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Beyond Banned Books: Defending Intellectual Freedom throughout Your Library
Equitable access to information for all, including underserved populations, is a core value of librarianship. The growing awareness of where this inequality persists has led many professionals to take steps to advance social justice within their institutions, from creating book displays about the Black Lives Matter movement or LGBT History Month to hosting programs by potentially controversial speakers. But while libraries are often well-versed in protecting the right to read books, many lack policies and experience in addressing censorship of resources and services. This resource from Pekoll, Assistant Director of the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), uses specific case studies to offer practical guidance on safeguarding intellectual freedom related to library displays, programming, and other librarian-created content. Essential for library directors, administrators, marketers, and programming staff, Beyond Banned Books:
• spotlights case studies drawn from public libraries, schools, universities, and government agencies dealing with library displays, artwork, programs, bookmarks and reading lists, social media, and databases;
• summarizes possible complaints and controversies related to each area;
• draws connections between the intellectual freedom principles involved and associated legal issues, with relevant court opinions when possible;
• shares questions to consider when strengthening a library’s defenses against censorship;
• discusses the importance of reporting challenges to OIF, and the professional and institutional support that OIF can provide when challenges arise; and
• includes key ALA policies on intellectual freedom as appendices.
This guide will ensure that libraries are prepared to protect diverse voices from censorship while fostering more inclusive institutions that represent and welcome all people and ideas.
• spotlights case studies drawn from public libraries, schools, universities, and government agencies dealing with library displays, artwork, programs, bookmarks and reading lists, social media, and databases;
• summarizes possible complaints and controversies related to each area;
• draws connections between the intellectual freedom principles involved and associated legal issues, with relevant court opinions when possible;
• shares questions to consider when strengthening a library’s defenses against censorship;
• discusses the importance of reporting challenges to OIF, and the professional and institutional support that OIF can provide when challenges arise; and
• includes key ALA policies on intellectual freedom as appendices.
This guide will ensure that libraries are prepared to protect diverse voices from censorship while fostering more inclusive institutions that represent and welcome all people and ideas.
144 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 24, 2022
The author is the assistant director of the ALA OIF (Office of Intellectual Freedom) and has written this resource as a way to support librarians in their continued efforts against book banning. With librarians on the front lines of the efforts against limiting content and information, Pekoll takes the discussion beyond direct book bans and looks at all the other ways librarians/libraries are often censored, including information on efforts against everything from library displays to search databases. Pekoll discusses specific case studies, then lays out the social and legal issues along with the results. Some topics I found especially interesting include how legal aspects of academic freedom apply (or not) to librarians even though they are not explicitely defined as educators, why databases (like Ebsco or Cengage) aren't considered websites, legally, and what that means for challenges, why the library is both a government entity and also isn't, and how to correctly legally respond to all challenges. This isn't an enjoyable read, but it is short and packed with fascinating, useful information.
August 30, 2019
This book is obviously an important reminder that libraries are a heated public space, largely because they are the vemues where controversial materials are held, and so debates emerge over what role libraries should play in terms of housing and allowing access to such media.
However, this book was not everything I wanted it to be. Pekoll provides list after list of incidents of banned and challenged books and how the librarians in each territory reacted to the challenge as best they can, and while this can provide insight, I was hoping for something more than just examples. This book did not give me new ideas for making patrons aware of how banning and challeninging works impacts the culture at large. As a tool for research this book will probably help some library science students, but for any librarians or library employees looking for new information for professional development this book is lacking.
Still, it is worth a read because Pekoll clearly loves libraries and her passion shines through this small volume.
However, this book was not everything I wanted it to be. Pekoll provides list after list of incidents of banned and challenged books and how the librarians in each territory reacted to the challenge as best they can, and while this can provide insight, I was hoping for something more than just examples. This book did not give me new ideas for making patrons aware of how banning and challeninging works impacts the culture at large. As a tool for research this book will probably help some library science students, but for any librarians or library employees looking for new information for professional development this book is lacking.
