Little Free Library has introduced a new interactive map on its website, showcasing the locations of its free libraries across the U.S. and highlighting the prevalence of book bans in each state.
This tool enables users to quickly find nearby Little Free Libraries—those small, outdoor, take-a-book-leave-a-book boxes—particularly in regions facing increased efforts to ban books and limit access to certain titles in schools and libraries.
The map is powered by data from PEN America and the American Library Association (ALA), which track book bans at state and county levels. According to the data, Florida and Texas have the highest number of book bans, with 2,647 and 1,469 bans respectively. Despite these challenges, both states maintain a strong network of Little Free Libraries, with 2,886 in Florida and 2,373 in Texas. On the flip side, Vermont and Delaware stand out for having zero reported book bans.
The map reflects Little Free Library’s clear stance against book bans. The organization reaffirms its mission to expand access to literature, stating, “Expanding access to books is at the heart of our mission, and the rise of book bans in America goes against our organization’s core values — especially when the bans overwhelmingly target BIPOC and LGBTQ+ authors.”
Head over to Little Free Library’s website to discover libraries near you.
Photo: The Little Free Library located on the Stuyvesant Oval in the Stuytown / Peter Cooper Village Complex. Photo Courtesy of Stuytown.
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