Ocean State Libraries

"According to the American Library Association (ALA), there were more attempts to ban books in 2021 than at any time since the group began tracking three decades earlier. The latest, unprecedented wave of book banning is driven mainly by conservative parents and politicians, who are also behind extreme new censorship laws in many states that restrict what teachers and students can read and discuss in the classroom. Free speech defenders say the laws...

"Censorship has been an ongoing phenomenon even in "the land of the free." This examination of banned books across U.S. history examines the motivations and effects of censorship, shows us how our view of right and wrong has evolved over the years, and helps readers to understand the tremendous importance of books and films in our society. Provides readers with a broad understanding of the different levels of censorship. Puts challenges to books into...

"Challenges or questions regarding the content in children's books are very common, but rarely do they result in book banning. No public or school library is immune to those who want to deny children's access to certain books and materials. Scales has compiled a tool to help librarians, teachers, and young readers become aware of the social issues that are most often at the center of the majority of book challenges for children." --