Patricia McCormick: 9 total circulations (9 physical, 0 digital – No digital copy available) Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, rape.

During Banned Books Week, the D.C. Public Library is encouraging customers to exercise their First Amendment rights by checking out banned books and attending programs discussing the impact of censorship.

For more information, go to https://www.dclibrary.org/banned-books-week.