On Censorship: A Public Librarian Examines Cancel Culture in the US

by James LaRue

In America today, more books are being banned than ever before. This censorship is part of a larger assault on such American institutions as schools, public libraries, and universities. In On Censorship: A Public Librarian Examines Cancel Culture in the US , respected long-time public librarian James LaRue issues a balanced and reasonable call to action for all citizens.  

LaRue, who served as director of the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom and executive director of the Freedom to Read Foundation, highlights the dangers of book banning and censorship in our public and educational spaces. Synthesizing his more than twenty-five years of experience on the front lines of these issues, he takes the reader through attempts he encountered to remove or restrict access to ideas, while placing the debate in the greater context about the role of libraries and free expression in a democratic society. LaRue covers topics such as:

- The role of the library in American culture and community
- The consequences of cancel culture
- Seven things citizens can do to quell book banning and censorship attempts

By examining past efforts at censorship and their dangerous impacts, LaRue asks the reader to reflect on how those times are not so different from today. This book is essential reading for all those who believe in free expression, who support libraries, and who cherish the central freedoms that American democracy represents. 

Genres: Nonfiction, Essays, Politics, Books About Books, Librarianship, Social Justice, Sociology

144 pages, Paperback

Published September 19, 2023

Reviews

[LeeAnna Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author was the keynote speaker at TCCL’s professional development day. Book banning is a clear and present threat to democracy, and during my decades long career, there has never been a more volatile outcry for the removal of books from library shelves. The author, former Director of the Office for Intellectual Freedom, and current Executive Director of Garfield County Public Library District, wrote the book in response to an alarming increase in book challenges. “I began to notice that the number of these challenges was picking up, increasing all across the country, and getting a little scary in that In some places, in Idaho, in Oklahoma, in Texas, the idea was that it's not just that the book itself is pornographic or wrong, but that if I object to it and the librarian doesn't immediately remove it from the collection, I can sue the librarian for $10, 000, it becomes a felony on their record, and they can't pay the fine with GoFundMe.” Book burning brings to mind Nazi Germany or Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 - not the United States, 2023. On the opposite but quite similar side of the issue is cancel culture. He argues it also threatens intellectual freedom. I am reminded to stay informed and speak out. Silence equals compliance and censorship is a step toward fascism. Everyone should read this one.

[Elizabeth Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

A triumph in discussion about libraries, censorship, and the world. One of the only books that I've read and felt relief because I knew that the author understands what I do/think on the daily.

"A truly great library has something in it to offend everyone." But libraries don't buy books in order to offend. We buy them to support our community.

We protect our young by taking action on real, not manufactured threats. We protect children by informing them, by honoring the dignity of their curiosity not with deception but with evidence.

I believe that most of the people in our communities have the same thirst. Too often in our society people either don't engage at all with gnarly issues or they only talk to people who already agree with them. This problem is particularly severe online, where many of us find ourselves being "in the middle of the road" in territory that is ever more extreme. The only way out of this contentious trap is to do just what the library did - find knowledgeable and reputable sources of information. serve as a model in setting some ground rules to allow for true intellectual exploration. Connect people and ideas. Have a meaningful conversation.

[Chris Cox, a librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Trends aren't straight lines. They're roller coasters and whirligigs. It could be that this recent surge of library challenges is just what it looks like: a call back to 1938, and the precursor to a clash between authoritarianism and democracy. It could be that it's a marginal last gasp of a generation or generations that bitterly protest their own loss of relevance, full of sound and fury, and signifying nothing. It could be the rise of a strong new, dynamic world, more deeply linked cleansed, and tempered by conflict."

Larue's timely and balanced (and brief) take on censorship issues in and out of the public library is worthwhile reading for library staff and patrons alike.

[Katie Haasch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Censorship is something I potentially face daily at work as a librarian. The kicker. Parents and other adults don’t take the time to read or view materials fully before challenging them. The take the word of someone on social media who is upset about it. Yet these are the same people that allow the watching of teen or r-rated movies. Or the shooter games.

Libraries do not have in our collection porn so please don’t claim it’s pornographic.

Use the opportunity to talk to your kids about what they are reading or interested in rather than banning. Cause usually when someone is told “no” people are more likely to do it regardless.

This was written by someone in the librarian profession (director-current) and someone that dealt with it on a national level with the American Library Association.

[Allyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rtc

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise and comprehensive. I don't agree with every single point, but I think it's an important perspective and argument. I would love to give it as a gift to many people and leave it all around the Little Free Libraries.

