The Battle for Intellectual Freedom: Book Censorship in Canada and the United States

Abstract

Over the past three years, the American Library Association (ALA) and the Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA) have documented an unprecedented exponential rise in book banning and censorship efforts across the United States and Canada. This surge has led to more books being permanently removed from collections across all types of libraries—most predominately in public and school libraries—and has intensified debates over intellectual freedom, a fundamental principle of libraries and democratic societies. A disproportionate number of challenged books contain BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ content, reflecting the growing right-wing moral panic concerned with protecting children from topics deemed “inappropriate” like diversity, gender and sexuality. The rise of organized, systematic, and legislative efforts to censor books, driven by " parental rights" groups, highlight the intersection of political
polarization, with conservative elected officials advancing bills to restrict access to diverse materials, particularly in the United States. In response, Library and Information Studies (LIS) professionals must develop robust policies, advocate for intellectual freedom, and engage in community dialogue to defend diverse collections. Events like the CFLA’s Freedom to Read Week and the ALA’s Banned Books Week play a crucial role in resisting censorship, and professional advocacy and political engagement remain essential tools in upholding intellectual freedom. Overall, LIS professionals must engage in advocacy and public education at local, organizational, provincial/state, and federal levels to oppose book banning and promote awareness of the fundamental principle of intellectual freedom.