Banned Books 2017 – Fifty Shades of Grey

Marshall University does not ban books! The information is provided to let people know what has been banned/challenged elsewhere.

2017

Retained at the Billings (MT) Public Library despite a patron’s concerns that the book is “poor literature; very, very erotic” with “all kinds of sex, sex sadism and masochism.” Sales of the book – numbering more than 100 million worldwide – is a significant reason the book is available at the library, according to the library’s assistant director. “Our selection policy includes patron request, which figures heavily into what we buy.”

2016

Challenged for being sexually explicit, being unsuited to age group, and other reasons (“poorly written,” “concerns that a group of teenagers will want to try it”).

2014

Challenged for nudity, offensive language, religious viewpoint, being sexually explicit, and being unsuited to age group.

2013

Pulled, but later returned to the Brevard County (FL) public libraries’ shelves “in response to public demand.” The racy romance trilogy is particularly popular among middle-aged women. Despite overwhelming demand and long wait lists for library copies, some other libraries across the country are refusing to acquire the book.

On These Pages

A Banned book has been removed from a library, classroom, etc.
A Challenged book has been requested to be removed from a library, classroom, etc.

For additional information contact

Ron Titus, titus@marshall.edu
304-696-6575

Last updated

July 18, 2017