Still, it is worth a read because Pekoll clearly loves libraries and her passion shines through this small volume.
April 28, 2020
Actually, the title is a pretty good summary of this slim title. This is not a title on book censorship, but rather a book about challenges to other material found in libraries such as displays, databases, artwork, social media, and programs. Each chapter contains information and some examples of challenges that have been raised in libraries around the United States (for the most part). Each chapter also comes with a short bibliography. And the final chapter (before the lengthy appendices) discusses the need to report any challenges or bans that occur to the ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom so they can be documented and aggregated with others from around the country. In all, not a bad title on this topic.
December 9, 2022
I read this book, because the author, Kristin Pekoll, was one of the speakers at a virtual conference I recently attended. Prior to the conference, I wanted to know what mindset she had concerning the subject of book challenges and book bans as it relates specifically to children/YA literature. After reading the book and listening to her speak, I came away disappointed.
I give the book two stars, because Pekoll offers some useful information, including
• differentiating between displays and exhibits
• example questions to consider when writing programming, display, and social media policies
• examples of direct and indirect readers' advisory
Apart from some useful information, I would have given this book a one star in regards to what content she thinks should be presented to children. That is where my disappointment lies, because she did not address the rapid shift in what culture considers presentable to children.
Before I begin the bulk of my review, I do want to focus on Chapter 6, Databases. I learned how databases are being challenged by some parents concerned about the school databases being linked to pornographic websites and adult-related ads. I have not experienced this at my school, most likely due to my school's filters, blocks, and constant monitoring by the IT director. But I am well aware the risk online databases and the internet in general pose for leading children to adult content. Therefore, I agree with Pekoll in that schools need to have filters and other similar measures in place so students can safely use databases as a research tool. It also helps to have several pairs of eyes on students during an internet project (especially on those students who purposely go looking for inappropriate content).
On p. 55, Pekoll states, "As librarians stand to protect the First Amendment freedoms of access, exploration, and reading for their community, it is implicit that there should also be protected freedoms for the professional duty of providing those resources and guiding users to expand their knowledge and skills." There is nothing about the transgender fad that expands children's knowledges and skills in a way that positively contributes to their growth as a person and thriving member of society. Consequently, drag queen storytimes are unedifying; there should be no conversation as to whether drag queen storytimes should be part of children's programming. Pekoll mentions "professional duty" in the above quote. School and youth librarians' professional duty includes protecting the children in our care from harm, whether it be physical or emotional. While teaching 20 kids an outdoor storytime, it is not only my professional duty to enrich their reading skills through storytelling but also to ensure they are walking in a straight line, sitting in their assigned area so they are safe from wandering to the street where they may be hit by oncoming traffic. So it is with protecting children's emotional safety. Putting certain materials in front of children's eyes when they are a.) not emotionally mature enough to properly assess the information* and b.) the material is indisputably bad, then we have failed at our professional duty as youth and school librarians. What material is too mature or indisputably bad, one may ask? Pornography, vulgar language, veiling lies as truths (e.g., boys can be girls and vice versa) are some examples. Not too long ago, the majority of society understood what was too vulgar or too mature for children. Not too long ago, society was sane and courageous enough to proclaim truth. I am quite convinced if Aristotle and Plato time traveled to 2022, they'd agree that the material and programs we are presenting to children are wrong and damaging to their well-being. And these men were pagans, yet understood the necessity of virtues in order for a society to thrive. Today's pagans- at least the ones who have a voice in mainstream media and are sitting in authoratative positions at institutions - are not so wise. Hence, a society quickly crumbling without a solid foundation of absolutes and a mass of angry parents at how schools and libraries, which were once respectable institutions trusted to offer excellence and quality to growing minds, are now giving children ugliness instead of beauty; lies instead of truth. Some librarians are baffled or alarmed at the rise of book challenges. To me, the reason is obvious as it should be for the rest of the world. As I mentioned earlier and will stress again, society once understood what was clearly adult content and children content. On p. 25, Pekoll says: "Libraries should avoid words like "appropriate," "suitable nature," or "mature" in their selection and display policies. Every single person has a different understanding of what these words mean and what type of material they apply to. The guidelines and criteria listed in selection policies may restrict time, place, and manner use, but they should be content-neutral and equitable to all who request to use them." Where displays and selection for children are concerned, she is wrong. Yes, what is considered mature or appropriate varies with individuals, but there are certain things that are indisputably mature or inappropriate for children. Now we cannot even agree on what is a boy and what is a girl. Can we even be sure 2+2=4? What's to stop a library from shelving Fifty Shades of Gray next to a Berenstain Bears book if there can be no mutual understanding of "children and adult content"?
