The American Library Association (ALA) released data documenting attempts to censor books and materials in public, school, and academic libraries during 2025
ALA tracked 4,235 unique titles challenged in 2025, the second highest ever documented after 2024. Of the unique titles challenged in 2025, 1,671 (39%) represent the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people and people of color.
In 2025, 92% of all book challenges were initiated by pressure groups, government officials and decision makers, up from 72% in 2024. Less than 3% of challenges originated from individual parents.
Because many book challenges are not reported to the ALA or covered by the press, the data compiled by ALA represents only a snapshot of book censorship throughout the year.
ALA is on a mission to protect access to LGBTQ+ books in the U.S. “Libraries exist to make space for every story and every lived experience,” said ALA President Sam Helmick. “We reaffirm that libraries are places for knowledge, for access, and for all,” he added.
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