Bookshops, Libraries and Book Bans — 2026-10-20
French bookshops face unprecedented violence with looting following October 17th protests, while Thalia aggressively expands its footprint in Germany with new store openings. In the US, school book bans have reached a record high with over 12,000 removals, prompting a surge in independent bookstore openings and Barnes & Noble's continued physical expansion.
Bookshops, Libraries and Book Bans — 2026-10-20
Top developments
French bookshops looted after protest violence
In France, the aftermath of the October 17th demonstrations has resulted in significant damage to the book trade. Between the night of October 18 and 19, several bookshops were looted and vandalized, with testimonies from owners accumulating regarding the severity of the attacks. This violence compounds existing pressures on independent retailers, who are already navigating rising costs and online competition.
Thalia expands in Germany despite market concerns
German book chain Thalia opened two new locations on October 16, taking over former premises in Schwelm and establishing a new store in Bensheim. This expansion continues despite broader retail concerns about consumer spending, with Thalia also preparing for a major opening in Mainz on October 23, featuring a 1,200-square-meter space dedicated to books, manga, and games.
Relay to remove local book selection autonomy in Paris
Starting November 1, 2026, booksellers at the Relay store in Paris’s Gare de Lyon will lose the ability to freely order their stock. The decision by Lagardère to remove access to the ordering platform marks a significant shift toward centralized corporate control, stripping local booksellers of their traditional curatorial role.
US School Book Bans Hit Record High
The 2025-2026 school year saw a record 11,982 book bans across 114 school districts in the United States. Texas and Florida led the nation with over 8,100 and 3,200 bans respectively, while more than 4,500 of the banned titles had never appeared in PEN America’s Index before, indicating a rapid expansion of censorship efforts.
Independent Bookstores Surge in the US
Despite the rise of censorship and chain expansion, independent bookstores are thriving. In the US, 605 new bookstores opened last year, a 21% increase in stores planning to open, according to the American Booksellers Association. This growth contrasts with the closure of some independent entities in Europe, highlighting divergent market trends.
Local view
In France, the trade publication ActuaLitté reports that the violence against bookshops is not isolated but part of a broader crisis for the sector. The association L'Autre Livre recently closed its Parisian bookstore due to financial difficulties, and the Dis-moi tout publishing house was placed in liquidation on October 13, underscoring the fragility of niche players even before the recent looting.
Context & numbers
- US Book Bans: 11,982 total bans in 2025-2026; 114 districts involved; 7,370 unique titles banned.
- US Independent Bookstores: 605 new stores opened last year; 21% increase in planned openings.
- Thalia Expansion: Two new stores opened in Germany on October 16; Mainz opening scheduled for October 23.
- French Bookshop Violence: Looting occurred between October 18-19 following October 17 protests.
On the radar
- November 1, 2026: Relay booksellers at Paris Gare de Lyon will lose ordering autonomy as Lagardère’s new policy takes effect.
- October 23, 2026: Thalia’s new 1,200-square-meter store in Mainz opens with author readings and a focus on manga and games.
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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