Results from an open records request regarding RCLS book challenges
Book challenges increased by 325% from 2022 to 2023
Books that are challenged within the Rutherford County Library System (RCLS) are listed on the RCLS Board’s agenda, but the public does not get to see a complainant’s specific objection to a challenged book. However, formal book challenges made through RCLS’s Request for Reconsideration form (Form 403) are subject to the Tennessee Public Records Act and may be obtained through a public records request. A recent request for all completed forms from January 2022 to the present revealed the following findings.
RCLS’s book challenges are on the rise
4 book challenges were filed in 2022
17 book challenges were filed in 2023 (+325% from previous year)
RCLS book challenges are made by only a few complainants
Since the RCLS Board began publicly voting on book challenges in August 2023, 8 of the 13* book challenges (62%) have been submitted by one person; 10 of the 13 book challenges (77%) have been submitted by two individuals.
One book challenge was submitted by a current member of the RCLS Board. That challenge was filed and decided before the individual was appointed to serve. The challenge was unsuccessful, and the book (Making a Baby) remains in the juvenile collection for ages 12 and under.
Book challenges are more likely to become book bans when considered by the RCLS Board
During the time period that professional library staff made determinations about book challenges (prior to August 2023):
0 of 8 challenged books were banned and removed from the collection
3 of 8 challenged books were moved to the adult collection
After the RCLS Board began voting on book challenges (since August 2023):
4 of 11* challenged books were banned and removed from the collection
3 of 11 challenged books were moved to the adult collection
Tennessee citizens may request public records from the Rutherford County Library System using the Public Records Request Form (Form 506a). Completed forms should be emailed to prrc@rclstn.org.
*Note: Two books (Let's Talk About It: The Teen's Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human and Sex is a Funny Word: A Book about Bodies, Feelings, and You) were challenged by two separate individuals, thus there were 13 book challenges, but only 11 challenged titles.