Los Angeles County supervisors are taking a proactive approach to combat the growing trend of book bans in schools and libraries. In a unanimous decision, supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath and Janice Hahn have proposed making county library eBooks, including those banned in other jurisdictions, accessible to all California teens and residents. This move comes in response to a recent report by nonprofit PEN America, which revealed a staggering 28% increase in book bans during the first half of the 2022-23 school year compared to the previous six months.
Highlighting specific instances of book bans in California, the motion draws attention to the Burbank Unified School District’s decision to exclude classic works like Mark Twain’s “Huckleberry Finn” and John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” from their curriculum in 2020. Similar efforts have been observed in other parts of the state, including the San Ramon Valley Unified School District and the Kingsburg Elementary Charter School District, where a single parent’s objection can result in the immediate removal of a challenged book.
These alarming trends prompted Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond to issue a cautionary letter to school districts statewide discouraging book bans. The motion also references the recent dismissal of the Temecula Valley Unified School District superintendent for including LGBTQ+ civil rights advocate Harvey Milk in the school curriculum. According to the American Library Association, nearly all of the top ten books targeted for censorship in California schools and libraries last year addressed LGBTQ+ themes.
In light of these developments, the motion instructs county library officials to devise a plan within 30 days to offer digital county library cards to all residents and teens in California. The goal is to launch this program during Banned Books Week, which falls on October 1-7. Additionally, a funding source for the purchase of eBooks, specifically those commonly banned, should be identified.
Supervisor Horvath expressed her concerns regarding the rise in book bans, particularly those censoring LGBTQ+ narratives and the experiences of marginalized communities. She emphasized the responsibility of L.A. County to expand access to literature that promotes inclusive learning and an accurate portrayal of our nation’s history. By making eBook resources available to all Californians, the county aims to ensure that residents have the opportunity to engage with literature that embraces diversity and provides an authentic representation of our society.
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