I think we need to pay attention to what is going on in these spheres (this goes beyond schools, obviously) and speak up for our freedoms. As Larue says towards the close of the book:

"My observation about censorship in our time is this: we get what we deserve. If we defend the freedom to ask questions, the freedom to explore, the freedom to be delighted or confused or challenged, then we continue to grow. This is true both for individuals and for nations. If we narrow our range of possibilities, if we muzzle the voices of people who don't fit the current fashion or faction, then we weaken, become less adaptable or resilient. We stagnate and diminish.

We have a choice."

[tin_foil_tinnu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started interesting but got very political, in a rant-y sort of way. I'd rather this book be more objective, especially since libraries provide services to all community members regardless of political orientation.

[Elisabetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If censorship is fear, then it is the opposite of courage. Let us face the world as it is and build a better one."

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A timely book that I wish were longer and more comprehensive! James LaRue has been on the frontlines of many attempts to censor books from public libraries. The anecdotes he shared about particular books, why people wanted them banned, and how he handled it were fascinating. Structurally, it does feel like the book could have been slightly better organized as some parts get a bit rambly and lose sight of a thesis. This book is so short, though, that I think it’s worth the read regardless. Lots of interesting nuggets to take away from this one!

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars only because it could have kept going! There is a lot packed into this diminutive book and LaRue is an experienced librarian so I wanted to hear more. Definitions, reasons why censorship happens and some great what-do-I-do here situations with answers! So glad there is an organization like ALA that can keep up with all of the nonsense because there is a bunch of it.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read! the author does a fantastic job thoughtfully summarizing the attacks on books, reading, and libraries that we've seen happening in the past few years. the perfect resource for anyone who wants a quick introduction to the topic. i really appreciated that the author included some steps that we citizens can take to help combat censorship and authoritarianism.

[Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so well-written and so important! I stumbled on this in my library and snatched it up - a very impressive argument about censorship and a reminder that some individuals are thoughtful and can make a cogent argument without rancor or belittlement. I was even more excited that LaRue is from Colorado; gives me hope our state may hold out against the current onslaught. Read this, talk about it with everyone and perhaps, we may emerge a more reasonable and respectful nation.

[Mike Reiff · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first 80 pages are a clear bell of principle for intellectual freedom in public libraries with practical explanation of how they work - especially in our climate of right-wing challenges - and how libraries can be a space of civic understanding. The second section meanders a bit into general political thought, but then closes strong.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part I - the role of libraries = 5+ stars
Part II- cancel culture = 1 star
Part III- role of citizens= 3 stars?

I will read/ listen to anything Jamie LaRue ever has to say about libraries. It's his broader social and political commentary I'm less interested in.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s hear it for Larue! Cleverly written and a quick read, On Cenroship, serves as a catalyst for a healthy discussion on the topic literary censorship drawn from years of his professional experience. The ultimate takeaway- prevent anti-intellectualism from prevailing.

This work should be required reading for indoctrination into moms of liberty and other such groups (political extremists, religious zealots and so on). Perhaps then they’ll think twice about taking advantage of the amazing free programming our libraries offer after prying their kids off Tik Tok.

Exploring the concept of the outright refusal to uphold the constitution not gauranteeing the right not to be offended, sheds light on the fact that the most banned book requests overwhelmingly tend to concentrate on works by or about traditionally marginalized populations. As such, we can’t ignore the cherry-pickers when it comes to book censorship efforts. With the inability to comprehend the difference between inclusion and endorsement, these groups and individuals hide behind works supporting their own beliefs. The bible, for example, also contains content that can be considered inappropriate for children (but they probably haven’t read it in its entirety to know this). Also, the Catholic Church was plagued by actual sexual abuse of children by priests. Perhaps they attack the library to deflect criticism of their own belief structures.

Larue ends with a seven-step action plan to take on this issue as productive citizens. Let’s continue a healthy dialogue on the topic.

[Crito · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really unsure if I recommend this because where he does give a correct account of the massive religious conservative push to ban topics related to lgbt people and poc, he feels the need to spin it out into a centrist message which always ends in him not knowing what he's talking about. Multiple times he brings up Laura Ingalls Wilder as someone the "left" (i.e. social progressives) wants to ban when it's obvious he's misremembering; half a decade ago the ALA decided to rename a children's book award previously named after Laura Ingalls Wilder which, who cares it's an award, and LaRue morphs that half remembered event into a claim that people are trying to get Wilder banned from libraries because they're woke or whatever. There are indices where you can look up banned and challenged books; in the past year Wilder is not on them. LaRue comes forward with data, anecdotes, and news stories when it comes to right wing censorship and then turns around to do the laziest shrug at "both sides are bad." Dude thinks Mill coined "free marketplace of ideas."

