Just in time for Banned Books Week, PEN America released their newest report that paints a sobering picture of the state of intellectual freedom in America’s public schools. During the 2025–2026 school year, PEN documented nearly 12,000 book bans affecting more than 7,300 unique titles—the highest number recorded since the organization began tracking school book bans in 2021. The report concludes that the surge is being driven largely by state censorship laws and coordinated political efforts rather than by individual parental concerns.
For Iowans, these findings should sound familiar. In 2023, the Iowa Legislature passed SF 496, a law that forced school districts across the state to remove books containing descriptions of sex acts from school libraries. Since then, approximately 1,500 unique titles have disappeared from Iowa public school shelves—one of the largest statewide removals of books in the country. (Note: PEN America’s report indicates 49 instances of removals, which reflects a 2025-2026 number, while our total accounts for all removals since 2021.)
The books affected are far more than just stories. They include award-winning works of literature, historical accounts, memoirs, and books that help young people understand themselves and others. Many feature LGBTQ+ characters, people of color, survivors of sexual assault, or difficult moments in history. As PEN notes, the overwhelming majority of books being removed are works of fiction written to encourage empathy, critical thinking, and a love of reading—not materials lacking literary or educational value.
The same strategies, organizations, and legislative approaches that resulted in the removal of 1,500 books in Iowa schools are appearing across the country. While legal challenges to SF 496 continue, our work remains the same: ensuring that young people have access to diverse stories, supporting librarians and educators, and reminding our communities that the freedom to read is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy.
Reports like this remind us why Annie’s Foundation exists. For the last four years, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that Iowans—especially young people—continue to have access to stories that reflect the complexities of the world around them. Through our free book giveaways, community events, educational outreach, and advocacy, we are helping preserve the freedom to read, one book and one conversation at a time.
