The following (from the American Library Association) were the top three reasons cited for challenging materials as reported to the Office of Intellectual Freedom:
To start the challenging process, the person who initiates the challenge must read the full book, fill out the challenge form, and explain why, how, and where in the book the offensive action takes place. Then the case will be presented in a hearing and decided whether it should be removed from the collection or retained. Many challenges don't get a hearing because the person who initiated it doesn't complete the challenge form and all necessary requirements to make it official. The challenges that do get a hearing end in the book being retained, moved to a different part of the library, or, in extreme cases, removed from the collection. --First Amendment Museum
Books usually are challenged with the best intentions—to protect others, frequently children, from difficult ideas and information. Censorship can be subtle, almost imperceptible, as well as blatant and overt, but, nonetheless, harmful. Often, challenges are motivated by a desire to protect children from “inappropriate” sexual content or “offensive” language.
Although this is a commendable motivation, Access to Library Resources and Services for Minors, an interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights (posted in both Calmar and Peosta Libraries) states that, “Librarians and governing bodies should maintain that parents—and only parents—have the right and the responsibility to restrict the access of their children—and only their children—to library resources.” Censorship by librarians of constitutionally protected speech, whether for protection or for any other reason, violates the First Amendment. --American Library Association (ALA)
Gathered from the Britannica
Take a look at the Peosta Libraries' Banned Book Week set up across from the circulation desk!
A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials based upon the objections of a person or group. A ban is the removal of those materials. Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others. Due to the commitment of librarians, teachers, parents, students, and other concerned citizens, most challenges are unsuccessful, and most materials are retained in the school curriculum or library collection. --ALA