As a school librarian, I wanted to learn ways in which I can better interact with parents who are concerned with culture's redefinition of children's books, programs, and displays. Just spewing token phrases like, "free speech," "First Amendment" will not cut it. Perhaps a separate book focusing on school library challenges is in order.
The fact that librarians are having discussions and workshops on increased challenges is encouraging, for it indicates action on parents' parts. A society does not lead children to ruin and get away with it. It should expect wrath and fury from parents. If an adult wants to read pornographic content, deceive themselves into thinking they are the opposite gender, or read a book laden with profanity, then go ahead. Live your life and don't expect me to affirm it. But Western culture has gone too far by flinging filth onto children. That is wrong and must be challenged.
*I like to use math as an analogy. When I have 1st and 2nd grade students ask for books on math or money, I lead them to books about addition, shapes, coins, etc. I don't take them to books about investing, budgeting, or algebra, because they are not academically prepared to understand those concepts in a way that would beneficially deepen their education. Students are not emotionally prepared to read books containing detailed sexual scenes when they are still learning basic relationship skills, such as sharing and being kind. (When I say detailed sexual scenes, I refer to what was considered adult content not that long ago.)
I give the book two stars, because Pekoll offers some useful information, including
• differentiating between displays and exhibits
• example questions to consider when writing programming, display, and social media policies
• examples of direct and indirect readers' advisory
Apart from some useful information, I would have given this book a one star in regards to what content she thinks should be presented to children. That is where my disappointment lies, because she did not address the rapid shift in what culture considers presentable to children.
Before I begin the bulk of my review, I do want to focus on Chapter 6, Databases. I learned how databases are being challenged by some parents concerned about the school databases being linked to pornographic websites and adult-related ads. I have not experienced this at my school, most likely due to my school's filters, blocks, and constant monitoring by the IT director. But I am well aware the risk online databases and the internet in general pose for leading children to adult content. Therefore, I agree with Pekoll in that schools need to have filters and other similar measures in place so students can safely use databases as a research tool. It also helps to have several pairs of eyes on students during an internet project (especially on those students who purposely go looking for inappropriate content).
On p. 55, Pekoll states, "As librarians stand to protect the First Amendment freedoms of access, exploration, and reading for their community, it is implicit that there should also be protected freedoms for the professional duty of providing those resources and guiding users to expand their knowledge and skills." There is nothing about the transgender fad that expands children's knowledges and skills in a way that positively contributes to their growth as a person and thriving member of society. Consequently, drag queen storytimes are unedifying; there should be no conversation as to whether drag queen storytimes should be part of children's programming. Pekoll mentions "professional duty" in the above quote. School and youth librarians' professional duty includes protecting the children in our care from harm, whether it be physical or emotional. While teaching 20 kids an outdoor storytime, it is not only my professional duty to enrich their reading skills through storytelling but also to ensure they are walking in a straight line, sitting in their assigned area so they are safe from wandering to the street where they may be hit by oncoming traffic. So it is with protecting children's emotional safety. Putting certain materials in front of children's eyes when they are a.) not emotionally mature enough to properly assess the information* and b.) the material is indisputably bad, then we have failed at our professional duty as youth and school librarians. What material is too mature or indisputably bad, one may ask? Pornography, vulgar language, veiling lies as truths (e.g., boys can be girls and vice versa) are some examples. Not too long ago, the majority of society understood what was too vulgar or too mature for children. Not too long ago, society was sane and courageous enough to proclaim truth. I am quite convinced if Aristotle and Plato time traveled to 2022, they'd agree that the material and programs we are presenting to children are wrong and damaging to their well-being. And these men were pagans, yet understood the necessity of virtues in order for a society to thrive. Today's pagans- at least the ones who have a voice in mainstream media and are sitting in authoratative