Last week, the Department of Education dismissed 11 complaints against book bans. The announcement has drawn backlash from the American Library Association and free speech advocacy groups, who are denouncing the rhetoric calling book bans a hoax, as these bans grow across the country.

While there are currently no book bans in San Diego County libraries, PEN America's report found that Escondido Union School District banned two books in the 2023-2024 academic year.

On Midday Edition Monday, we’ll hear from experts tracking the rise of book bans across public schools and libraries and how they are advocating for the freedom to read.

Guests:

• Jennifer Jenkins, deputy director of customer experience, San Diego Public Library
• Kasey Meehan, director of Freedom to Read program, PEN America

Resources:

• PEN America Index of School Book Bans 2023-2024
• SDPL Collection Development Policy
• The Freedom to Read Statement | American Library Association (ALA)
• Library Bill of Rights | ALA
• Books Unbanned Initiative
• Books Unbanned | City of San Diego Official Website
• San Diego joins Books Unbanned to protect the freedom to read | Library Foundation SD