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Go shoppingAs the 2024 U.S. elections approach, the issue of book banning has evolved from a cultural flashpoint into a battleground for democracy. With censorship at an all-time high, particularly targeting books that explore race, gender, and identity, those fighting for intellectual freedom face mounting challenges. Across the country, far-right political movements, often backed by conservative leaders, have sought to remove books from schools and public libraries under the guise of protecting children from “inappropriate” content. Yet, this censorship is being met with strong opposition. Polls consistently show that a majority of Americans—across party lines—reject these bans, recognizing them as an authoritarian attempt to control public discourse and limit access to knowledge.
Recent elections have further emphasized this shift, as voters rejected candidates running on pro-book-ban platforms, particularly in states like Florida where such policies were heavily promoted. Still, the battle is far from over. As book bans become a key issue in the 2024 elections, it’s crucial to highlight those on the frontlines. I recently spoke with Jennie Pu, Director of the Hoboken Public Library, a staunch advocate against censorship. Our conversation explored the rise of the Book Sanctuary movement and how communities can resist these threats to free expression. Now, more than ever, we must stand up for the right to read, especially in a political climate where censorship is used as a tool of control.
EA: “With book banning at the highest levels in U.S. history, what factors do you think are driving this unprecedented wave of censorship?”
We are living in an unprecedented time of division in our country. This divisiveness has spurred this wave of censorship, a rise in vitriolic attacks, and suppression of diversity of thought. According to the American Library Association (ALA), last year alone saw a record-breaking 1,269 efforts to censor books nationwide, compared to 300-400 reports a year of efforts to ban books in previous years. These are definitely challenging times for our communities, readers, and specifically librarians. But I’m hopeful, because what we’re seeing is most Americans actually oppose censorship, and they love their libraries. Here in New Jersey, more and more libraries are becoming book sanctuaries, because book sanctuaries reflect what most Americans value and believe: free, open access to information and knowledge.
EA: “How has the rise in book banning changed the role of libraries in communities across America?”
The rise of book banning has certainly put libraries in the spotlight. Some aspects of work that we’ve done for decades, such as collection development, have come under new scrutiny. Our role hasn’t changed: libraries are community anchors, and we serve everyone. What has changed is our work has taken on new urgency, and we are doing more ongoing and proactive work to protect and safeguard the freedom to read. At Hoboken Public Library, we have done this by being the first in New Jersey to make the library a book sanctuary – a place that welcomes, embraces, and celebrates all stories and people.
Book Banning and the U.S. Election
EA:“As we approach the upcoming election, what role do you foresee book banning playing in the political landscape?”
Libraries are, and always have been, non-partisan. Book banning is used as a tool to advance an extreme, partisan political agenda, but it’s manufactured outrage and does not reflect the sentiments of most Americans. Polls after polls show that 70% of Americans oppose book bans. The freedom to read and the right of free speech is our constitutional right, as stated in the First Amendment, and most people will fight to preserve that.
EA: “Do you think book banning will become a key issue for voters, and how should communities prepare for potential political pressure on their libraries?”
We’re already hearing it mentioned in certain campaigns, so it’s already politicized. But we know from national surveys that the vast majority of Americans do not support book bans. So it’s up to each of us to show support for local libraries and that starts with our own communities. Visit your library, use your library and tell the folks who are in elected office how much the library means to you. Your voice is your superpower.
Community Involvement and Activism
EA: “For those who want to get involved, what are some practical steps they can take to support intellectual freedom in their own communities?”
There are definitely ways to get involved locally. First: go visit your local library. Talk to the library staff: many of them live in the community. Ask them about any challenges they’ve experienced, and ask them to tell or show you all the creative ways they’re doing to support and defend intellectual freedom. Second: read a banned book, and talk about it with friends and family. Many still aren’t aware that censorship is a real issue and take their civil liberties for granted. Read local news, attend board of ed meetings, drop in at a local community meeting, there’s lots of ways to get involved.
EA: “You’ve mentioned something as simple as reading a banned book and discussing it with others. How can small actions like this make a difference in the larger movement?”
The book sanctuary movement here in New Jersey is truly grassroots and started with small actions. I knew that the Chicago Public Library and the City of Chicago originated the book sanctuary idea back in 2022, but it took over a year for us to bring that here and figure out how to make it work for our community.
In August 2023 Hoboken Public Library became the first book sanctuary in the state; the City of Hoboken joined us 2 weeks later to become the first book sanctuary city in the state. The next day after the news broke, a library trustee of another library read about what we did and reached out, asking how they could do the same thing. From there it’s grown library by library, mostly word of mouth, always initiated by the small action by one person.
The Book Sanctuary Movement
EA: “Hoboken Public Library became the first book sanctuary in New Jersey, and now over 33 libraries in the state have followed. What impact has this had on communities and library systems across the state?”
It’s been overwhelmingly positive, and that’s because the book sanctuary statement affirms the values held by members in their community. I call them ‘the silent majority.’ People are so proud when they learn their local public library has taken a public stance in defense of the freedom to read. The book sanctuary resolution itself is very flexible and can be adapted and customized to each community, and I’ve shared examples of how those look like on our FAQ.
