Iowa (KCRG) – The American Library Association announced a new report on Thursday showing a 92% increase in books targeted for censorship. The group says it’s the highest levels they’ve ever documented in its 140 years of existence. The report shows Iowa is one of 17 states that saw attempts to censor more than 100 titles in 2023. In total, the new numbers released show efforts to censor 4,240 unique book titles in schools and libraries throughout 2023, easily overcoming the previous high from 2022, when 2,571 unique titles were targeted for censorship.

Specifically in Iowa, the American Library Association documented 16 attempts to restrict access to books. Those efforts challenged 259 different titles. Former Iowa Library Association President Sam Helmick says book bans and challenges may teach people what to think, instead of how to think.  Currently the Community & Access Services Coordinator at the Iowa City Public Library, Helmick says they welcome conversations about concerns over library materials, because those conversations are important to maintaining trust within the community.

An Iowa law banning some books from school is on pause after a district court issued an injunction last December. The Iowa State Education Association and book publisher Penguin Random House joined together to challenge SF 496 and file that litigation last fall. That law makes it illegal for school libraries to offer books that contain “descriptions or visual depictions of a sex act.” It also restricts teaching about sexual orientation.

The state has appealed – leaving schools in limbo as they wait for a decision, and continuing worries for teachers. As librarians and teachers navigate the increase in challenges to books in Iowa and across the country, Helmick says the best way to advocate for local libraries is to use them. The Library Association say it’s also important to be aware of any legislation targeting tax levies and funding for libraries, saying “Funding is an access issue. We can’t even debate the books if we can no longer afford to purchase them because of the pricing of digital materials or because we are disadvantaging and disarming public libraries, school libraries and the staffing.”