In the United States, book censorship is spreading from school libraries to public libraries, turning into a political issue that threatens both the collections and the professionals who manage them. Libraries are now facing pressure from fundamentalist groups and public officials who challenge the inclusion of books they deem "inappropriate," often targeting materials that explore themes like LGBTQIA+ identities or sexual content. This has led to an increase in harassment and intimidation against librarians, who are often caught between funding cuts and demands to remove books from shelves. What was once a concern limited to school libraries is now a broader national issue, with political actors and religious groups increasingly shaping the debate over what books should be available to the public. The financial and operational stability of libraries is under threat. Shortly after the Trump administration took office, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a key federal agency that funds library programs across the U.S., faced potential dissolution. Although the full elimination of the IMLS has not occurred, the administration has proposed significant budget cuts in its FY2027 budget plan. A temporary funding measure has been passed to keep library funding at previous levels until December 11, but the future remains uncertain. These budget pressures, combined with political pressure, have made libraries more vulnerable to external influence. Political figures and pressure groups have also targeted libraries through legislative action. In 2026, Republican lawmakers introduced the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act, which would restrict the use of public funds for books or programs deemed to contain sexual content for children under 18. The American Library Association (ALA) has strongly opposed this legislation, which focuses heavily on school libraries—key institutions in the U.S. that are often managed by highly trained professionals. The bill reflects a growing trend of political involvement in library decisions, shifting the debate from individual concerns to national policy. The personal risks faced by librarians are becoming more severe. Amanda Jones, a librarian from Louisiana, became a symbol of resistance after she was accused of promoting inappropriate content due to her failure to remove LGBTQIA+ themed books from the library shelves. Despite contesting these claims, she endured months of harassment, including threats in her own home. Her experience echoes tactics used by anti-abortion groups, where individuals are targeted with intimidation. Jones has since become a prominent figure in the fight against censorship, highlighting how the push to limit library collections often involves questioning the personal integrity of librarians. Censorship efforts have expanded dramatically in recent years. According to data from the ALA, the number of books challenged or removed from libraries has nearly doubled, reaching 6,870 in 2025. These challenges are no longer primarily driven by individual parents but are increasingly organized by political groups and government officials. Reports from organizations like Pen America show that censorship now includes not only book removals but also the suppression of cultural events, the reclassification of children's books, and the use of warning labels on books. These tactics reflect a broader political strategy to control access to information, with the fight over library content becoming a national issue as the U.S. approaches key elections.