Published:
In 2025, the DC Public Library received no challenges to books in its collection, even as attempts to remove library materials reached near-record levels nationwide. Circulation data from the library shows residents are accessing these titles in varying numbers, from five checkouts to nearly 300.
A challenge is a formal request to remove or restrict access to library materials. Libraries review these requests and decide whether to remove a book, restrict its access, or keep it available. When a book is removed, it is considered banned.
"The Library serves an exceptionally diverse city with varied interests and perspectives,” said Richard Reyes-Gavilan, executive director of DC Public Library “We provide access to a wide range of books and residents decide what best serves their needs and those of their families. The borrowing data reflect that freedom in action: some books are read frequently, others less so and that is exactly how it should be.”
Book Challenges Rise Nationally
The American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom documented 821 attempts to censor library materials and services in 2024, targeting 2,452 unique titles. This represents the third highest number ever recorded by ALA and significantly exceeds the annual average of 273 unique titles over the period from 2001-2020.
Challenged Titles Available in DC
Between April and August 2025, Library customers borrowed the 10 most frequently challenged books from 2024, as identified by ALA. Library circulation data shows:
1. "All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto" by George M. Johnson
22 physical + 33 digital = 55 total circulations. Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
2. "Gender Queer" by Maia Kobabe
35 physical + 39 digital = 74 total circulations. Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
3. "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison
131 physical + 161 digital = 292 total circulations. Reasons: Rape, incest, claimed to be sexually explicit, EDI (equity, diversity, inclusion) content
3. "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky
50 physical + 56 digital = 106 total circulations. Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, LGBTQIA+ content, rape, drugs, profanity
5. "Tricks" by Ellen Hopkins
5 physical + 0 digital = 5 total circulations. Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, drugs, rape, LGBTQIA+ content
6. "Looking for Alaska" by John Green
26 physical + 45 digital = 71 total circulations. Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, drugs, profanity
6. "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" by Jesse Andrews
4 physical + 19 digital = 23 total circulations. Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, profanity
8. "Crank" by Ellen Hopkins
7 physical + 11 digital = 18 total circulations. Reasons: Drug use, claimed to be sexually explicit
8. "Sold" by Patricia McCormick
10 physical + 0 digital = 10 total circulations. Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, rape
10. "Flamer" by Mike Curato
8 physical + 13 digital = 21 total circulations. Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
Banned Books Week Programming
The Library is marking Banned Books Week from Oct. 5-11 with programming focused on book access. The Penguin Random House Banned Wagon will stop at the West End Library on Sunday, Oct. 5 from 1 to 5 p.m., featuring 30 books currently challenged across the country. Free copies will be distributed while supplies last.
More information is available at dclibrary.org/banned-books-week.