Interactive Map Reveals Book Ban Hotspots and Nearby Little Free Library Locations

Updated tool highlights where censorship is rising and how communities can respond by sharing books in Little Free Libraries

ST. PAUL, Minn., Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Little Free Library^® (LFL) nonprofit organization has released an updated version of its interactive Book Ban Map, developed in partnership with the American Library Association's (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom and PEN America. First launched in 2024, the map now includes the latest data, highlighting where bans are intensifying and showing nearby Little Free Library book-sharing boxes where readers can freely access books.

With more than 200,000 Little Free Libraries worldwide, the nonprofit's network provides a powerful outlet for those who wish to respond to book censorship. In 2024 alone, the ALA recorded 2,452 unique titles targeted for removal or restriction from school and public libraries. By overlaying book ban data with book-sharing box locations, the map gives communities a practical option for countering these challenges: give access to banned and challenged books through neighborhood Little Free Libraries.

"At the Little Free Library nonprofit organization, we believe that access to books is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of an informed, engaged society," said Daniel Gumnit, CEO of LFL. "This newly updated map empowers communities to protect intellectual freedom, champion diverse voices, and ensure that the joy of reading remains accessible to all."

At-a-Glance: 2025 Book Ban Trends

State-Level Shifts

• Tennessee: Bans rose from 350 → 1,252 (largest increase nationwide)
  
  
• Texas: Remains high, 1,469 → 1,512
  
  
• South Carolina, Washington, Oregon: All saw notable increases

County-Level Shifts

• Florida: Still a hotspot. In 2024, Clay County led; in 2025, Polk, Charlotte, and Collier Counties top the list.
  
  
• Iowa: Bans spiked, with Story County and Iowa County reporting the highest numbers.

How the Book Ban Map Works

The interactive tool displays book ban data at both state and county levels alongside mapped Little Free Library book-sharing box locations across the U.S.

• Color-coded scale: States and counties are shaded in purple, with darker hues representing higher numbers of bans.
  
  
• Hover feature: Hover over any state to see the number of bans—for instance, Florida shows 767 attempted bans.
  
  
• Toggle views: Switch between state-level or county-level data using the map's built-in toggle in the top-right corner.
  
  
• Search function: Use the search bar in the top-left corner to find bans in a specific state or county.
  
  
• Little Free Library locations: Zoom in to view blue pins representing nearby Little Free Libraries. Click on a pin to see the library's charter number, then use LFL's mobile app or web map to learn more.

The map was created by Little Free Library in collaboration with the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom and PEN America. Both organizations contributed their data: ALA provided state-level statistics on bans in schools and public libraries, while PEN America shared county-level data focused on school bans.

"Although it is harrowing to see such censorship attempts sweep across the nation, PEN America is proud to partner with Little Free Library again this year on their Book Ban Map," said Sabrina Baêta Senior Program Manager, Freedom to Read, PEN America. "We all must play a part in making sure books stay in the hands of our community members, whether that means fighting for the freedom to read in schools, libraries, or even the sidewalks of our neighborhoods."

To explore the 2025 Book Ban Map, visit littlefreelibrary.org/book-ban-map

ABOUT LITTLE FREE LIBRARY
Little Free Library^® (LFL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that builds community, inspires readers and expands book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Library book-sharing boxes. There are more than 200,000 registered Little Free Libraries worldwide in all 50 states, in 128 countries and on all 7 continents. LFL received the 2020 World Literacy Award as well as honors from the Library of Congress, National Book Foundation and others. The organization grants Little Free Libraries full of books to underserved areas through its Impact Library and Indigenous Library programs and champions diverse books through its Read in Color initiative. LFL is a member of the Banned Books Week Coalition, Unite Against Book Bans, the Right to Read Working Group, and the Diverse Books for All Coalition. Learn more at LittleFreeLibrary.org.

ABOUT PEN AMERICA
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. They champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Their mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION'S OFFICE FOR INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM
Established in 1967, the Office for Intellectual Freedom is charged with implementing ALA policies concerning the concept of intellectual freedom as embodied in the Library Bill of Rights, the Association's basic policy on free access to libraries and library materials. The goal of the office is to educate librarians and the general public about the nature and importance of intellectual freedom in libraries. Learn more at ala.org/aboutala/offices/oif.

Media Contact: Margret Aldrich / 715-690-2488 x805 / [email protected]

SOURCE Little Free Library