Find the areas hit hardest by book bans and the nearest Little Free Library book-sharing box locations! We developed this map in collaboration with PEN America and the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom. Use this interactive map to find book-ban hotspots and discover the Little Free Libraries in those areas. Then use our mobile app to get directions, visit those libraries, and share banned books! Learn more about our stance on book censorship and how you can get involved in protecting the freedom to read. Please note the map may take several seconds to load.
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Book Ban Map FAQs
How do I use this map?
This map shows book bans at both state and county levels, as well as the location of mapped Little Free Library book-exchange boxes across the United States. The number of bans per state or county are visualized using a color scale — the darker the purple, the more bans in the area. Tips to use the map:
- Use the toggle selections in the top-right corner to switch between viewing book bans at a county level or state level.
- Use the search bar in the top-left corner to search for book bans in a specific location.
- Zoom into the blue clusters to view Little Free Library locations. Click on any blue pin to view the charter number of that Little Free Library. Want more information on that library’s location? Go to our world map or mobile app and look up the library by charter number, which will allow you to see its address and get directions!
How do I find the Little Free Library locations shown on this map?
Go to the web map or mobile app and search for by charter number to find a specific library. You’ll then be able to view library details, check in to any library you visit, add the library to your favorites, and more!
Where did we get the data?
The data is sourced from PEN America and the American Library Association (ALA). The countywide data layer shows data from PEN America’s 2022- 2023 Index of Book Bans, which is a compilation of book bans reported in schools across the United States. The statewide layer shows data from ALA’s Book Ban Data, which lists attempted book bans and challenged titles in public schools and libraries across the United States.
We know the map may appear incomplete due to data limitations. Maybe there are local book bans you have seen or heard of that are not reflected here! If you want to help improve the accuracy and completeness of the data, consider reporting a book ban or challenge to PEN America and ALA.
Why doesn’t my Little Free Library show up on this map?
We update this map on a regular basis, but it doesn’t reflect any Little Free Library book-exchange boxes that have been added since the most recent update.
What can I do to help share banned books?
- Enter your email address (see above) to get a list of specific books banned or challenged in your state. Consider sharing those books in Little Free Library book exchanges in your area!
- Visit Unite Against Book Bans’ book resumes to learn more about the titles frequently challenged and banned. Learn more about our plans for Banned Books Week. Stay informed by signing up for our email list and following us on social media.
- Drop off a book in a Little Free Library near you. Use our mobile app to find them! Purchase books from the list of banned books on our Bookshop.org storefront – purchases support both Little Free Library and local bookstores!
We thank PEN America and the American Library Association for sharing their data on book bans and challenges and making this map possible.