Banned Books Week shines light on censorship, local districts address policies

By Mary Goldmeer
Mail

As schools and libraries across the country observe Banned Books Week, Oct. 5–11, the spotlight turns to how districts manage book access and handle challenges in a time of increasing scrutiny over library content.

This year’s theme, put on by the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, “Censorship Is So 1984 — Read for Your Rights,” underscores the nationwide conversation around intellectual freedom.

In the Litchfield Elementary School District, administrators say the district has not received any formal challenges to books in the past three years.

“Our libraries provide a wide range of age-appropriate books in accordance with board policy and state law,” said Yardley Zamorano, LESD’s communications generalist. “Middle school students must have a parent or guardian’s permission to check out Young Adult titles.”

If a concern arises, families or community members can email the district’s Teaching & Learning Department. The concern is reviewed by the District Guiding Coalition, which may recommend one of three outcomes: no change, reclassification of a title to the YA section, or full removal.

The district’s full library catalog is available online for parents and students at destinydiscover.com.

Two neighboring districts responded differently to inquiries on their book policies. The Agua Fria High School District declined to comment. The Liberty Elementary School District did not respond to a request for comment.

Banned Books Week was first launched in 1982 in response to an increase in efforts to remove books from schools and libraries. Organized by the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom and supported by the Banned Books Week Coalition, the event advocates for the freedom to read and access information without censorship.

The ALA reports that hundreds of book challenges are filed annually, though it estimates many go unreported. In 2024, the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom states the most frequently challenged titles often included works with LGBTQ+ themes and racial justice content.

Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2024

1. “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson
2. “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe
3. “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison
4. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky
5. “Tricks” by Ellen Hopkins
6. “Looking for Alaska” by John Green
7. “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” by Jesse Andrews
8. “Crank” by Ellen Hopkins
9. “Sold” by Patricia McCormick
10. “Flamer” by Mike Curato

Resources, event information, and advocacy tools are available at bannedbooksweek.org.