Protecting the Freedom to Read

What 2025 Tells Us About Censorship

Each year, the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) releases its Top 10 Most Challenged Books list to document censorship trends in libraries and schools across the United States. The data is gathered from confidential reports from library professionals and community members, as well as publicly reported challenges.

While this information is important, it represents only a snapshot. Many book challenges go unreported, meaning the real scope of censorship is likely much larger.

Rising Challenges to Access

The 2025 OIF data shows a continued and significant rise in book censorship:

• 4,325 unique titles challenged (second highest on record)
• 5,668 books banned, representing 66% of challenged titles
• 920 additional books restricted through relocation or permission requirements
• 92% of challenges initiated by pressure groups, officials, or decision makers (up from 72% in 2024)

Less than 3% of challenges are from individual parents.

The most common reasons cited include claims of obscenity, LGBTQIA+ content, and books addressing race, racism, equity, and social justice. Of all challenged titles, 40% represent LGBTQIA+ people and people of color.

The Top Challenged Books of 2025

These were the most frequently challenged books this year:

• Sold by Patricia McCormick – 36 challenges
• The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky – 33 challenges
• Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe – 25 challenges
• Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas – 24 challenges
• Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo – 23 challenges
• Tricks by Ellen Hopkins – 23 challenges
• A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas – 22 challenges
• A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess – 21 challenges
• Identical by Ellen Hopkins – 21 challenges
• Looking for Alaska by John Green – 21 challenges
• Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout – 21 challenges

Why This Matters

Book challenges don’t just remove titles, they restrict access to ideas, perspectives, and lived experiences that reflect the diversity of our communities.

NCW Libraries Freedom to Read Statement

At NCW Libraries, we believe the freedom to read is essential to a healthy, informed society, guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.

We believe that the freedom to read is a cornerstone of our democratic society. We join the American Library Association and public libraries across the nation in championing and defending the freedom to read.

Our library spaces are big enough to contain the full range of stories, voices, beliefs, ideas, and experiences. We are committed to ensuring that everyone can find materials that reflect who they are and what they believe, as well as materials that spark curiosity and expand understanding.

We believe that everyone has the right to select for themselves what is appropriate to read, and that no one has the right to restrict or censor what others may choose to read.

We support all of our staff as champions of intellectual freedom.

Learn more or take action: https://bit.ly/43D9Dtw
View the ALA Freedom to Read Statement: https://bit.ly/43D9Dtw