Oregon recorded one of its busiest years on record for intellectual freedom challenges across libraries and schools, according to the latest Oregon Intellectual Freedom Clearinghouse (OIFC) Annual Report. The 2025 report documents 50 official challenge incidents at public, special, and school libraries—tied with 2001 for the fifth-highest total since the State Library began tracking in 1987. Those cases targeted 66 unique titles and 68 items, the fourth-highest count on record.
What Counts as a “Challenge”
A challenge is any attempt to remove or restrict access to a material, service, or program because someone objects to it. OIFC compiles these incidents statewide; its data also feeds into the American Library Association (ALA), which reported 2024 as the third-highest year nationally for attempted censorship since 1990.
A Sharp Rise in “Unofficial” Tactics
A striking shift emerged in Oregon this year: 60% of challenged items were hidden or vandalized rather than pursued through formal reconsideration processes—up from 40% last year. These actions bypass established review policies and force staff to devote time to locating, repairing, or replacing materials instead of evaluating concerns through transparent procedures.
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Why Materials Are Being Challenged
Among official challenges, the most common reasons cited were:
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Inappropriate sexual content or nudity
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Content featuring 2SLGBTQIA+ people or themes
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Claims of age-inappropriate content
While most cases targeted books and other materials, about 14% focused on programs, displays, or entire content areas. Notable examples included antisemitic graffiti, a blanket challenge to all 2SLGBTQIA+ titles, objections to a book club selection, and a request to remove books perceived as transphobic from an office display.
Disproportionate Impact on Protected Classes
The OIFC found that 76% of challenged items told stories about or featured 2SLGBTQIA+ people, Black, Indigenous, or other people of color. Two incidents involved staff decisions not to select materials with 2SLGBTQIA+ content—highlighting concerns about pre-emptive self-censorship.
New Law: Oregon’s “Freedom to Read” Protections
Responding to the unequal impact of challenges, the Oregon Legislature passed Senate Bill 1098 (2025). The law prohibits discrimination against protected classes when selecting or retaining school instructional, curricular, or library materials. With this move, Oregon joined Colorado, Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island in enacting 2025 legislation aimed at safeguarding intellectual freedom and resisting book bans.
“During these hard times, when libraries are facing threats to funding and library staff are facing threats to their livelihood, we will continue to support libraries, and their staff, to protect the freedom to read,” said Wendy Cornelisen, State Librarian.
Support for Libraries Under Fire
Oregon libraries confronting challenges can access help from:
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Oregon Library Association (OLA) — Its Intellectual Freedom Committee advises libraries and schools during challenges.
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American Library Association (ALA) Office of Intellectual Freedom — Offers resources, consulting, and preparedness tools.
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State Library of Oregon — Coordinates the OIFC and relies on OLA and ALA expertise to strengthen statewide responses.
Learn More & Get Assistance
For details on the OIFC and Oregon’s challenge data, visit the OIFC website or contact:
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Buzzy Nielsen, Program Manager for Library Support
Email: buzzy.nielsen@slo.oregon.gov
Phone: 971-375-3486
Oregon’s latest figures mirror national trends but also spotlight evolving tactics—especially hiding and vandalism—that circumvent public review. With new legal protections in place and coordinated support from statewide and national partners, Oregon institutions are reaffirming a simple principle: the freedom to read belongs to everyone.
