US saw record high of 5,668 books banned in libraries in 2025, says agency
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The Bottom Line
US libraries banned a record 5,668 books in 2025, with 66% of all challenged books removed.
How This Affects You
This trend restricts access to diverse viewpoints and information in public and school libraries, potentially limiting educational and cultural exposure for your family.
AI Summary
The American Library Association (ALA) reported a record high of 5,668 books banned in US libraries in 2025. This figure represents 66% of all challenged books, with an additional 920 titles censored through access restrictions. The most-banned book was "Sold," a 2006 novel by Patricia McCormick about sex trafficking in India. This surge in book bans reflects ongoing disputes over content accessibility in public and school libraries across the country.
What's Being Done
The American Library Association (ALA) reported these figures, highlighting ongoing disputes over content accessibility.
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