They Don't Gotta Burn the Books, They Just Remove 'Em: The Impact of Book Challenges on Northeastern Librarians

Abstract

In 2021, after years of relatively stable book challenge numbers, libraries noted an exponential rise in book challenges, and the number has continued to rise each year. This matches a rise in “anti-woke” backlash amplified by social media and conservative media outlets; most of the books commonly challenged are books with LGBTQIA+ and/or antiracist themes. Librarians now experience threats and harassment. Previous research on book challenges occurred before the current exponential rise.This phenomenological study examined the experiences of northeastern United States public and school librarians who have responded to book challenges, focusing on their overall morale and feelings about administration support. All respondents’ interviews were analyzed through thematic coding to find common experiences among the librarians. Results showed that the librarians reported more low morale than high morale overall. Many reported that they felt either unsupported or mixed support from their administrations during this process. Librarians’ common experiences included harassment, feeling their expertise questioned, and seeing their administrators not follow policy. However, there were some positive responses: librarians reported finding strength in their communities and students, as well as gratitude for the colleagues and larger library organizations that helped them during the process. As more books are challenged each year, this study has wider implications for the profession. Understanding the experiences of librarians who go through these challenges is imperative to maintain a thriving library profession.