Banned Books

Q: Why is the UChicago Library taking a stand against book bans. 
A: As Dean Reimer explains, “We believe that knowledge enriches life, and book bans stand against freedom of inquiry and expression and therefore against the core principles of the University of Chicago.” Read more about why we’re taking a stand against book bans.

Q: How is the University of Chicago Library currently making banned books more broadly available?
A: The UChicago Library is building a comprehensive collection of books banned across the U.S. The growing collection is available for consultation at the UChicago Library by the public, for check out by UChicago users, and for borrowing through Interlibrary Loan.
The UChicago Library is also supporting access to more than 900 books banned throughout the country for everyone in Illinois through the Digital Public Library of America’s Banned Book Club on the Palace App.  

Q: Where can I find banned books to read at the UChicago Library?
A: The University of Chicago Library is actively growing our collection of banned books and our goal is to make a full list of these books available.  At the present time, this part of our initiative is still taking shape, but we look forward to sharing this list of books soon.

You can search in the Library Catalog for titles of banned books that you are interested in. You can also access ebooks and audiobooks through the Palace Project app.  Over time, we will expand this guide with more information about our banned books collection.

Q: How can I read the banned books in the Palace Project app? 
A: Follow these instructions to access The Banned Book Club on The Palace Project App:

1. Download The Palace App on Google Play (Android) or through The App Store (Apple)
2. Search for “Banned Book Club.”
3. Click on the Settings gear icon in the lower right corner.
4. Click on Libraries, then Banned Book Club.
5. At the login screen, Click on Create Card.
6. Click “Allow Once” when prompted to allow Palace to use your location.
7. Follow the instructions to create your virtual library card.
8. Check your email and click the verification link.
9. Return to the Palace app and log in using the library barcode number found in the verification email and the password you created.
10. Download your first book!

Q: Where can I find lists of books that have been challenged or banned? 
A: There are multiple organizations who curate lists of books that have been banned or challenged. Two of the best-known organizations are the American Library Association and PEN America.   

American Library Association Banned & Challenged Books

The American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom compiles annual lists of book challenges from reports filed by library professionals in the field, including school libraries and public libraries, and from news stories published throughout the United States.

PEN America 2023-2024 Banned Books in Schools List

PEN America is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to raise awareness for the protection of free expression in literature and journalism. They compile lists of banned books in school libraries.