Book Ban Battles: How U.S. censorship Efforts Are Crossing the Atlantic
By Archyde News Journalist
April 14, 2025
The Rising Tide of Book Challenges: A Transatlantic Trend
The surge in demands to remove books from library shelves, a contentious issue
raging across the United States, is now making waves in the United Kingdom.
According to reports from those working within the UK library system, the
influence of U.S.-based pressure groups is increasingly being felt, raising
alarms about potential censorship and the freedom of access to facts.
While the scale of the problem in the UK is not yet as severe as in the U.S.,
the trend is undeniably concerning. Louis Coiffait-Gunn, CEO of the Chartered
Institute of Library and Information Professionals (Cilip), stated, “Even tho
‘the situation here is nowhere [near] as bad, censorship does happen and there
are some deeply worrying examples of library professionals losing their jobs
and being trolled online for standing up for intellectual freedom on behalf
of their users’.” This highlights the real and present threat to librarians
who champion intellectual freedom.
Ed Jewell, president of Libraries Connected, an self-reliant charity
representing public libraries, echoes this sentiment, noting that “Anecdotal
evidence from our members suggests that requests to remove books are
increasing.” The School Library Association (SLA) has also reported an
“increase in member queries about censorship” this year, indicating a growing
unease within the profession.
U.S. influence: Organized Efforts vs. Individual Concerns
A key difference between the U.S. and the UK lies in the source of these
challenges. In the UK, moast requests appear to originate from individuals or
small, localized groups. This contrasts sharply with the U.S., where, earlier
this month, the American Library Association reported that 72% of demands to
censor books last year were initiated by organized groups. This signifies a
more coordinated and potentially politically motivated effort in the United
States.
However, the influence of U.S. action groups is undeniable. Alison Hicks, an
associate professor in library and information studies at UCL, interviewed 10
UK-based school librarians who had faced book challenges. Her findings
revealed direct links to U.S. organizations. One librarian “spoke of finding
propaganda from one of these groups left on her desk,” while another “was
directly targeted by one of these groups.” The librarians also reported being
“trolled by US pressure groups on social media, such as when responding
to free book giveaways.” This demonstrates a clear attempt to exert influence
across international borders.
Jewell acknowledges that it is “certainly possible that the scale of
censorship we’re seeing in the US will influence the debate over here.”
However, he cautions that the extent of this influence remains unclear, given
the differing nature of censorship requests in the two countries.
Beyond Organized Challenges: Internal Censorship and the LGBTQ+ Focus
While external pressure from organized groups is a concern, internal
censorship within UK schools also presents a significant challenge. Hicks’
study identified instances of students “vandalising library material,
annotating library books with racist and homophobic slurs,” and damaging
posters and displays. Hicks noted that such behavior “is not something I have
seen in the US.” This form of censorship,driven by prejudice and intolerance,
highlights the need for extensive education and awareness programs.
The targeting of LGBTQ+ books is a recurring theme. Hicks’ study, though
small, found an “LGBTQ focus of book challenges.” Alice Oseman’s *Heartstopper*
series, a popular series about the love story of two British schoolboys, and
“coded” narratives in books like *Billy’s Bravery* by Tom Percival, about a
boy who wants to dress up as his favorite superhero, Nature Girl, have come
under fire.
This aligns with the findings of an August 2024 Index on Censorship survey,
where 28 of 53 librarians polled reported receiving requests to remove books,
many of which were LGBTQ+ titles. In over half of these cases, the books were
removed from shelves, effectively silencing diverse voices and limiting access
to crucial resources for LGBTQ+ youth.
However, a 2023 study by Cilip identified themes of race and empire as also
being among the most targeted, along with LGBTQ+. This indicates a broader
pattern of challenges aimed at suppressing diverse perspectives and narratives.
The Impact and the Response: Solidarity and Vigilance
Despite the differences in how these challenges manifest, Hicks emphasizes
that “this should not take away from the huge impact these attacks are
having” in the UK. “My research demonstrates that UK school librarians are
facing equivalent levels of distress and hostility in the face of book ban
challenges such as these.” The emotional toll on librarians who are dedicated
to providing access to information cannot be understated.
In the U.S., the fight against book bans has seen significant action, with
challenges across a number of states in recent years. Jewell observes that
“Library leaders in the UK are paying close attention to what’s happening in
the US and there’s definitely a strong feeling of solidarity with American
librarians.” Coiffait-Gunn adds that the profession “looks on with deep
concern at the increasingly polarised and political debate” in the US about
“what people, especially children, are allowed to read.”
A primary concern in the UK is the “lack of robust evidence” about the true
extent of censorship, according to Coiffait-Gunn. “It’s hard to evidence what
doesn’t happen and which books are not available.” The absence of government
data on school libraries and book bans makes it arduous to assess the full
scope of the problem and develop effective strategies to combat it.
Most UK libraries adhere to the Cilip ethical framework, which states that
published materials should not be restricted on any grounds but the law. Jewell
believes that “That gives them the confidence and assurance to reject demands”
for censorship. this framework provides a strong foundation for librarians to
stand firm against attempts to limit access to information.
However,Jewell cautions,”what we must guard against is a climate where
libraries avoid stocking certain books – or holding talks or activities – for
fear of negative publicity,threats or intimidation.” He stresses that “It’s
vital that libraries feel able to provide access to a wide range of
perspectives if they are to facilitate the free exchange of ideas.”
Practical Applications: What Can Be Done?
The rise in book challenges demands a proactive and multifaceted response.
Here are some practical steps that can be taken:
-
Advocacy and Awareness: Raise awareness about the importance of
intellectual freedom and the dangers of censorship. Engage with local
community groups, schools, and libraries to promote open dialog and
support the right to read. -
Support Librarians: Stand in solidarity with librarians who are facing
book challenges. Offer public support, attend library board meetings, and
advocate for policies that protect intellectual freedom. -
Curriculum Growth: promote inclusive and diverse curricula in
schools that reflect the experiences and perspectives of all students.Ensure
that students have access to a wide range of books and resources that promote
critical thinking and understanding. -
Legislative Action: Advocate for legislation that protects libraries and
librarians from censorship. Support laws that promote intellectual freedom
and ensure that all individuals have access to information. -
Community Engagement: Foster open dialogue within communities about
challenging books and ideas. Create opportunities for respectful conversations
that promote understanding and empathy.
Addressing Counterarguments
Some argue that book challenges are simply about protecting children from
inappropriate content. Though, this argument frequently enough masks deeper motives rooted
in prejudice and intolerance. The focus on LGBTQ+ books and books addressing
race and ethnicity suggests that these challenges are often aimed at silencing
marginalized voices and limiting access to diverse perspectives.
Others argue that parents have the right to decide what their children read.While parental involvement in children’s education is important, it should not
come at the expense of other children’s access to information. Libraries serve
a diverse community, and it is their duty to provide a wide range of
books and resources that meet the needs of all patrons.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The rise in book challenges is a serious threat to intellectual freedom and
access to information. The trend in both the U.S. and now the UK underscores
the need for vigilance and proactive measures to protect libraries and
librarians from censorship. By raising awareness, supporting librarians,
promoting diverse curricula, and fostering open dialogue, we can ensure that
all individuals have the right to read and access a wide range of perspectives.
The fight for intellectual freedom is a fight for democracy itself, and it is
a fight we must win.
