The American Library Association reported that Massachusetts had the 4th highest number of book ban attacks in 2022. Complicating the data, and problematic in its own way, many book ban attacks aren’t reported out of fear.

Book bans are attacks on free speech in general, and attacks more specifically on the identities, histories, or topics represented in targeted books, materials, and media. Many attempts have targeted books and media dealing with LGBTQ characters and themes, race, equity, social justice, and the US’s complicated history.

According to estimates, 72% of book bans are nationally coordinated. In addition to attacking specific identities, histories, and topics, book bans are attacks on library boards and their members, school committees and their members, and therefore local democracy. It isn’t reasonable to expect that library board and school committee members across Massachusetts are all prepared to respond to a nationally coordinated effort. Such book bans sow division within communities, distract from other policy work, and dissuade people from running for important local offices.

Additionally, many book bans have targeted librarians themselves—limiting their ability to choose books and media, and even proposing punishments. Some book ban attempts challenge classroom book collections, limiting teachers’ abilities to meet their students’ needs.

Tell your legislators that MA needs action against right-wing book bans.