The Oregon Intellectual Clearinghouse, operated by the State Library of Oregon, which has tracked libraries and schools across the state report that there are more challenges in 2022-2023 to remove books and other content than any other year. Public libraries have long been bastions of intellectual freedom, providing access to a wide range of knowledge and perspectives. The process of removing books from library collections, known as “weeding” or “deaccessioning,” is has set a record.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been in the news nationally supporting ridding libraries with books on race and other areas conservatives deem a good target. In Oregon, a total of 85 titles were challenged within the last year alongside events and programs, setting a new record. The previous record of 70 titles challenges was set back in 1992-1993.
While it is essential to maintain relevant and up-to-date collections, libraries must navigate a complex landscape of ethical, legal, and social considerations when considering the removal of books. Although more books saw challenges — from “The Bluest Eye” to “The Handmaid’s Tale,” to “Heartstopper” and “Milk and Honey” — that doesn’t mean they will be permanently pulled from shelves.
The process of removing books from library collections often attracts public attention and scrutiny. Advocacy groups, individuals, and local authorities may become involved, further complicating the decision-making process. It’s not just books that face challenges. Displays, events and programs are scrutinized as well. For example, the report lists seven challenges to Pride displays and one challenge to a library offering materials in Spanish.
Buzzy Nielsen, program manager for Library Support and Development Services at the State Library said that this report meshes with a pattern that is being seen nationwide. “The American Library Association aggregates statistics about challenges. Our Intellectual Freedom Clearinghouse data gets aggregated into their data as well, and last year was a record for them. They saw the most challenges, nationwide.”
