Republican surge on book bans and defunding libraries

• Book bans have nearly doubled since 2021, with Republican-led states imposing restrictions on books containing explicit content, LGBTQ themes, and racial inequality.
• A Missouri law defunded all state public libraries following a lawsuit by library groups attempting to overturn a ban on 300 books in school libraries.
• In Texas, a small town closed its three public libraries after a federal judge ordered them to return the banned books.
• Republican-controlled legislatures nationwide are using book bans and library defunding to maintain power.
• The impact of library closures and defunding extends beyond children, as libraries also provide essential services like internet access, job applications, and bill payments, particularly in rural communities.