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That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America
Win a free print copy of this book!
2 days and 01:35:21
5 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
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 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.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published August 27, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
July 24, 2024
First the review:
"I chose to take a stand, and that decision changed the trajectory of my life . . . I have zero regrets."
After speaking her mind at a public meeting on "book content," school librarian Amanda Jones found her Facebook page blazing with slurs, accusations, and death threats. Thus began an uphill, and ongoing battle for Jones to defend her right to create a safe, inclusive environment for EVERY reader. I highly recommend this one to anyone interested in censorship, and the freedom to make choices. My only complaint about the book is it seems to be more about internet bullying (I thought Melania was supposed to take care of that . . . ) than book banning.
Now the rant:
Last year the library where I work attempted to have a drag queen story time. (Though we received numerous complaints over the phone, only one protestor showed up that day, and he sat outside on his lawn-chair clutching a little sign that said something about pedophiles.) No children attended the story time, though every member of our library board was there in a show of support. Later that year when we sent out letters asking for donations, we received one reply that stated loosely that, "she would NEVER give money to us as we had drag queens talking to children, and the book Gender Queer on our shelves." Had this irate woman been secure enough in her views to include her name and address, I would have happily written her back to let her know that our children's librarian offers over one hundred story times a year that DON'T feature drag queens, and our shelves feature thousands of books that DON'T concern LGBTQ issues or characters.
When you attempt to defund libraries, you take EVERYTHING away from communities: books for children AND homeschoolers about animals and nature, sweet and innocent tales by Nicholas Sparks, clean books about Amish romance, access to computers for job seekers, and heat or air conditioning for the homeless. Take away money from libraries, and you're not just harming the LGBTQ community, as many right-wingers seem to think.
The Heritage Foundation has put together a nifty little package called Project 2025, and, make no mistake about it, it will be implemented the next time a Republican attains our highest office. Part of their master plan seeks to jail pornographers, which in Christian speak means anything about LGBTQ individuals. (Don't worry - good Christian men will still be able to stop off at those strip clubs on the way home from bible study.) The Project report is filled with "allegations of criminal conduct by librarians, publishers, authors, and educators and argues in favor of criminal charges and incarceration."* Eleven states have already passed laws posing restrictions on libraries, and the majority of the most frequently challenged books are by and about LGBTQ people, and people of color.
If you care about the First Amendment and the freedom to read, you know what you have to do.
*EveryLibrary
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for providing both an electronic and physical copy of this book. I have happily shared it with my coworkers.
"I chose to take a stand, and that decision changed the trajectory of my life . . . I have zero regrets."
After speaking her mind at a public meeting on "book content," school librarian Amanda Jones found her Facebook page blazing with slurs, accusations, and death threats. Thus began an uphill, and ongoing battle for Jones to defend her right to create a safe, inclusive environment for EVERY reader. I highly recommend this one to anyone interested in censorship, and the freedom to make choices. My only complaint about the book is it seems to be more about internet bullying (I thought Melania was supposed to take care of that . . . ) than book banning.
Now the rant:
Last year the library where I work attempted to have a drag queen story time. (Though we received numerous complaints over the phone, only one protestor showed up that day, and he sat outside on his lawn-chair clutching a little sign that said something about pedophiles.) No children attended the story time, though every member of our library board was there in a show of support. Later that year when we sent out letters asking for donations, we received one reply that stated loosely that, "she would NEVER give money to us as we had drag queens talking to children, and the book Gender Queer on our shelves." Had this irate woman been secure enough in her views to include her name and address, I would have happily written her back to let her know that our children's librarian offers over one hundred story times a year that DON'T feature drag queens, and our shelves feature thousands of books that DON'T concern LGBTQ issues or characters.
When you attempt to defund libraries, you take EVERYTHING away from communities: books for children AND homeschoolers about animals and nature, sweet and innocent tales by Nicholas Sparks, clean books about Amish romance, access to computers for job seekers, and heat or air conditioning for the homeless. Take away money from libraries, and you're not just harming the LGBTQ community, as many right-wingers seem to think.
