Salem Champions 'Banned Books' With Little Library At City Hall

SALEM, MA — North Shore residents are encouraged to donate or check out a "banned book" from the Little Library at Salem's City Hall for "Let Freedom Read Day" on Saturday.

City officials are inviting residents to "take action in the defense of the freedom to read, whether by sharing information, speaking up against censorship, or donating a banned book to Salem's Banned Book Little Library."

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The library is located in the front of City Hall at 93 Washington Street.

"The freedom to read is a fundamental American value and a cornerstone of our democracy," said Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo. "This right belongs to everyone. Reading is the foundation for lifelong learning and essential to exercising our democratic freedoms."

According to the American Library Association, there were 821 attempts to censor library books and materials across the country in 2024, targeting 4,190 unique book titles. During that same time in Massachusetts, there were 20 attempts to restrict access to 22 titles.

Nearly 72 percent of all censorship demands originated from organized groups or government entities such as elected officials, board members, and administrators, Salem officials said.

The majority of challenged books address the lives and experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals, Black and Indigenous people, and people of color.

"Banned Books Week is an excellent reminder that there are books written from every perspective, which may challenge assumptions and open up new possibilities," said Tara Mansfield, Director of the Salem Public Library. "The Salem Public Library is committed to providing access to diverse books, and we encourage everyone to exercise their right to read."

Those interested can explore a list of frequently challenged books here or visit the banned book display at the Salem Public Library at 370 Essex Street.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)