Digital Public Library of America provides free digital access to banned books.
What Was the First Banned Book in the United States?
During Puritan American (1637) in Quincy Massachusetts the New English Canaan by Jacob Frederick Stam was one of the first banned books. Frequent banned books were those that challenged the political or religious structure of the time.
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History of Book Censorship in the United States
Most early works were banned by religious leaders, but later Southern states banned anti-slavery books.
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A Brief Timeline of Book Banning in NJ
Banned Books News Headlines in New Jersey - 1924-2024
1924 - Princeton fights history censorship: Faculty protests proposed state law to bar certain books from schools--Few U.S. histories safe; Writings of Washington and Roosevelt criticizing patriots barred, say professors. Source: New York Times
1932 - Library censors ban many modern works after Jersey mothers protest 'unfit books.' Source: New York Times
1954 - Obscene-book ban upheld in Jersey; Supreme court rules county prosecutors may act--censor groups condoned. Source: New York Times
1982- Book censorship: Few challenges reported in state. Source: New York Times
1995 - NJ daily briefing; Attempts to ban textbooks. Source: New York Times
2018 - New Jersey prisons lift ban on book after ACLU protest. Source: Amsterdam News
2024 - North Hunterdon library book debate recommences. Source: Courier News
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