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It’s Banned Books Week nationwide, an effort led by the American Library Association to raise awareness about censorship and literacy.
The organization tracked 1,247 efforts to censor books and other resources in libraries throughout 2023, an increase of 65% from the year prior. A total of 4,240 unique titles were targeted, many covering LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC topics and themes.
With several digital events this week, here is what we know about Oklahoma’s complicated history with book-banning proposals and how you can support local book providers.
When is Banned Books Week?
This year’s Banned Books Week is from Sept. 22-28. Typically, the week is celebrated in the last week of September. This year’s theme is “Freed Between the Lines.”
What is Banned Books Week?
Each year, the ALA draws national attention to censorship during Banned Books Week by compiling a list of banned or challenged books. The annual event is meant to bring the book community together — librarians, authors, educators, booksellers and readers — in support of literature, free expression, and the need for having free and open access to information.
Award-winning filmmaker and honorary chair of the week Ava DuVernay said censorship is the enemy of freedom.
“By banning books, we deny ourselves the opportunity to learn from the past and to envision a braver future. Books have the power to open minds and build bridges. This is why certain forces do not want the masses to engage with books. They fear progress and growth in new, bold directions,” DuVernay said in a news release.
OPINION:Banned Books Week reminds us kids deserve to be challenged. Don’t censor that.
What books has Oklahoma banned or suggested banning?
Oklahoma’s record for proposing book bans includes several well-known titles, like William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies,” Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” and Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series.
Earlier this year, Edmond Public Schools won a lawsuit against Superintendent Ryan Walters where the official claimed the school chose to “peddle porn” by having “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini and “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls in the school.
But Oklahoma’s history of book banning and other forms of media censorship goes beyond events of this last year and as early as three years after the state was welcomed to the Union.
Top 10 most challenged books in 2023
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- “Gender Queer,” by Maia Kobabe (Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit) (106 challenges)
- “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” by George M. Johnson (Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit) (82)
- “This Book is Gay,” by Juno Dawson (Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, sex education, claimed to be sexually explicit) (71)
- “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” by Stephen Chbosky (Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, LGBTQIA+ content, rape, drugs, profanity) (68)
- “Flamer,” by Mike Curato (Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit) (67)
- “The Bluest Eye,” by Toni Morrison (Reasons: Rape, incest, claimed to be sexually explicit, EDI (equity, diversity, and inclusion) content) (62)
- (TIE) “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” by Jesse Andrews (Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, profanity) (56)
- (TIE) “Tricks,” by Ellen Hopkins (Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, drugs, rape, LGBTQIA+ content) (56)
- “Let’s Talk About It,” by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan (Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, sex education, LGBTQIA+ content) (55)
- “Sold,” by Patricia McCormick (Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, rape) (53)
What state reported the most challenged books?
The ALA revealed in an earlier news release this year that 17 U.S. states challenged more than 100 book titles in 2023. Florida and Texas, by far, challenged the most books in 2023 with a combined total of more than 4,000 titles.
A full map of what U.S. states are challenging books can be found online at the ALA’s official website.
How to get banned books in Oklahoma
Oklahoma City Public Library has more than 1.5 million items that can be checked out and downloaded at any of the 19 locations in Oklahoma City, as well as several other eBooks, Audiobooks and other forms of media.
The basic library card pass can be used by people who live or own property in Oklahoma City or Oklahoma County. Readers age 17 and older who meet the eligibility requirements can apply for a library card on the website.
Eight independent bookstores in Oklahoma City
While supporting the Public Library system is beneficial for borrowing books, if you are interested in purchasing books, here are eight independent bookstores to support.
- Full Circle (1900 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City)
- Belle Books Boutique & More (1742 NE 23 St Suite B)
- Commonplace Books (1325 N Walker Ave #138, Oklahoma City)
- Nappy Roots Books (3705 Springlake Dr, Oklahoma City)
- Literati Press Bookshop (3010 Paseo, Oklahoma City)
- Best of Books (1313 E Danforth Rd, Edmond)
- Pear Street Books and Plants (918 N Hudson Ave, Oklahoma City)
- Deer Clan Books (3905 N College Ave, Bethany)
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