In the News: Maryland Book Challenges

Maryland is not immune to book challenges and bans. Any attempt to censor or restrict access to books and media can threaten our “right to read.” Here you will find a list of articles and news stories describing efforts across Maryland to challenge or ban books in schools and libraries.

Updated: February 22, 2024

Maryland (Statewide or multiple jurisdictions)

• https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/11/05/book-banning-resonates-as-an-issue-in-maryland-school-board-races/

• https://www.wypr.org/show/on-the-record/2023-09-27/national-rise-in-book-bans-and-restrictions-come-to-maryland

• https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4056177-maryland-governor-says-book-bans-are-castrating-kids/

• https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/local/longterm/war.htm

Baltimore County

• https://www.baltimoresun.com/education/bs-md-book-banning-schools-20230131-e7apnue3mrewng7kjpm7ebkkya-story.html

Carroll County

• https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/k-12-schools/carroll-county-maryland-schools-moms-for-liberty-ISZJNQBQKRAPFD35ZEAG3X47KY/

• 6 more books banned in these public school libraries, bringing total to 9 (msn.com)

Frederick County

• https://wtop.com/frederick-county/2022/12/3-complaints-target-35-books-in-frederick-county-school-libraries/

• https://www.fredericknewspost.com/news/education/schools/public_k-12/a-look-at-the-35-challenged-library-books-an-fcps-committee-is-reviewing/article_ccfb906f-4ff5-539c-bf92-3d72463e586f.html

Somerset/Wicomico County

• https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2022/03/17/book-bans-challenged-books-eastern-shore-maryland-schools-all-boys-arent-blue/7041433001/