That Librarian

The Fight Against Book Banning in America

By: Amanda Jones

Narrated by: Amanda Jones

“Amanda Jones started getting death threats, all for standing up for our right to read . . . but she’s not stopped fighting against book bans, or stopped advocating for access to diverse stories.”—Oprah Winfrey, in a speech at the 2023 National Book Awards

"Amanda Jones clearly outlines how we got here, who’s leading this false charge against qualified educators, media specialists, and authors—and most importantly, explores the steps we all must take to make the voice of truth and reason louder than their caterwauling.”—Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Part memoir, part manifesto, the inspiring story of a Louisiana librarian advocating for inclusivity on the front lines of our vicious culture wars.

One of the things small town librarian Amanda Jones values most about books is how they can affirm a young person’s sense of self. So in 2022, when she caught wind of a local public hearing that would discuss “book content,” she knew what was at stake. Schools and libraries nationwide have been bombarded by demands for books with LGTBQ+ references, discussions of racism, and more to be purged from the shelves. Amanda would be damned if her community were to ban stories representing minority groups. She spoke out that night at the meeting. Days later, she woke up to a nightmare that is still ongoing.

Amanda Jones has been called a groomer, a pedo, and a porn-pusher; she has faced death threats and attacks from strangers and friends alike. Her decision to support a collection of books with diverse perspectives made her a target for extremists using book banning campaigns—funded by dark money organizations and advanced by hard right politicians—in a crusade to make America more white, straight, and "Christian." But Amanda Jones wouldn’t give up without a fight: she sued her harassers for defamation and urged others to join her in the resistance.

Mapping the book banning crisis occurring all across the nation, That Librarian draws the battle lines in the war against equity and inclusion, calling book lovers everywhere to rise in defense of our readers.

©2024 Amanda Jones (P)2024 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

What we need to know - repeatedly

I enjoyed learning about how the library collection is curated. The processes already in place seem like they should work. I got the core messages of this book many times, though. Maybe it didn’t need to be as long-I, as a reader would have appreciated being trusted to read and comprehend those facts without being beaten over the head with them again and again.

Joinging and Fight, too

I had heard horrible stories about people who try to ban books, but I thought ":nobody is that insane". Obviously, I was wrong. Book Banning is alive and well in America; this simply will not do.

She is my hero.

Great message everyone should be aware

The book could have been a bit shorter. At times felt a little repetitive for those of us “woke” 😉

Courage

how much prouder I would be of myself if I had half of Amanda's courage.

her bravery

Loved this book and every librarian and book lover should read it. I highly recommend it.

Important information-Tedious Listen

While I appreciated learning about the process of library acquisitions and challenges, I found the story bounced around and that depth was missing.

Thank you, Amanda Jones!

Thank you, Amanda for standing up for all citizens right to read! My heart aches for the bigotry and hatred you had to endure. From one librarian to another you are my hero!

Hatred.and grievances

Very good story about how hatred drives the good out of society and how misinformation outpaces the truth and some have no interest in truth but will fervently believe every lie no matter how outrageous and “friends disappear”!

Outstanding book

This librarian, plus others, are incredibly courageous. Why are the pseudo Christians so afraid of learning. And full of so much hate. I'll be sharing this book.

Support your local libraries!

Author gave first hand account of how she was targeted by extremists following a statement she made at a meeting of her local library. It was a detailed overview that included her personal history and how the impact of being targeted caused her and her family harm. It’s become a regular storyline in today’s world and I hope we can get past these chaotic times and are not changed negatively. I have empathy for Amanda and was glad to see she grew personally and professionally although it was a difficult battle.