US saw record high of 5,668 books banned in libraries in 2025, says agency
Summary
In 2025, US libraries banned 5,668 books, the most ever recorded, according to the American Library Association (ALA). Many challenges targeted books about LGBTQ+ people and people of color, with most efforts driven by pressure groups and government officials rather than local community members.Key Facts
- The ALA reported 5,668 books banned in US libraries in 2025, making up 66% of all challenged books.
- An additional 920 books were censored by restricting access, like moving them to different shelves.
- The most banned book was *Sold* by Patricia McCormick, about sex trafficking in India.
- Over 4,200 different book titles were challenged, the second highest total in over 30 years.
- About 40% of challenged materials related to LGBTQ+ or people of color.
- 92% of book challenges came from organized groups, officials, or pressure groups, not parents or individuals.
- Several states, including Florida and Texas, passed laws limiting books about sexual orientation or gender identity in schools.
- The ALA distinguishes “challenge” as an attempt to remove or limit access, and “ban” as actual removal from the library.
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