NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly 12,000 bans took place in public schools over the past year, according to a new study from PEN America, the highest total since the free expression organization began tracking removals five years ago. For the second straight year, Stephen King was the author most likely to have his work withdrawn.
Many of the bans took place in Florida and Texas, where restrictive laws have been passed and both politicians and conservative activists have pushed for removals. PEN has also found that school district administrators rely increasingly on AI to determine which books should be pulled.
Themes of race, racism, sexuality and gender identity remain the most common reasons books are challenged.
“School libraries make knowledge and ideas available, ensure books remain available for all regardless of personal or political ideologies, and open gateways to stories that inform, challenge, and reflect the realities of the world back to readers,” the PEN report, titled “Banned in the USA,” reads in part. “Book bans impede the freedom to read, cutting students’ access to a diversity of views, voices, perspectives, and literature they deserve to encounter.”
In all, PEN found 11,982 cases of bans, affecting 7,370 individual works. Over 4,500 were on the list for the first time, ranging from the 19th century classic “Jane Eyre” to Sui Ishida's “Tokyo Ghoul” manga series. Monday's report arrives during “Banned Books Week,” during which events at schools and libraries and other locations nationwide call attention to censorship efforts.
King's books were pulled 312 times, with “The Shining” and “The Green Mile” among those impacted. Meanwhile, the most banned individual title was Patrick McCormick's novel about a girl sold into sexual slavery in India, “Sold,” for which PEN found 25 removals. Other books commonly targeted include Margaret Atwood's dystopian “The Handmaid's Tale”; Laurie Halse Anderson's “Speak,” her prize-winning novel about a teenager who falls silent after being raped; and Ellen Hopkins' novel about drug addiction, “Crank.”
PEN America and the American Library Association have both reported historic surges in bans since the early 2020s, although their methodologies differ. PEN counts books removed even for a short time as a ban, while the ALA only includes books that have been permanently pulled. According to the library association's most recent report, published in April, some 5,600 instances of bans took place during the previous year.
FILE - Author Stephen King poses for the cameras during a promotional tour in Paris, Nov. 13, 2013. (AP Photo/Francois Mori, File)
FILE - A Banned Books Week display stands at the Mott Haven branch of the New York Public Library in the Bronx borough of New York City, Oct. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)
--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct 5, 2026--
The Backyard Bash with The Signature SELECT Life is back for a third year, bringing fall flavors, family fun and community connection to the Scottsdale Civic Center. After welcoming nearly 4,500 guests to events across multiple cities last year, Signature SELECT ®, exclusively available at Albertsons and Safeway stores, and Visa, a world leader in digital payments, are bringing the celebration to Scottsdale for the first time with another memorable afternoon of food, fun and larger-than-life experiences.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261005773973/en/
Returning for her third year, actress, director and mom Haylie Duff joins football legend Patrick Peterson for this FREE pop-up experience packed with delicious food, interactive activities, games, music and more. From sampling Signature SELECT favorites to enjoying larger-than-life backyard fun, guests will experience The Signature SELECT Life firsthand while celebrating the season with family and friends.
This free, family-friendly outdoor event will feature:
WHEN:
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE:
Scottsdale Civic Center
3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
WHY: Back by popular demand after attracting nearly 4,500 attendees last year, The Backyard Bash with The Signature SELECT Life returns for an afternoon of food, fun and community connection.
Available exclusively at Albertsons and Safeway stores, Signature SELECT helps customers elevate everyday moments with products that deliver great taste, quality and value. From sharing a meal with family to discovering a new favorite product, Signature SELECT is all about bringing people together. The Backyard Bash brings that spirit to life with free food, interactive activities and memorable experiences inspired by the flavors of fall.
MEDIA NOTES:
“I've always believed some of the best memories come from simply showing up and spending time together,” said Patrick Peterson. “The Backyard Bash with The Signature SELECT is all about enjoying the moment and making time for the people who matter most. I'm proud to be part of an event that brings families together in such a positive way.”
“As a mom and someone who loves cooking for family and friends, I'm proud to return for another year of The Backyard Bash with The Signature SELECT Life,” said Haylie Duff. “Sharing food is one of the simplest ways to bring people together. I love finding new ways to make everyday meals feel a little more special, and I look forward to sharing some of my favorite fall-inspired ideas.”
MORE:
Event Page: Attendance and all experiences are free, and registration is not required.
Encourage to follow @SignatureSELECT on Instagram for more exciting surprises.
Tag @SignatureSELECT using #TheSignatureSelectLifeSCOTTSDALE when posting.
ABOUT SIGNATURE SELECT®
Signature SELECT is the largest flagship Own Brand in our portfolio, delivering high quality that our shoppers can trust for balanced meals and effortless trips. With the widest variety of fresh and affordable options, and backed by our "Love It" guarantee, shoppers value Signature SELECT as a one-stop destination for making the most of life's moments.
Returning for her third year, actress, director and mom Haylie Duff will host a special cooking demo from 1:15 p.m. to 2 p.m.
The Backyard Bash with The Signature SELECT Life is back, bringing fall flavors, family fun and community connection to the Scottsdale Civic Center.
