Granbury, Texas, October 14, 2025
News Summary
Recent investigations into librarians in Granbury, Texas highlight a growing national concern over book censorship in school libraries. PEN America’s report reveals Texas ranks second in the U.S. for book bans, with nearly 1,800 titles removed from classrooms. The local scrutiny began after specific complaints, leading to criminal investigations into the district’s librarians. This has sparked wider conversations on the implications of censorship in educational content and the legal protections available for librarians facing these challenges.
Granbury, Texas — A recent national report on book censorship and a local criminal investigation have placed librarians in this city at the center of a broader debate over school library content and the removal of books in public schools.
Top lines
PEN America released its annual report on book censorship, indicating Texas is second in the U.S. for book bans. The report says nearly 1,800 books have been banned from Texas classrooms and highlights a pattern it calls systemic removals of literature from school libraries that intensified after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Local investigation and documentary focus
The 2021-2022 school year saw a marked rise in scrutiny of school library content, which in Granbury led to criminal investigations into three librarians employed by the Granbury Independent School District. One librarian left the Granbury district after the investigation began. The librarians initially declined interviews with news outlets but later participated in a documentary that profiles their experience and situates it within the wider effort to remove books from school libraries and classrooms.
Documentary and public events
The documentary that features the Granbury librarians seeks to examine the local incidents as part of a national trend. The film received the award for Best Documentary Feature at the Dallas International Film Festival. A Q&A panel featuring librarian Audrey Wilson-Youngblood will occur at the Texas Theatre following a screening of the documentary on Oct. 14, with panellists including Laney Hawes and Courtney Gore. The documentary’s director framed the librarians’ experience as an early warning about increasing censorship pressures on school libraries.
What triggered the crackdown
The crackdown on school libraries began in 2021 after a state legislator released a list of 850 book titles described as potentially controversial. The governor issued a demand for the immediate removal of what he called “pornographic material” from school libraries. In January 2022, the Granbury ISD Superintendent Jeremy Glenn instructed librarians to remove books containing sexual content and books with LGBTQ+ characters.
Local complaints and investigation details
Two mothers reported to local law enforcement that allegedly pornographic material was accessible to minors in Granbury ISD, prompting an official inquiry. The investigation identified six specific titles as objectionable literature, including “Fade” by Lisa McMann and “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison among others. Records show a draft of a criminal complaint against the librarians accused them of distributing harmful materials to minors, although no charges were ultimately filed. Those involved described the investigation as traumatic and compared it to a modern witch hunt.
Broader legal and policy context
Across the country, debates over library collections have prompted legislative activity. As of 2024, legislation is under consideration in 17 states to remove qualified immunity protections for librarians, a change that would increase the legal risk faced by school and public librarians in handling controversial materials. Advocates for librarians say acts of professional courage can influence local communities and public policy, while critics call for stricter controls on materials available to students.
Where this stands now
Authorities did not file criminal charges against the Granbury librarians after the draft complaint, but the episode remains a focal point in discussions about book removal and censorship in schools. The PEN America report and local cases like Granbury are being cited by educators, librarians, parents and state policymakers as they consider future approaches to library oversight, book challenges, and legal protections for school staff.
FAQ
What did the PEN America report say about Texas?
PEN America released its annual report on book censorship, indicating Texas is second in the U.S. for book bans.
How many books were removed from Texas classrooms?
Nearly 1,800 books have been banned from Texas classrooms.
What does the report say about library removals?
The report highlights a concerning trend of “systemic removals” of literature from school libraries that intensified after the COVID-19 pandemic.
What happened in Granbury during 2021-2022?
The 2021-2022 school year marked a significant increase in scrutiny on library content, resulting in criminal investigations into three librarians from Granbury Independent School District.
Was there a public event tied to the documentary?
A Q&A panel featuring librarian Audrey Wilson-Youngblood will occur at the Texas Theatre following a screening of the documentary on Oct. 14, with panellists including Laney Hawes and Courtney Gore.
Are there legal changes under consideration for librarians?
As of 2024, legislation is under consideration in 17 states to remove qualified immunity protections for librarians.
Key details
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Report source | PEN America released its annual report on book censorship, indicating Texas is second in the U.S. for book bans. |
| Books removed (Texas) | Nearly 1,800 books have been banned from Texas classrooms |
| Local investigation | Criminal investigations into three librarians from Granbury Independent School District during 2021-2022 |
| Documentary event | A Q&A panel featuring librarian Audrey Wilson-Youngblood will occur at the Texas Theatre following a screening of the documentary on Oct. 14, with panellists including Laney Hawes and Courtney Gore. |
| Legislative activity | As of 2024, legislation is under consideration in 17 states to remove qualified immunity protections for librarians |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dallas Observer: Best Bars in Dallas
- Bon Appétit: The Best Bars in Dallas
- Time Out: Best Bars in Dallas
- Eater Dallas: Best Bars in Dallas
- Google Search: Book Censorship Texas
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
