This Week in Book Challenges

Here is an update on the latest book challenges for the week of February 21, 2024

• Alabama bill seeks to extend “Don’t Say Gay” law through 12th grade as sponsor makes inaccurate and transphobic comments

• Autauga-Prattville, AL library targets LGBTQ+ books for under-17s in latest bans, policies

• Bethel, ME school board considers ban of book defended by librarian

• Buncombe County, NC School Board bans NYT bestseller, among other books

• Carroll County, MD bans 6 more books after Moms for Liberty challenges

• Catawba County, NC to consider appeal to previous failed challenges, schedule new challenge hearing in 2/26 meeting

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg, NC school board upholds decision to retain Hopkins books after banning others

• Dorchester County, SC resident challenges 150 books, despite having no child in the school

• Dothan Houston County, AL library passes policy to ease book restriction

• Edmond Public Schools, OK, forced by state to remove books, asks state supreme court to intervene

• Hernando County, FL keeps “All American Boys” after heated challenge over depcition of racially biased policing

• Howard County, MD should brace for book bans

• Kenosha, WI County Board proposes mandatory adults-only sections in public libraries

• Kern County, CA embroiled in debate over proposed book challenge policy

• New Hampshire House kills bill to allow state to ban books

• New Mexico ban on book bans dies with end of legislative session

• Orange County, FL pulls 700+ fearsome books like “Charlotte’s Web” from school shelves

• Rockingham County, VA librarians speak out against book bans to school board

• San Ramon Valley, CA to weigh appeal to failed challenge of Sherman Alexie novel

• Utah legislature approves HB 29, concentrating power to ban books at the state level; fate rests with governor

• West Virginia law would open librarians to felony charges