EA: “How do you envision the book sanctuary movement growing, and what needs to happen for this model to be adopted on a national scale?”
It’s continuing to grow both here in New Jersey and nationally. We’ve helped states like Georgia and Kentucky with their first book book sanctuaries. We’ve been a resource for many libraries who may be thinking about becoming a book sanctuary. I’ve spoken and presented on this at state and national conferences and I freely give my contact information to anyone who is considering becoming a book sanctuary. The network of libraries around the country is big, but we’re also separated by less than six degrees so word gets around. I really like the organic growth of the movement, which to me is more natural and sustainable.
Legislation to Protect Intellectual Freedom
EA: “Several states now have legislation either in place or pending to protect libraries as book sanctuaries. What is the significance of this legislation, and how might it influence the future of libraries in America?”
Americans love their libraries; moreover they trust their librarians. So I see the spate of pro-library legislation as an assurance that libraries will continue to curate collections that reflect the diversity of our communities, provide free and open access to those collections, and that library staff will be able to safely serve all members of our community. We believe the legislation that we have proposed, the Freedom to Read Act (bill S2421), is a model bill that will do just that.
EA: “Do you think national legislation could emerge that mandates all libraries be free from book banning pressures, and what would that look like in practice?”
We’re already seeing action taken at a national level. Last year the Biden-Harris administration appointed a coordinator in the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights to specifically address book bans. And as you stated above, we’re seeing more states introduce legislation that would enshrine the right to read and provide protections for librarians.
Challenges and Pushback
EA: “With book banning becoming a politically charged issue, have you experienced any pushback or resistance, and how do you handle those challenges?”
We’re fortunate to live in a very accepting community here in Hoboken, a “fair and welcoming city” as Mayor Bhalla declared when he was sworn into office. Whatever resistance we have received has largely been from outside our community – and yes sometimes out of state.
EA: “What advice would you give to library directors in states where legislation or community pressures are making it difficult to provide access to certain materials?”
Our sister library in rural Kentucky, Paris-Bourbon County Library, became a book sanctuary after they were swamped with over 100 book challenges from a family who wanted to remove any and all books that were about or by LGBTQIA+. The local community came out in force for months in staunch support of the library, to ensure that these materials were accessible for everyone because they so fiercely believed in the First Amendment. This is the story I tell library directors in more conservative communities, but also because it’s my favorite one to tell.
The Future of Libraries as Intellectual Hubs
EA: “Given the rise in censorship, how do you see the role of libraries evolving as spaces for intellectual freedom and diverse perspectives?”
It’s absolutely essential. The public library in America was created as a space for free and open access to information and knowledge, a leveling field for learners and explorers. It’s democracy in action. Libraries have always adapted our spaces, programs and resources to serve the evolving needs of our communities, but what hasn’t changed and will remain core to our existence is our commitment to intellectual freedom and access to information.
EA: “What do you hope the legacy of this book sanctuary movement will be for future generations of readers and librarians?”
Sometimes the quieter actions make the widest ripples. The book sanctuary is one of those quiet but powerful acts.
Expanding the Book Sanctuary Model
EA: “How might the book sanctuary model be expanded beyond public libraries—perhaps into schools or universities?”
We’ve received inquiries from schools and universities who are interested in adopting the ethos of the book sanctuary. Academic freedom is paramount in academic libraries so the issue of censorship isn’t nearly as active as it is in school and public libraries but nevertheless it’s been heartening to get inquiries. For school libraries, one possibility that may be most effective is a student-led book sanctuary, even if it’s just one bookshelf in the library.
EA: “Have you collaborated with other organizations, authors, or activists who are also advocating for intellectual freedom and fighting against censorship?”
Absolutely. This work is only possible through collaboration and partnership. We work with civic organizations, faith-based organizations, authors, publishers, educators, elected officials, etc. because libraries serve everyone.
Personal Reflections
EA: “What book, in your life, has had a profound impact on you, and why would it have been a loss if it were banned?”
This is almost impossible to answer! So many books have helped to shape the way I think and perceive the world. I didn’t read “The Handmaid’s Tale” until I was an adult, and it’s still one of the most frequently banned and challenged titles. I’ve always loved apocalyptic fiction but this story in particular struck a nerve with me as it felt so much closer to becoming a reality. But any book banned is a loss to the world, because for every book, there is a reader.
EA: “Looking back, what do you hope your legacy will be with the work you’ve done to protect intellectual freedom and promote the idea of book sanctuaries?”
We as librarians are stewards of the buildings and the resources entrusted to us: what will endure is the legacy of the public library, and all that it represents.
Eric Akoto
Eric Akoto is the visionary founder of Litro Magazine, an international platform dedicated to celebrating diverse voices and fostering storytelling across borders. Under his leadership, Litro has evolved into a vibrant hub where emerging writers and established authors come together, creating a dynamic space for literary innovation and cultural dialogue. Eric’s entrepreneurial spirit and creative foresight have made Litro a beacon for cross-cultural exchange in the literary world. Beyond his professional endeavours, Eric is a passionate advocate for personal well-being, balancing his pursuits with a commitment to meditation and his love for tennis.