The Heritage Foundation has put together a nifty little package called Project 2025, and, make no mistake about it, it will be implemented the next time a Republican attains our highest office. Part of their master plan seeks to jail pornographers, which in Christian speak means anything about LGBTQ individuals. (Don't worry - good Christian men will still be able to stop off at those strip clubs on the way home from bible study.) The Project report is filled with "allegations of criminal conduct by librarians, publishers, authors, and educators and argues in favor of criminal charges and incarceration."* Eleven states have already passed laws posing restrictions on libraries, and the majority of the most frequently challenged books are by and about LGBTQ people, and people of color.
If you care about the First Amendment and the freedom to read, you know what you have to do.
*EveryLibrary
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for providing both an electronic and physical copy of this book. I have happily shared it with my coworkers.
September 24, 2024
“We should ALL want the freedom to read what we want, and have access to reading materials from a variety of viewpoints. Protecting our libraries is exactly how we do that. The attack on librarians and libraries is shameful and something everyone should fear.”
This is a perfect week to discuss this book. This week is ‘Banned Books Week.’ The theme this year is “Freed Between the Lines.” It reminds us how much is at stake. It has been obvious for some time now that our freedoms to explore new ideas and different perspectives is under threat, and thus, book bans don’t just restrict access to stories – they undermine our rights.
“Banning books gives us silence when we need speech. It closes our ears when we need to listen. It makes us blind when we need sight.” – Stephen Chbosky, Author
In a recent article I read, MSNBC journalist Ali Velshi, who is well aware of the struggle his parents experienced growing up in apartheid South Africa, shared…
“If you haven’t lived around other people — you don’t know queer people, you don’t know immigrants, you don’t know refugees, you don’t know people of a different race — books give you a window into those kinds of things.”
And, with this memoir it reminds me just how much I love librarians. Let me just get that out of the way. I love their commitment to reading, and education. And, in this particular case, the author takes her devotion to books one step further…she is fighting against book banning in America. How can we not be her cheerleader?
And, sadly, this wasn’t really meant to be her cause.
Jones was born and raised in the small, rural town of Watson in southern Louisiana. Watson is a place known for family, faith and conservative tradition. Where everyone knows everybody. She had been employed for more than 2 decades as a middle school librarian at the same public school she attended. She even garnered recognition when she was named the National Librarian of the Year by the School Library Journal in 2021. Reading her story, it was clearly obvious that she adored her job, her students and her standing in the community.
But what happens when one’s comfortable life is upended by a far-right citizens group that targets individuals, books and institutions it considers too liberal, permissive and/or inclusive?
For Jones, it was her life. The vicious social media campaign against her was relentless and heart-breaking especially because it was by people she had known all her life. Unfortunately, these people believed they were right about what books should or shouldn’t be allowed in the school, and they didn’t care what lies or allegations they were spreading about Jones. Especially false ones.
In an interview with the New York Times, the author shared…
“Good librarians and good activists put kids’ interests first. Everything I do is so that current kids, and kids in the future, have a better world.”
Certainly, this attack had its effect on Jones, and she shares very openly about what occurred to her in this memoir. But instead of hiding, she chose to defend herself and the principles she believed in as an educator. Which makes this a very compelling story. Of a remarkable woman, and her defense of the freedom to read, to discover oneself and the world around them, and to think. It also led her to finally realize something very important to her…
“I will never again let anyone dull my sparkle.”
The author’s story reminds us that freedom of speech is central to democracy. Reading what we want should be our choice. Which also means…
Our voice matters. Our vote matters.
One last thing…
It is recommended that readers also read the author’s 2022 speech to the Livingston Parish Library Board of Control at the end of the book.
This is a perfect week to discuss this book. This week is ‘Banned Books Week.’ The theme this year is “Freed Between the Lines.” It reminds us how much is at stake. It has been obvious for some time now that our freedoms to explore new ideas and different perspectives is under threat, and thus, book bans don’t just restrict access to stories – they undermine our rights.
“Banning books gives us silence when we need speech. It closes our ears when we need to listen. It makes us blind when we need sight.” – Stephen Chbosky, Author
In a recent article I read, MSNBC journalist Ali Velshi, who is well aware of the struggle his parents experienced growing up in apartheid South Africa, shared…
“If you haven’t lived around other people — you don’t know queer people, you don’t know immigrants, you don’t know refugees, you don’t know people of a different race — books give you a window into those kinds of things.”
