In an era of escalating censorship and politicized attacks on intellectual freedom, proposals for a National Book Rating System may seem like a neutral tool for guiding readers. But beneath the surface, such systems pose grave risks to the very foundations of democratic access to information, artistic expression, and community trust in public institutions.

A Threat to Intellectual Freedom

Rating systems—especially those imposed by government or ideologically driven entities—inevitably reflect subjective judgments about what is “appropriate.” As the American Library Association warns, these systems violate the Library Bill of Rights when used to restrict or discourage access. They predispose attitudes toward materials, stigmatize certain viewpoints, and erode the principle that libraries must remain viewpoint neutral.

Harm to Writers and Creative Expression

Authors—especially those from marginalized communities and all women—already face disproportionate scrutiny and bans. A national rating system would amplify this chilling effect:

• Self-censorship: Writers may avoid complex or controversial topics to avoid punitive ratings.
• Market exclusion: Publishers and retailers might sideline books with “high-risk” ratings, limiting visibility and sales.
• Narrative policing: Stories that center queer, Black, Indigenous, women’s or disabled experiences could be labeled as “mature” or “sensitive,” reinforcing systemic bias.

Libraries Under Siege

Public libraries are not gatekeepers—they are gateways. A rating system would:

• Undermine professional librarians’ expertise in curating collections based on community needs.
• Invite political interference in cataloging and acquisitions.
• Create logistical and financial burdens, diverting resources from programming, staffing, and access equity.

As the Michigan Library Association states, rating systems “often serve as tools of censorship” and imply institutional endorsement of particular values or beliefs. This is antithetical to the mission of libraries as inclusive, educational spaces.

Impact on Readers and Communities

For readers—especially youth and those exploring identity—a rating system sends a dangerous message: that some stories are shameful, risky, or off-limits. It:

• Erodes trust in public institutions.
• Reinforces moral panic over books that challenge dominant narratives.
• Disproportionately affects communities already targeted by book bans and curriculum restrictions.

What We Need Instead

Rather than national ratings, we need:

• Robust funding for libraries to expand diverse collections.
• Support for educators and librarians facing censorship.
• Community-driven tools that empower readers to make informed choices without institutional bias.

Written by Debbie Deland, vp@flnow.org