Pahrump Community Library trustees are set to discuss a proposal to re-catalog children’s books in the town’s public collection based on their educational suitability and age appropriateness. The specific books that may be affected and who brought forth the agenda item remains unclear. Critics argue that this move could lead to censorship at the public library. Library director Vana Anderson has received a complaint about certain books, but has been assured by the board chair that he is against banning books.
The American Library Association (ALA) documented 681 attempts to ban or restrict library resources nationwide between January 1 and August 31, 2022, with 1,651 titles targeted. In 2021, 729 attempts to censor public library resources were reported, targeting 1,597 books – the highest number of attempted book bans since the ALA began compiling these lists over 20 years ago. ALA President Lessa Kanani’opua Pelayo-Lozada asserts that these increasing numbers represent coordinated, national efforts to silence marginalized or historically underrepresented voices.
During the 2021-2022 school year, more than 1,600 books were banned from school libraries across 138 school districts in 32 states, according to a report from PEN America. The most banned book was “Gender Queer: A Memoir” by Maia Kobabe, which was removed from bookshelves at least 41 times. The memoir, which covers Kobabe’s journey through gender identity and sexuality, has been criticized by some parents and conservative media figures due to a few explicit illustrations.
