The American Library Association issued a report showing attempts to ban books in the United States increased by 38% this past year, a figure that is consistent with what’s happening in New Mexico.
“We have encountered a couple of groups that are posing to censor some of the titles that we have on our shelves in the libraries in Rio Rancho,” Jaley Turpen, a Rio Rancho city communications specialist told KOB.
The ALA report states the ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 2,571 unique titles targeted for censorship, up from the 1,858 unique titles targeted in 2021. The ALA tracked the highest number of censorship reports in 2022 since the association began compiling data about library censorship more than 20 years ago.
“It’s always a concern when someone wants to restrict another person’s access to information, and we should all be able to access the information that we need to fulfill our lives and goals,” Dean Smith an Albuquerque library director told KOB.
Included in the report was a listing of the top 10 Most Challenged Books of the year. Four books tied for the 10th spot, bringing recognition to 13 books in all. Most of the targeted books were written by or about members of the LGBTQIA+ community and people of color. All 13 books were alleged to be sexually explicit or contain LGBTQIA+ content,
“By releasing the list of Top 10 Most Challenged Books each year, ALA recognizes all of the brave authors whose work challenges readers with stories that disrupt the status quo and offer fresh perspectives on tough issues," ALA President Lessa Kanani'opua Pelayo-Lozada said in a release. "The list also illustrates how frequently stories by or about LGBTQ+ persons, people of color, and lived experiences are being targeted by censors. Closing our eyes to the reality portrayed in these stories will not make life’s challenges disappear. Books give us courage and help us understand each other.”
A book challenge, according to ALA, is defined as a formal, written complaint requesting a book's removal from a library or school curriculum. The books challenged, the report said, were related to issues of race, with books dealing with topics such as diversity and inclusion being targeted. Books that dealt with issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic were also challenged, per release. Titles of the top 13 books most challenged included: “Gender Queer,” by Maia Kobabe; "All Boys Aren’t Blue,” by George M. Johnson; “The Bluest Eye,” by Toni Morrison; “Flamer,” by Mike Curato; and “This Book is Gay,” by Juno Dawson.
A Rio Rancho resident, reportedly brought a copy of “This Book is Gay,” to a recent city council meeting to support the banning of certain books. It was explained during the meeting that the Rio Rancho and Albuquerque Public Libraries have “request for reconsideration” forms that can be filled out to get a book reviewed.
“None of the groups opposed to said titles have submitted a request for reconsideration, so there hasn’t been a formal follow-up since our meeting,” Turpen told KOB.
No books have been pulled from the shelves, but Smith offered this reassurance to concerned parents.
“As far as children go, we do believe that every parent has the right to guide what their child reads and views,” Smith said. “For those parents who want to, we have children's library cards that can only be used to borrow materials meant for children.”
The ALA emphasizes the importance of access to diverse literature and is dedicated to defending the First Amendment right to access information without censorship or restriction.
