Censorship by the Numbers • 2023

Censorship by the Numbers

"ALA compiles data on book challenges from reports filed with its Office for Intellectual Freedom by library professionals in the field and from news stories published throughout the United States. Because many book challenges are not reported to the ALA or covered by the press, the 2023 data compiled by ALA represents only a snapshot of book censorship throughout the year. A challenge to a book may be resolved in favor of retaining the book in the collection, or it can result in a book being restricted or withdrawn from the library" (ALA, Censorship by the Numbers).

A Closer Look • 2023 Top 10

2023 Top 10 Most Challenged Books

This video provides a closer look at the top 10 most challenged books and includes information about the reason for each challenge. Learn more about the Top 10 on ALA's Banned Books Week website.

Top 10 Most Challenged Books 2023

Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2023 

"Every year, the American Library Association compiles a list of the Top 10 Most Frequently Challenged Books based on reports from the field and media coverage" (ALA, Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2023). Learn more about the number of reported challenges and the stated reasons for each challenged book on ALA's Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2023 web site.

Banned Books Week 2024

Banned Books Week

"Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it highlights the value of free and open access to information. Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community –- librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types –- in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular" (ALA, Banned Books Week, 2024).

History of Banned Books Week

"Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools. By focusing on efforts to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship" (ALA, Banned Books Week, 2024).

READ 210 Scavenger Hunt

Welcome Scavenger Hunters 

Are you working on your Foundations of Literacy scavenger hunt? We are here to help. Stop in the IRC for assistance locating resources on your activity worksheet. 

Where is the IRC? 

The Instructional Resource Center is located on the second floor of Archer Library. Look for the READ 210 Scavenger Hunt display on the whiteboard outside our door. 

When does it start? 

Today! The scavenger hunt activity begins Monday, September 16th. Be sure to review IRC hours on our website and IRC Hours & Updates (our hours are green) posted to the main library calendar prior to your visit.

IRC Hours • Fall 2024

IRC Hours • Fall 2024

The IRC Fall hours schedule begins on Monday, August 26:

• Monday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Tuesday - Thursday:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Friday:  9 a.m. to Noon
• Saturday & Sunday: Closed

The IRC is closed daily from 1 - 2 p.m. IRC hours are posted on our website and a complete listing of holiday hours and updates is available on the main library hours calendar. Please note that IRC hours are subject to change.

IRC Hours Update

IRC Summer Hours Update

The Instructional Resource Center will be closed Monday, August 12 through Friday, August 16, 2024. Our summer hours schedule will resume on Monday, August 19th. 

• General IRC summer hours are posted on our website.
  
• IRC hours updates are available on the Main Library Hours & Updates calendar.