For countless communities across the United States, libraries are crucial spaces. They provide resources and services for those in need and those who are curious, and just about everyone in between. Equitable Access to Information and Library Services and Intellectual Freedom are just two of the key action areas of libraries, according to the American Library Association. But over the last few years, local and statewide book challenges have steadily increased. Many have gone to social media platforms to voice their opposition to the bans and provide their perspectives.
This collection and exhibit attempts to document just some of the responses to book bans between 2020 to 2022. The 30 artifacts in this collection come from a variety of sources, ranging from the American Library Association, state level library associations, local libraries, authors, and local community members who oppose book banning. This collection is meant to demonstrate the breadth of support for intellectual freedom and access in the face of book bans.