And, with this memoir it reminds me just how much I love librarians. Let me just get that out of the way. I love their commitment to reading, and education. And, in this particular case, the author takes her devotion to books one step further…she is fighting against book banning in America. How can we not be her cheerleader?
And, sadly, this wasn’t really meant to be her cause.
Jones was born and raised in the small, rural town of Watson in southern Louisiana. Watson is a place known for family, faith and conservative tradition. Where everyone knows everybody. She had been employed for more than 2 decades as a middle school librarian at the same public school she attended. She even garnered recognition when she was named the National Librarian of the Year by the School Library Journal in 2021. Reading her story, it was clearly obvious that she adored her job, her students and her standing in the community.
But what happens when one’s comfortable life is upended by a far-right citizens group that targets individuals, books and institutions it considers too liberal, permissive and/or inclusive?
For Jones, it was her life. The vicious social media campaign against her was relentless and heart-breaking especially because it was by people she had known all her life. Unfortunately, these people believed they were right about what books should or shouldn’t be allowed in the school, and they didn’t care what lies or allegations they were spreading about Jones. Especially false ones.
In an interview with the New York Times, the author shared…
“Good librarians and good activists put kids’ interests first. Everything I do is so that current kids, and kids in the future, have a better world.”
Certainly, this attack had its effect on Jones, and she shares very openly about what occurred to her in this memoir. But instead of hiding, she chose to defend herself and the principles she believed in as an educator. Which makes this a very compelling story. Of a remarkable woman, and her defense of the freedom to read, to discover oneself and the world around them, and to think. It also led her to finally realize something very important to her…
“I will never again let anyone dull my sparkle.”
The author’s story reminds us that freedom of speech is central to democracy. Reading what we want should be our choice. Which also means…
Our voice matters. Our vote matters.
One last thing…
It is recommended that readers also read the author’s 2022 speech to the Livingston Parish Library Board of Control at the end of the book.
August 23, 2024
An important documentation of the movement to ban books and discredit librarians and teachers. Amanda’s story is shocking. Folks need to read this, become informed, and fight book bans and censorship in our own communities.
February 27, 2024
“Hell hath no fury like a librarian scorned.”
⚖️
Part memoir part manifesto part warrior cry, That Librarian shares the story of Amanda Jones and the fight she’s had since standing up for an lgbtq book at her local public library in 2022. That one action sent Amanda’s life into a tailspin after extremists began targeting her and her family in her hometown in Louisiana. She’s still fighting against those who set to defame her on social media, calling her horrible names, trying to tarnish her character and threaten her life. But still Amanda fights for #freadom for the right to read, for librarians all over the world.
📚
When Amanda told me she was going to write a nonfiction book about her experiences over the past two years I was elated. Everyone should hear about how she’s been fighting against these hate groups trying to tear her down, how it effected her mental health, her family and how she saw her community and the world as a whole. Amanda is our champion of books We love her and her moxie. She gives us strength and I hope she knows how much of a difference her story will make for our librarian community. When I get my physical copy I’m going to highlight and note take the heck out of it. This title releases August 27. @bloomsburypublishing
CW: racism, homophobia, mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, bullying, cyberbullying, doxing, misogyny, hate speech
⚖️
Part memoir part manifesto part warrior cry, That Librarian shares the story of Amanda Jones and the fight she’s had since standing up for an lgbtq book at her local public library in 2022. That one action sent Amanda’s life into a tailspin after extremists began targeting her and her family in her hometown in Louisiana. She’s still fighting against those who set to defame her on social media, calling her horrible names, trying to tarnish her character and threaten her life. But still Amanda fights for #freadom for the right to read, for librarians all over the world.
📚
When Amanda told me she was going to write a nonfiction book about her experiences over the past two years I was elated. Everyone should hear about how she’s been fighting against these hate groups trying to tear her down, how it effected her mental health, her family and how she saw her community and the world as a whole. Amanda is our champion of books We love her and her moxie. She gives us strength and I hope she knows how much of a difference her story will make for our librarian community. When I get my physical copy I’m going to highlight and note take the heck out of it. This title releases August 27. @bloomsburypublishing
CW: racism, homophobia, mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, bullying, cyberbullying, doxing, misogyny, hate speech
July 1, 2024
Bloomsbury USA provided an early galley for review.
