Recently libraries have experienced a significant increase in state and local book challenges, where a person or group objects to library materials and attempts to remove or restrict them from libraries and classrooms. According to the American Library Association, a record 2,571 unique titles were targeted for censorship in 2022, a 38% increase over the 1,858 unique titles targeted for censorship in 2021. Challenged books often contain content relating to race, LGBTQ issues, sexuality, and other themes important to social justice. Recent challenges have attempted to criminalize teachers and librarians for including these titles in library collections.

While most book challenges take place in public and school libraries, the Kalamazoo College Library recognizes that today’s elementary and secondary school students are tomorrow’s college students, and they need access to these titles. We also support our own students and faculty in researching these issues. This is why we have intentionally purchased some of the most challenged books of 2023. You can find them through Library OneSearch or through our Display of Banned Books.

These books are also accessible through MeLCat and Interlibrary Loan for readers in Michigan and around the country. By purchasing these titles, we express our support for librarians and teachers who are dealing with censorship while trying to support their students.