ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland is grappling with the intensifying national debate over book bans and challenges, a conversation that touches on themes of censorship, intellectual freedom, and the role of education in fostering diverse perspectives. With Carroll County leading the state in book bans and Anne Arundel County proudly designating its first-ever book sanctuary, Maryland has become a microcosm of the larger battle raging across the country.
Carroll County: A Focal Point of Controversy
Carroll County schools accounted for 59 of the 64 book bans in Maryland during the 2023-24 school year, as reported by PEN America. The county’s updated board policy bars instructional materials with “sexually explicit” content, sparking heated debates about the subjective nature of such definitions. Critics argue that these removals disproportionately affect books that explore race, LGBTQ+ themes, and mental health, often silencing voices and stories that reflect marginalized experiences.
One of the most notable defenders of the county’s actions is the local chapter of Moms for Liberty. Suzie Scott, the chair of the group’s Maryland Legislative Committee, pushed back against the label of “book bans,” framing these actions as “curating” appropriate educational materials. However, opponents like PEN America and the American Library Association argue that such policies strip students of access to information and stifle critical thinking.
Among the books removed from shelves were titles like The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend and Empire of Storms. Critics highlight that these titles offer students avenues for self-discovery and understanding in a rapidly changing world, while proponents of the bans insist the books violate community standards.
Anne Arundel County’s Stand as Maryland’s First Book Sanctuary
While Carroll County grapples with challenges to intellectual freedom, Anne Arundel County has declared itself Maryland’s first “Book Sanctuary.” A part of the larger national movement launched in Chicago in 2022, book sanctuaries commit to safeguarding and promoting access to challenged and banned books.
“While some seek to block books they disagree with, our library system is stepping up to ensure that all voices, all stories, and all perspectives are protected,” said Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman.
The Anne Arundel County Public Library joins this movement amidst an alarming increase in censorship. According to the ALA, public libraries across the country experienced a 92% rise in book challenges from the previous year, with organized groups initiating 21% of those challenges. Maryland libraries have reported a 600% increase in staff threats and bomb threats related to book challenges over the past five years.
Legislation and Advocacy: Maryland’s Freedom to Read Act
Amid the chaos, Maryland enacted the Freedom to Read Act, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at ensuring that public and school libraries cannot remove books due to partisan or ideological disapproval. Under this law, books under review remain accessible until a decision is reached. Advocates see this as a critical safeguard against reactionary censorship.
Despite this law, the responsibility to challenge books often falls on individual parents, creating a decentralized struggle between advocates for intellectual freedom and those seeking greater parental control over library content. For school librarians, the implications are personal; many have reported verbal harassment, job insecurity, and even physical threats.
A National Movement and Maryland’s Place in It
Maryland’s book bans are part of a nationwide trend. PEN America’s report found over 10,000 book bans in the 2023-24 school year, with states like Florida and Iowa leading the charge. This reflects the growing influence of national groups like Moms for Liberty, which has local chapters in Maryland. The state, previously absent from PEN America’s rankings in 2022, reemerged this year, tied with South Carolina for ninth in the nation for book bans.
The Emotional and Professional Toll on Librarians
A recent Maryland Association of School Librarians (MASL) survey revealed the profound impact of book challenges. Over 57% of respondents reported that challenges had made their jobs more difficult, and 42% noted negative impacts on their personal lives. Many librarians described avoiding controversial book purchases out of fear of backlash, a form of “soft censorship” that limits access to diverse perspectives.
Despite these challenges, librarians overwhelmingly expressed confidence in their training and support from their schools and districts. They remain resolute in their mission to provide all students with access to materials that reflect their lives and the broader world.
Looking Ahead: The Path Forward
As Maryland navigates the push and pull of censorship and freedom, the stakes remain high for students, educators, and communities. Anne Arundel’s sanctuary designation offers a model for resistance, while the Freedom to Read Act provides legal backing for intellectual freedom. However, the deeply personal and political nature of the issue ensures that the fight over what books belong on shelves will persist.
As Deborah Caldwell-Stone of the ALA aptly said, “Each demand to ban a book is a demand to deny each person’s constitutionally protected right to choose and read books that raise important issues and lift up the voices of those who are often silenced.”
In Maryland, the battle is not just about books but about who gets to decide whose stories are told—and who gets to hear them.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
I’m so proud of Anne Arundel County for becoming a book sanctuary.