About Banned Ink
We believe in the freedom to read. Banned Ink is dedicated to tracking, documenting, and raising awareness about book bans and censorship across the United States.
Our Mission
Banned Ink exists to shine a light on book censorship in America. In recent years, we've witnessed an unprecedented surge in book bans and challenges across schools and libraries nationwide. These efforts often target books that address race, gender, sexuality, and other topics essential to understanding our diverse world.
Our mission is threefold: to document every book ban as it happens, to educate the public about the importance of intellectual freedom, and to empower communities to take action against censorship.
We believe that access to diverse books and ideas is fundamental to a free society. When books are banned, we all lose the opportunity to learn, grow, and understand perspectives different from our own.
“Wherever they burn books, in the end they will also burn human beings.”
— Heinrich Heine, 1820
Why Tracking Book Bans Matters
Understanding the scope and impact of book censorship is the first step toward protecting the freedom to read.
Books Challenged
During the 2022-2023 school year alone, thousands of books faced removal attempts from schools and libraries across America.
States Affected
Book bans aren't isolated incidents. They're happening in communities across nearly every state in the nation.
Target Marginalized Voices
The majority of banned books feature LGBTQ+ characters, characters of color, or address themes of race and social justice.
The Impact on Students and Communities
When books are removed from schools and libraries, students lose access to stories that reflect their own experiences and expose them to new perspectives. Research shows that diverse reading materials improve empathy, critical thinking, and academic outcomes.
Book bans also create a chilling effect on educators and librarians, who may self-censor to avoid controversy. This results in fewer diverse books being purchased and fewer challenging topics being discussed in classrooms.
Students who see themselves in books develop stronger self-esteem and sense of belonging.
Exposure to diverse perspectives builds empathy and reduces prejudice.
Free access to ideas is essential for developing critical thinking skills.
What We Stand For
Our work is guided by a commitment to transparency, education, and the fundamental right to read.
Freedom to Read
We believe every person has the right to access books and ideas without censorship or restriction.
Transparency
We document book bans accurately and comprehensively, making this information freely available to all.
Diversity & Inclusion
We champion books that represent the full spectrum of human experience and identity.
Community Action
We empower individuals and communities to speak up against censorship and protect intellectual freedom.
Our Team
Banned Ink is maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers passionate about literacy, intellectual freedom, and the power of books to change lives.
A Community Effort
Banned Ink is built and maintained by volunteers who believe in the importance of tracking and raising awareness about book censorship. Our contributors include librarians, educators, journalists, developers, and concerned citizens from across the country.
We work collaboratively with organizations like the American Library Association, PEN America, and local advocacy groups to ensure our data is accurate and our resources are helpful.
Get Involved
We're always looking for passionate individuals to join our mission. Whether you can help with research, outreach, development, or simply spreading the word, there's a place for you in our community.
Join the Fight for Intellectual Freedom
Explore our database of banned books, learn about the issues, and discover how you can make a difference in your community.