RrarDespite a rise in literary censorship, “banned books” have risen in popularity. In response, Grand Valley State University’s Mary Idema Pew Library has taken initiatives to provide access to censored literature.
Data from the American Library Association‘s Office for Intellectual Freedom shows 414 attempts to censor library materials and services were tracked in 2024 between Jan. 1 and Aug. 31. Of those cases, 1,128 unique titles were challenged. 2023 statistics were more staggering, with bans affecting more than 4,000 unique titles. Many banned book authors write about their experiences coming from marginalized communities. People of color and LGBTQIA+ stories made up 47% of bans during the 2023-2024 school year.
Surprisingly enough, the top five most banned titles are quite mainstream, and many even have film or television adaptations. Titles such as “Looking for Alaska,” “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” and “Thirteen Reasons Why” were some of the most frequently banned books throughout the 2023-2024 school year. “Gender Queer: A Memoir” by Maia Kobabe, “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson and “This Book is Gay” by Juno Dawson are also among the most banned at public libraries and community recreation centers. The latter three titles exclusively highlight LGBTQIA+ voices.
Since 1982, “Banned Books Week” has been celebrated by thousands of libraries and academic buildings across the country. Banned Books Week is celebrated at GVSU, with associated novels featured in library displays. According to Brody French, a student employee at the University’s library, Banned Books Week is designed to bring awareness to the content, erasure and liberation of banned media.
“We have banned books here in the library,” said French. “We do promote them, (and) we do a banned book display.”
French said the display is helpful in getting students’ attention about literary censorship.
”I don’t think people really know about it unless there is a display because I can’t say I’ve had many people come up to me (saying), ‘Where (are) your banned books at?’’ French added.
Jordyn Horton, the night coordinator of student employment at GVSU’s library, said the banned book display features several titles.
“I come up with a list of 15 to 20 books, and we’ll just create signage for it and send it out,” Horton said. “Usually it’s (the display) in the lobby so people can see it when they walk in.”
Horton said engagement from the GVSU community regarding banned books has increased.
“We’ve definitely incorporated more e-book (banned) titles into the display, especially because all students, staff (and) faculty have access to e-books and audio books,” Horton said. “It’s really nice that people have different ways they can engage with banned books”
Horton recommended PEN America and The American Library Association as two resources the library uses to find banned media. These sources can be used by anyone to locate current and accurate data regarding banned books in the United States.
