Are There Any School Libraries That Have Banned the Book Eragon?

While there has been a longstanding debate about book challenges and bans, particularly in school libraries, I haven’t found any record of the book Eragon being officially banned in the United States. The American Library Association (ALA) maintains an annual list of books that have faced challenges, but Eragon does not appear on it. Nonetheless, the lack of a record can sometimes mean that the challenge wasn’t formally logged or reported. It’s always good to cross-check with multiple sources when researching such matters.

Why Libraries Don’t Actually Ban Books

The concept of libraries “banning” books is a bit of a misconception. With libraries handling a vast number of books each year, the selection process is predominantly about acquisition and prioritization. When a library buys a book like Eragon, it's a chosen acquisition, not a ban. Libraries are responsible for ensuring that their collections are varied and meet the needs of their communities. The decision to purchase a book, or any item, is based on several factors including demand, community interest, and relevance. There are no standardized lists that dictate which books should or should not be in library collections.

The Case of the Eragon Collection

My personal library has accessioned Eragon. No one has ever objected to it. From my perspective, the book has aged and is no longer in print, but its presence in the library reflects a balanced and inclusive collection. The term “accession” is a fancy word used by libraries to describe the process of obtaining, accepting, and processing a book for addition to the collection. This process involves cataloging, shelving, and making the book available to the public.

Plagiarism Concerns and the Quality of Eragon

I know that Eragon is often criticized for its writing quality and for its perceived plagiarism of the Star Wars saga. However, these critiques are subjective and do not usually result in a book being banned. The fact that the book is widely available in multiple libraries and bookstores suggests that, at the very least, a significant portion of the reading public finds it of value, even with its shortcomings.

Why Libraries Might Not Ban Eragon

Despite the book's critical reception, the decision to ban a book rests on broader societal and community standards, not individual tastes or opinions. Libraries often navigate through community input, professional judgment, and legal considerations when making decisions about collections. Banning a book would typically require a significant majority of community input and might go through a formal challenge process. For Eragon, this did not occur, likely due to its age and the smaller group of readers compared to more contemporary works.

Conclusion

While Eragon may not be to everyone's taste and has faced criticism for various reasons, it has not been officially banned in school libraries. The selection processes for library collections are complex and multifaceted, and the role of libraries is to ensure that their collections are diverse and meet the needs of their communities. The absence of a ban on Eragon in the ALA's records speaks more about the book's longevity and widespread availability than anything else.