NEWS RELEASE

Attempts to restrict access to library materials and services through challenges in Massachusetts public libraries have increased. In Massachusetts, historically there have been few if any attempts to censor library materials each year but according to data collected by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC), formal challenges to library materials, programs, and services have increased by 50% since FY2023¹. In 2025, public libraries reported 33 formal challenges, more than seven years combined². This data does not include school libraries.

"Literature connects us. It helps us feel less alone and deepens our understanding of each other. That's true for people of all ages, experiences and backgrounds. Removing materials allows someone else to determine what's appropriate reading material for you or your family, and flies in the face of who we are and what democracy stands for," said Maureen Amyot, MBLC Director.

Informal challenges in public libraries also continued to increase with 86 libraries reporting 309³ informal challenges to materials, services, and programs. One library reported 5,000 challenges to its meeting room use.

Reflects the National Trend

This trend reflects national data collected by the American Library Association (ALA) which has tracked a sharp surge in censorship attempts since 2021 with a record high in 2023 of 1,247 attempts nationally. ALA ties the spike to organized movements and reports that 72% of attempts to censor books now come from pressure groups and government entities. Parents accounted for 16% of demands to censor books and 5% of challenges were brought by individual library users. The most common reasons for challenges were claims of obscenity for minors; LGBTQIA+ characters or themes; and topics of race, racism, inclusivity, equity, and social justice.

"Massachusetts is home to the nation's first public library and first public school. While we have long appreciated that unabridged access to knowledge is key to accessing opportunity and fulfillment, the data collected by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners shows our state is not immune from small-minded bans or politically opportunist censorship. Books are among our most compelling windows into the myriad of human experiences, which is why I'm committed to defending the right to read and ensuring decisions about library materials are made by trained professionals, not political actors," said State Senator Julian Cyr.

Impact on Library Staff

Library directors have reported in person and online bullying of library staff and anxiety among staff due to "aggressive" complaints. Harassment can cause library staff to reconsider programs, books, and other services. In a informal 2023 survey conducted by the MBLC, 48.5% of school library respondents reported that they reconsidered displays and books or items featured due to negativity surrounding book challenges.

"Freedom to Read" Legislation

In response to the surge in attempts to restrict access, the Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) is working with legislators on "Freedom to Read" legislation that supports public and school librarians and ensures diverse voices remain in library collections.

"The freedom to read is fundamental to who we are as a Commonwealth and as a democracy. At a time when this freedom is being challenged across the country, Massachusetts must continue to lead. I remain committed to protecting free expression and ensuring our libraries remain places of access, inclusion, and opportunity for all," said State Senator Jacob Oliveira.

"Librarians have been on the frontline against a partisan agenda to remove books and programs that represent specific community members: mostly LGBTQ+ and people of color. 'Right to Read' legislation provides some protection to library staff as they work to ensure that no single person or group imposes its own beliefs and viewpoints on other members of a democratic society," said Co-chair of the MLA Legislative Committee Will Adamczyk.

In November 2025, led by Senators Julian Cyr and Jacob Oliviera, the Massachusetts Senate passed S.2726 An Act Regarding Free Expression, a bill that fortifies the freedom to read and the protection of librarians during book and materials challenges. It is now pending before the House Ways & Means committee. If passed by the Massachusetts House and signed by Governor Healey, Massachusetts would join Illinois, California, New Jersey, Delaware, Rhode Island and Connecticut where Freedom to Read legislation has already passed.

In contrast to 'Right to Read' laws, some states are passing legislation that restricts access to materials especially ones with race or LGBTQ+ themes and criminalizes some librarian actions. EveryLibrary is tracking this legislation.