For a book to be banned means that the book is removed or restricted from being accessible to a group of people, typically in schools or libraries, due to objections to its content. This removal or restriction can be the result of formal or informal challenges by individuals, organizations, or government officials who find the book's content objectionable based on themes such as graphic violence, explicit sexuality, offensive language, or controversial ideas. Book banning is a form of censorship that limits public access to the book, preventing people—especially students—from reading it, often sparking debates about freedom of speech and access to information.
In practice, a banned book is one that has been completely removed from a collection or where access to it is significantly restricted, such as being moved to a less accessible location or requiring special permission for viewing. The core issue in a book ban is the restriction or denial of access, which can lead to a chilling effect on free expression and education.