I am currently an adult services librarian in a public library, so books related to my career are a big interest. Also an interest is the growing challenges that we librarians are facing every day when it comes to censorship and the attempts to limit the materials we make available for all readers in our community. That is what drew me to Amanda's story.
The opening chapter describing the aftermath of the hearing is very powerful. I really felt for her and what she was going through. The story then shifts to a few chapters of background leading up to the hearing itself. It was good to get a sense for the community where she grew up, still lives and works as well as the sense overall with what had been happening with libraries in Louisiana up to that point. The climate at the time was tense indeed (and still is).
Where things got a little "uncomfortable", for me, is with how personal she was willing to go. Sharing details from her family life, conversations she had with friends, and even her ongoing thoughts of aggression against those who harassed her were a lot. I understand she is making known her truth, but I fear this book will just continue the cycle of attacks and harassment against her. Speaking out at the hearing put her in the public eye; this book along with the many interviews and appearances she has done (as noted in the book) continue to keep her in that spotlight - for the good of the cause and for ill in her own life. That is a brave thing to do for one's profession and beliefs. I am fairly sure that is not a level of notoriety I am willing put myself into, especially in the current social-political world we've been living in for the past several years. I would find myself instead standing behind the policies of our library, letting them speak clearly where I might not be able to.
Since the subtitle of this one is "The Fight Against Book Banning in America", I appreciated when the author included details of other libraries across the country who are responding to similar attacks and censorship. I wish there was more focus on these other libraries; what little we got was sprinkled in-between her personal fight and grievances.
In the end, she provides some good information on how to be a more vocal advocate against book banners. That will prove useful to those looking into this. All in all, it was an enlightening read and has plenty to offer even those not part of our profession.
I am currently an adult services librarian in a public library, so books related to my career are a big interest. Also an interest is the growing challenges that we librarians are facing every day when it comes to censorship and the attempts to limit the materials we make available for all readers in our community. That is what drew me to Amanda's story.
The opening chapter describing the aftermath of the hearing is very powerful. I really felt for her and what she was going through. The story then shifts to a few chapters of background leading up to the hearing itself. It was good to get a sense for the community where she grew up, still lives and works as well as the sense overall with what had been happening with libraries in Louisiana up to that point. The climate at the time was tense indeed (and still is).
Where things got a little "uncomfortable", for me, is with how personal she was willing to go. Sharing details from her family life, conversations she had with friends, and even her ongoing thoughts of aggression against those who harassed her were a lot. I understand she is making known her truth, but I fear this book will just continue the cycle of attacks and harassment against her. Speaking out at the hearing put her in the public eye; this book along with the many interviews and appearances she has done (as noted in the book) continue to keep her in that spotlight - for the good of the cause and for ill in her own life. That is a brave thing to do for one's profession and beliefs. I am fairly sure that is not a level of notoriety I am willing put myself into, especially in the current social-political world we've been living in for the past several years. I would find myself instead standing behind the policies of our library, letting them speak clearly where I might not be able to.
Since the subtitle of this one is "The Fight Against Book Banning in America", I appreciated when the author included details of other libraries across the country who are responding to similar attacks and censorship. I wish there was more focus on these other libraries; what little we got was sprinkled in-between her personal fight and grievances.
In the end, she provides some good information on how to be a more vocal advocate against book banners. That will prove useful to those looking into this. All in all, it was an enlightening read and has plenty to offer even those not part of our profession.
August 30, 2024
My lower rating is not due to the subject as I 100% support the author’s position and am totally against book banning.
However, I struggled with the length and structure of the book with too many chapters repetitively describing the author’s emotional struggles along with the horrible social media vitriol she received. I was expecting a more linear description of the court case and trials.
About halfway through, I started skimming through the many repetitive sections. Much tighter and rigorous editing would help this become more readable.
Ch 15 was the most useful in its useful descriptions of steps to take to combat the crazies in this right wing book banning movement.
I hope she continues to succeed in her cause!
However, I struggled with the length and structure of the book with too many chapters repetitively describing the author’s emotional struggles along with the horrible social media vitriol she received. I was expecting a more linear description of the court case and trials.
About halfway through, I started skimming through the many repetitive sections. Much tighter and rigorous editing would help this become more readable.
