What are the most common reasons given for banning books in public school libraries?

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censorship Pericles, detail of a marble herm; in the Vatican Museum.

The most common reasons cited for banning books in public school libraries include anti-religious themes, content deemed sexually explicit, profanity, or offensive language, and material considered unsuitable for any age group. Additionally, books are frequently challenged for their inclusion of LGBTQIA+ characters or themes, and for covering topics of race, racism, equity, and social justice. Parents often cite the desire to control their children's exposure to mature or sensitive topics as a reason for advocating book bans.12