New Study Finds That Book Bans Lead to Increased Readership

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Fresh Research Investigates the Influence of Book Prohibitions on Library Readership
A recent study by scholars from Carnegie Mellon and George Mason University delves into the effects of book bans on the readership of censored books, revealing intriguing outcomes. By analyzing book circulation data of the top 25 most-banned titles in a variety of libraries across the U.S., the study discovered that:

Contrary to expectations, book bans actually cause a 12% rise in circulation of banned books compared to a control group, showcasing a Streisand Effect rather than discouraging readers.
This phenomenon extends to states without bans, with a slightly lower increase of 11.2%.
The surge in readership is particularly notable for books addressing race, gender, and LGBTQ+ themes.
Banned books introduce new readers to inclusive content, with children reading banned books 19% more than control titles post-ban.
The circulation spike of banned books occurs in both red states with bans and blue states without bans.

(It’s worth noting that despite increased circulation and readership, book bans are detrimental to authors. If you’re contemplating a positive take on book bans, think again.)

Given these results, one might question why activists persist in pursuing book bans if they inadvertently boost engagement with the targeted content. The study reveals a potential answer lies in political motives and financial gains, as Republican politicians in red states experienced a 30% surge in small donations following book ban events.

To reiterate, the issue isn’t about the books. As highlighted by Book Riot’s Kelly Jensen, books have become a convenient target for far-right groups aiming to suppress discussions on race and LGBTQ+ topics. Even if children are consuming more banned books, conservative politicians prioritize financial support and voter turnout over the actual content being read.

Five Years After American Dirt, Lingering Resentment Persists
Half a decade ago, Jeanine Cummins’ American Dirt transitioned from a literary sensation to a major controversy within the publishing world, prompting significant discourse and even an Oprah interview. Vanessa offers an insightful piece on the tumultuous journey of American Dirt and why its legacy endures.

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