Bookshops, Libraries and Book Bans — 2026-10-31
Book censorship efforts in the U.S. have reached record highs, with nearly 12,000 books banned in public schools during the 2025-2026 school year, prompting legal challenges and independent bookstore activism. In Europe, the German chain Thalia expanded aggressively with new openings in Kiel and Sindelfingen, while French independent bookshops faced significant closures and state aid measures following recent civil unrest.
Bookshops, Libraries and Book Bans — 2026-10-31
Top developments
Record U.S. school book bans and legal pushback
PEN America’s latest index reveals that nearly 12,000 books were banned in public schools during the 2025-2026 school year, a single-year record involving 114 school districts. In a significant legal development, a Maryland judge ordered the Harford County school board to return a graphic novel to library shelves, reversing a removal decision despite a prior vote by teachers and students to keep it. Meanwhile, independent booksellers in the Bay Area have begun displaying banned titles to raise awareness, responding to over 4,200 book challenges nationwide in 2025.
Thalia’s aggressive expansion in Germany
German chain Thalia continued its expansion strategy, opening a new 1,300-square-meter store in Kiel on October 29, marking its return to the city after a 12-year absence. Additionally, Thalia acquired the historic "Röhm Buch und Büro" in Sindelfingen, ending 136 years of family ownership, with the location set to reopen under new management in March 2027. These moves coincide with reports of smaller German bookshops closing or joining Thalia and Hugendubel to survive rising rents.
French bookshop closures and state aid
In France, the independent bookshop Gibert Barbès in Paris is set to close definitively, a blow to the capital's literary landscape. The Association L'Autre Livre also announced the closure of its Parisian bookstore due to financial difficulties. In response to recent civil unrest and vandalism affecting retail stores, the French government detailed specific aid measures for businesses with fewer than 250 employees, including bookshops.
U.S. library budget crises
Public libraries across the U.S. are grappling with severe funding shortfalls. The Missoula Public Library in Montana is considering service cuts and potential closures to address a nearly $400,000 budget deficit. Similarly, the Des Moines Public Library system cut Sunday hours at two branches following a $750,000 funding reduction, directly impacting community access.
Local view
In the United States, Book Riot highlighted a roundup of censorship news, emphasizing the importance of voting for library-friendly candidates in the upcoming 2026 midterms. In the U.K., the House of Commons Library published a summary of the Autumn Budget 2026, presented by the Chancellor on October 28, which will likely influence public sector funding including libraries. In France, local media ActuaLitté reported on the "Passe Culture" study, noting that while books remain the top cultural purchase for youth, cinema is gaining ground, reflecting shifting consumption habits.
Context & numbers
- Book Bans: 11,950+ books banned in U.S. schools in 2025-2026; 114 districts involved.
- Library Budgets: Missoula Public Library deficit: ~$400,000; Des Moines funding cut: $750,000.
- Thalia Expansion: New Kiel store size: 1,300 sq meters.
- French Aid: New decree supports retail businesses with <250 employees affected by October 17 riots.
On the radar
- Sally Rooney UK Sales Ban: Following her pledge of royalties to a pro-Palestinian group, Irish author Sally Rooney’s books are no longer being sold in the UK.
- Texas Librarian Program Suspension: The University of Texas has suspended a program designed for school librarians, raising concerns about future professional development.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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