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-star rating is average for me. It wasn't bad, it wasn't good. I simply was not impressed with this one. I don't dismiss the author's experience, far from it, I was just hoping for something more out of it.

I follow a lot of current events when it comes to the banning and censoring of books, so what this author discussed was nothing new to me. That's kind of where I had a hard time with this book. It was all stuff I was familiar with and stuff I had heard before so I did not learn anything or did not gain anything out of it which I find to be unfortunate.

That said, I did like this book, it just wasn't for me in a way that I had hoped.

[Elizabeth Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated this examination of censorship. It introduced me to some new books I'd like to read (mainly "The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movement) and new words that seem to be useful rather than jargony. The author definitely is writing from a liberal standpoint, but his examination of liberal censorship with an example from his own experience was illuminating. I'm referring here to items that are censored because of rascist or other bigoted content.
The book also ended on a high point with some advice on future actions. I'd like to read this author's newspaper columns in the future.

[Michael McEwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A concise treatise on censorship by a librarian. My thoughts on the subject were already well aligned with the author, but I appreciated his unique perspective and his structured arguments. A couple of success stories and a misfire were particularly enlightening. It was also refreshing to have some suggestions on what to do even if most of them boil down to “be engaged” (which is of course, is the oxygen to democracy).

[Regan Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.25 ⭐️

I’m ngl I barely read this because it’s an awful like everything else I’ve read about the topic for my project but all the new information was very useful and helpful towards my project and helped me understand my topic more. But some of the things this guy said were unrelated to the topic which made me wanna snooze lol

[Carol Whetzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. LaRue presents the topic in an engaging and easy to understand format, encouraging everyone to speak up and help stop inappropriate censorship. Huge fan of Mr. LaRue!

[Katra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small volume of big thoughts. I'd like to make this compulsory reading nationwide.

p-n, s-n, v-n, a-n

[Meganators]

timely, compelling, thoughtful, and informative quick read

[Amanda [Novel Addiction] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Definitely library-specific, but considering I got this from the library (and I am a librarian), it was incredibly relevant. Definitely gave me a lot to think about, and I might even purchase a copy to re-read and annotate/highlight so I can keep some of the phrasing in mind.

[jules revel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Straightforward and informative.

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book!

[kennedy parrish · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure if the author meant to present cancel culture and censorship as synonymous, but I didn't feel like the distinction between the two was made very apparent. To me (at least), cancel culture and censorship are closely related but not the same thing. Despite being the content of the subtitle, cancel culture is only briefly discussed by name in this book. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed reading all of the conversations presented by this author and would recommend it to anyone looking for a non-fiction book they can get through quickly! Trust your local librarians to have some of the most interesting perspectives on culturally relevant topics.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slim volume full of wisdom and common sense, explaining the process in public libraries for responding to requests to remove a book from the shelves. I would expect nothing less from a professional librarian. A must-read for all readers and book lovers.

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle

A quick read that works well as an introduction to the topics of censorship, book challenges and bans, and intellectual freedom. As a public librarian, I appreciate LaRue's accounts of fighting censorship and his examples of how challenges can arise, how to deal with them, and why giving in to censorship doesn't work.

Overall, a helpful read, though I found the reading experience unbalanced. The first section, which is the bulk of the book, was the most helpful and relevant to me personally as a librarian. Pulling from news events and his own experiences with book challenges and censorship while working in public libraries and at ALA's OIF, LaRue discusses the importance of intellectual freedom and puts efforts to challenge books into perspective. I found LaRue's experience across various environments especially helpful.

In the second section LaRue takes on cancel culture and expands the book's scope beyond the public library to discuss academic institutions, social media, news outlets, and religion. For me, this section attempted to get too broad and became unfocused, tending toward ranting at times.

The last section provides fairly straight-forward ways to get involved and help support intellectual freedom.

Overall, it was nicely written though unbalanced. Would be a good place to start for those looking to understand the current climate of book bans and challenges and those looking for ways to support libraries and intellectual freedom.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-balanced look at censorship and cancel culture from the viewpoint of a librarian.