Book Curation Is Not Censorship

The American Library Association (ALA) recently lamented a record number of “book bans” in 2022, framing this development as a growing trend of censorship across the country. Of the 1,269 demands made, 58 percent were directed at school libraries. The report goes on to characterize the many parental-rights organizations behind these demands as mere “censorship groups,” infringing upon our rights to read what we want. Countless news organizations picked up the story and ran with the ALA’s framing.

Of course, lurking behind all of this hyperventilation over supposed book banning, there’s a simple truth that needs to be said: None of these books have been banned, none of them have been censored. It smacks of the ironic hilarity of Barnes & Nobles boldly throwing together a “banned book section” for approximately $19.95 a pop — showcasing books so banned that the store receives media praise for broadcasting their sales.

About the Author

Daniel Buck

Daniel Buck is a research fellow and the director of the Conservative Education Reform Network at the American Enterprise Institute.

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The American Library Association (ALA) recently lamented a record number of “book bans” in 2022, framing this development as a growing trend of censorship across the country. Of the 1,269 demands made, 58 percent were directed at school libraries. The report goes on to characterize the many parental-rights organizations behind these demands as mere “censorship groups,” infringing upon our rights to read what we want. Countless news organizations picked up the story and ran with the ALA’s framing.

Of course, lurking behind all of this hyperventilation over supposed book banning, there’s a simple truth that needs to be said: None of these books have been banned, none of them have been censored. It smacks of the ironic hilarity of Barnes & Nobles boldly throwing together a “banned book section” for approximately $19.95 a pop — showcasing books so banned that the store receives media praise for broadcasting their sales.