positions at institutions - are not so wise. Hence, a society quickly crumbling without a solid foundation of absolutes and a mass of angry parents at how schools and libraries, which were once respectable institutions trusted to offer excellence and quality to growing minds, are now giving children ugliness instead of beauty; lies instead of truth. Some librarians are baffled or alarmed at the rise of book challenges. To me, the reason is obvious as it should be for the rest of the world. As I mentioned earlier and will stress again, society once understood what was clearly adult content and children content. On p. 25, Pekoll says: "Libraries should avoid words like "appropriate," "suitable nature," or "mature" in their selection and display policies. Every single person has a different understanding of what these words mean and what type of material they apply to. The guidelines and criteria listed in selection policies may restrict time, place, and manner use, but they should be content-neutral and equitable to all who request to use them." Where displays and selection for children are concerned, she is wrong. Yes, what is considered mature or appropriate varies with individuals, but there are certain things that are indisputably mature or inappropriate for children. Now we cannot even agree on what is a boy and what is a girl. Can we even be sure 2+2=4? What's to stop a library from shelving Fifty Shades of Gray next to a Berenstain Bears book if there can be no mutual understanding of "children and adult content"?
As a school librarian, I wanted to learn ways in which I can better interact with parents who are concerned with culture's redefinition of children's books, programs, and displays. Just spewing token phrases like, "free speech," "First Amendment" will not cut it. Perhaps a separate book focusing on school library challenges is in order.
The fact that librarians are having discussions and workshops on increased challenges is encouraging, for it indicates action on parents' parts. A society does not lead children to ruin and get away with it. It should expect wrath and fury from parents. If an adult wants to read pornographic content, deceive themselves into thinking they are the opposite gender, or read a book laden with profanity, then go ahead. Live your life and don't expect me to affirm it. But Western culture has gone too far by flinging filth onto children. That is wrong and must be challenged.
*I like to use math as an analogy. When I have 1st and 2nd grade students ask for books on math or money, I lead them to books about addition, shapes, coins, etc. I don't take them to books about investing, budgeting, or algebra, because they are not academically prepared to understand those concepts in a way that would beneficially deepen their education. Students are not emotionally prepared to read books containing detailed sexual scenes when they are still learning basic relationship skills, such as sharing and being kind. (When I say detailed sexual scenes, I refer to what was considered adult content not that long ago.)
December 5, 2022
For more bookish opinions, see my blog: Craft-Cycle
A nice overview of intellectual freedom considerations as they pertain to non-book items and happenings in libraries. The book provides examples and considerations regarding bans and critiques of displays and exhibits, artwork, programs and events, bookmarks and reading lists, social media, and databases. It also touches on the importance of reporting attempts of censorship to the ALA and how to seek support.
The backmatter contains The Library Bill of Rights as well as interpretations as they pertain to the topics discussed in the book. It also contains sections stressing the importance of equal access and special considerations for equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Overall, a helpful introduction, especially for those putting together or updating library policies. Most sections provide a list of questions to consider when putting together a policy. Each section stresses the importance of having a solid policy and ensuring staff understand how to respond.
A nice overview of intellectual freedom considerations as they pertain to non-book items and happenings in libraries. The book provides examples and considerations regarding bans and critiques of displays and exhibits, artwork, programs and events, bookmarks and reading lists, social media, and databases. It also touches on the importance of reporting attempts of censorship to the ALA and how to seek support.
The backmatter contains The Library Bill of Rights as well as interpretations as they pertain to the topics discussed in the book. It also contains sections stressing the importance of equal access and special considerations for equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Overall, a helpful introduction, especially for those putting together or updating library policies. Most sections provide a list of questions to consider when putting together a policy. Each section stresses the importance of having a solid policy and ensuring staff understand how to respond.
