EveryLibrary Releases Report on Book Censorship

The EveryLibrary Institute has released a new report focused on book censorship authored by Marianne Wood Forrest titled The Censorship Acceleration: An Analysis of Book Ban Trends After 2020. 

The study explores how book bans have shifted from isolated incidents to a nationwide movement, driven by well-funded political and religious organizations. Highlights of the study include an in-depth analysis of the growth and popularity of such groups as Moms for Liberty and Citizens Defending Freedom; an examination of the relationship between book bans, school voucher programs, and the rise of religious political activism; and an original timeline that details how pandemic-era discontent has been weaponized into a national censorship strategy.

“Book bans are no longer simply about individual complaints or local concerns,” John Chrastka, executive director of EveryLibrary, said. “This report uncovers a sophisticated and interconnected political strategy intended to reshape our educational and cultural landscape. Understanding these underlying forces is crucial if we want to protect intellectual freedom, democratic education, and the future of public libraries.”

Click here to read the full study.