Ch 15 was the most useful in its useful descriptions of steps to take to combat the crazies in this right wing book banning movement.
I hope she continues to succeed in her cause!
August 31, 2024
There are more than a few people I’d love to slap across the face with this book. I really admire Amanda and her willingness to share and her perseverance to keep fighting when it would have been much easier to quit. I’ll be really curious what the aftermath will be once this is released. My only note is that the middle chapters got a bit long-winded and repetitive, but overall a really thorough and honest account of standing up for what’s right.
September 22, 2024
A Louisiana school librarian speaks out at a public library board meeting against book censorship and gets bullied online by conservatives who tell lies about her and go on parental rights screeds. Initially devastated, she finds the strength to fight back in the courts and becomes an activist against those who would ban or challenge books just because they touch on LGBTQIA+ issues or matters of race.
It's fascinating to watch the woman's journey from Trump voter to woke social justice warrior.
As Neil Gaiman has said, "Rule 1: don’t fuck with librarians."
FOR REFERENCE:
Contents: 1. Liars And Buzzards and Trolls, Oh My -- 2. How We Got Here -- 3. Here, There, Everywhere -- 4. WWJD: What Would Judy Do? -- 5. (Wo)man in the Mirror -- 6. Hell Hath No Fury Like a Librarian Scorned -- 7. The Battle Begins : Initial Court Proceedings -- 8. Are You There Michelle? It's Me, Amanda : It's Hard to Go High When the Haters Go So Low -- 9. The Mob Song -- 10. Some People Are Ride Or Die, Some People Aren't -- 11. The Longevity of Hate -- 12. Think of the Children -- 13. It's Raining Sin, Hallelujah -- 14. It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times -- 15. What You Can Do in Your Own Community -- 16. Don't Let Anyone Dull Your Sparkle -- My July 19, 2022, Speech to the Livingston Parish Library Board of Control -- Acknowledgments -- Bibliography
It's fascinating to watch the woman's journey from Trump voter to woke social justice warrior.
As Neil Gaiman has said, "Rule 1: don’t fuck with librarians."
FOR REFERENCE:
Contents: 1. Liars And Buzzards and Trolls, Oh My -- 2. How We Got Here -- 3. Here, There, Everywhere -- 4. WWJD: What Would Judy Do? -- 5. (Wo)man in the Mirror -- 6. Hell Hath No Fury Like a Librarian Scorned -- 7. The Battle Begins : Initial Court Proceedings -- 8. Are You There Michelle? It's Me, Amanda : It's Hard to Go High When the Haters Go So Low -- 9. The Mob Song -- 10. Some People Are Ride Or Die, Some People Aren't -- 11. The Longevity of Hate -- 12. Think of the Children -- 13. It's Raining Sin, Hallelujah -- 14. It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times -- 15. What You Can Do in Your Own Community -- 16. Don't Let Anyone Dull Your Sparkle -- My July 19, 2022, Speech to the Livingston Parish Library Board of Control -- Acknowledgments -- Bibliography
February 28, 2024
This book is everything. It is the hope that we all need. It’s the fighter that we didn’t know we needed. It’s the truth in black and white. Having watched this entire story play out in real life and then seeing it on paper is heartbreaking. No one should ever have to deal with this and it’s crazy that we have people in this world who have hearts filled with such vile hate. I’m blessed beyond measure to have this amazing person in my life, but the world is even luckier to have her fighting for all of them. It’s time to set the record straight because they messed with That Librarian and they shouldn’t have.
February 23, 2024
Amanda is an incredible educator, librarian, and advocate against censorship. This is her story, which is sadly all too relatable for librarians across the country who are being vilified for standing up for the right to read. Amanda does a stellar job of sharing her personal experiences and highlighting the issues that librarians are up against.
September 1, 2024
I got this after hearing the author interviewed on NPR (I also saw her in a television interview yesterday evening). The book started off strong with a pretty straightforward narrative of how Jones's ordeal began in the small Louisiana town where she grew up, taught middle school, and became a school librarian. Her undergraduate major was English, her master's degree in library science. Her community was mostly Republican, and she describes herself as white, moderate Republican and staunchly Christian; she is married and has one child. Throughout her career, despite her conservative background, Jones has embraced children and families of all sexual orientation and racial and religious makeup. She was alarmed by accusations from the far-right that school libraries' collections contained books for young children with explicit sexual and racial content which promoted BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ lifestyles and agenda; the complainers demanded that all such books be banned. In July 2022, Jones attended a meeting of the Livingston Parish Library Board to counter these accusations, oppose censorship, and advocate on behalf of libraries. (The text of the speech is included in the book.)