April 3, 2020
Great resource for librarians and library staff for addressing challenges on a variety of materials and activities that take place at libraries. Details how to approach challenges and the importance of reporting censorship to ALA and the Office of Intellectual Freedom.
April 5, 2021
"The motivation behind every librarian's actions is a sincere desire to connect a person with a resource that enriches their life. The people, the institution, the resources are all just details. It's all about connection."
January 22, 2022
A useful book to have on hand when compiling or updating library policies. I found it informative and a good introduction on censorship issues in libraries, not just for books but for displays, room usage, programs, etc. I only wish the chapters had been longer.
January 24, 2023
This was a short but informative read. If you work in a library or even the general public should understand how the library functions to bring uncensored information because honestly where else can you go to get it?
January 15, 2020
Reviewing for Information Today, March 2020
September 15, 2020
A useful introductory piece on censorship
June 9, 2023
Informative and interesting. Part of the research for my grad project. Quick read and a useful librarian's perspective.
October 19, 2025
A short but informative read!
December 5, 2025
it was interesting but not really for me as a non-librarian. a little boring. wish it had more case studies.
April 5, 2026
Very informative and thought provoking book! Made my classmates and me realize upholding intellectual freedom goes far beyond books and includes everything from displays to internet.
November 27, 2024
Covering a broad range of examples and consequences of censorship in libraries, schools, and media centers, this book brings light to the importance of advocating for free expression of ideas in these spaces. To begin, the introduction emphasizes the value of “giving a voice to the historically marginalized perspectives or underrepresented people” (Introduction, “Pushing the Needle,” p. xiii). Each chapter discusses the following situations: Displays and Exhibits, Artwork, Programs and Events, Bookmarks and Reading Lists, Social Media, Databases, and Report and Support.
Additionally, the author draws focus to the ways in which written policies and procedures can assist in combatting censorship, lifting suppressed voices, and providing equitable access to information. The purpose and value of different forms of expression in libraries spans across many formats and situations, but the overall takeaway is this: “The core values of the library community- such as equal access to information, intellectual freedom, and the objective stewardship and provision of information- must be preserved and strengthened, now more than ever” (Chapter 6, “Databases,” p. 85).
The author argues strongly for the right to freedom of expression, and, consequently, the right to receive information. Through the examples, explanations, and resources provided in this work, librarians and library workers can strive to provide better access to library materials and resources. Additionally, the actionable tips within this book can help libraries become a more welcoming place and therefore better serve all patrons. To do so, as outlined by the author, those in charge of library policy must create clear, specific, and equitable policies that naturally lead to the best service possible for library users.
Additionally, the author draws focus to the ways in which written policies and procedures can assist in combatting censorship, lifting suppressed voices, and providing equitable access to information. The purpose and value of different forms of expression in libraries spans across many formats and situations, but the overall takeaway is this: “The core values of the library community- such as equal access to information, intellectual freedom, and the objective stewardship and provision of information- must be preserved and strengthened, now more than ever” (Chapter 6, “Databases,” p. 85).
The author argues strongly for the right to freedom of expression, and, consequently, the right to receive information. Through the examples, explanations, and resources provided in this work, librarians and library workers can strive to provide better access to library materials and resources. Additionally, the actionable tips within this book can help libraries become a more welcoming place and therefore better serve all patrons. To do so, as outlined by the author, those in charge of library policy must create clear, specific, and equitable policies that naturally lead to the best service possible for library users.
August 24, 2022
This was a really informative read. I appreciated that everything in it was factual rather than opinion based and that there were a variety of reliable sources attached to each chapter. There was also a section that delved into how each point made within the book was supported/could be interpreted in the Library Bill of Rights, along with how to support various types of workers within the library with their jobs in the face of censorship issues. There were times I found myself wanting more information on certain points, but it did not feel incomplete as written.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews