Trend of books being banned spiked during pandemic

The closing of physical libraries because of the pandemic has slowed but not stopped patrons and others from calling for books to be banned or restricted.

On Monday, the American Library Association reported more than 270 challenges to books in 2020, from Toni Morrison’s "The Bluest Eye" to Harper Lee’s "To Kill a Mockingbird," compared to 377 the year before. The number of challenges is likely far higher than reported; the association estimates that only a small percentage are formally registered or publicized — a trend that got worse during the pandemic. "The shutdowns didn’t just make it less likely that patrons would complain, but because of all the furloughs and layoffs at schools and libraries, it disrupted the whole infrastructure that enables us to be aware of complaints," says Deborah Caldwell-Stone, who directs the association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom. Alex Gino’s "George" was the most frequently criticized book, with objections including LGBTQ content and "not reflecting the values" of the community. The No. 2 book for complaints was Ibram X. Kendi’s and Jason Reynolds’ "Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You," challenged in part for "selective storytelling incidents" that do not reflect racism against all people.