Jones's speech ignited the nightmare that is the remainder of the book: a persecution that comprised a relentless avalanche of hate mail and death threats through the U.S. Postal Service, emails, and across social media, primarily Facebook, being stalked at her home and in the community by persons she did not know and had never met. Friends and family who initially attempted to support her efforts were likewise threatened with bodily harm and loss of their jobs which caused many to withdraw their support. Jones filed a defamation lawsuit which was abruptly dismissed; attempts to revive it failed several times. Jones's physical and psychological health suffered, and she endured panic attacks, depression, and anxiety, all requiring treatment. Fortuitously, Jones kept careful documentation, meticulously organized, of these relentless assaults; without it there would have been no book.
The second half of the book was hard-going for me; the endless detailing of the attacks became repetitious and grueling to read. I was also surprised at the many lapses in grammar and punctuation, unusual, I thought, for an English major and educator. Nonetheless, it is an important book which illuminates the determination and tactics of the far-right book banners and white Christian nationalists as well as the courage and resilience of the author.
Jones's speech ignited the nightmare that is the remainder of the book: a persecution that comprised a relentless avalanche of hate mail and death threats through the U.S. Postal Service, emails, and across social media, primarily Facebook, being stalked at her home and in the community by persons she did not know and had never met. Friends and family who initially attempted to support her efforts were likewise threatened with bodily harm and loss of their jobs which caused many to withdraw their support. Jones filed a defamation lawsuit which was abruptly dismissed; attempts to revive it failed several times. Jones's physical and psychological health suffered, and she endured panic attacks, depression, and anxiety, all requiring treatment. Fortuitously, Jones kept careful documentation, meticulously organized, of these relentless assaults; without it there would have been no book.
The second half of the book was hard-going for me; the endless detailing of the attacks became repetitious and grueling to read. I was also surprised at the many lapses in grammar and punctuation, unusual, I thought, for an English major and educator. Nonetheless, it is an important book which illuminates the determination and tactics of the far-right book banners and white Christian nationalists as well as the courage and resilience of the author.
September 11, 2024
Amanda Jones is an award-winning school librarian in Louisiana who spoke against censorship at a public meeting in her hometown, where she grew up and where she lives and works. She found herself vilified with outrageous lies and name-calling and hate mail.
In this book, she carefully goes over the events of that meeting and the response on social media. She examines the larger issue of censorship in the public library and in the public school library, and describes for the non-librarian the procedures that are already in place in libraries for librarians to seek out books and resources for all of their patrons, examining reviews and seeking out patron input, as well as the procedures, already in place in libraries, for a patron to complain about a book.
Amanda Jones bravely and intelligently speaks up for libraries and librarians and educators and schools. Who would have ever dreamed that these would be the targets of so much hatred and vitriol?
In this book, she carefully goes over the events of that meeting and the response on social media. She examines the larger issue of censorship in the public library and in the public school library, and describes for the non-librarian the procedures that are already in place in libraries for librarians to seek out books and resources for all of their patrons, examining reviews and seeking out patron input, as well as the procedures, already in place in libraries, for a patron to complain about a book.
Amanda Jones bravely and intelligently speaks up for libraries and librarians and educators and schools. Who would have ever dreamed that these would be the targets of so much hatred and vitriol?
April 15, 2024
I loved this book. Book banning is a horrible thing, and finally, hearing from the librarians who are fighting this is so important. Jones gives such a passionate recount of her experience and how she refuses to back down. This is a wonderful book about such a strong and passionate librarian who deeply cares about her community and everyone who uses the library.
September 8, 2024
I really wanted to like this book but the author made it incredibly difficult.
Jones claims she isn't trying to "settle a score" (page 154), yet spends at least half the book decrying how people in her community wronged her, judging them based on their (in)actions and personal lives. She admits, "One of my biggest flaws is my tendency to hold grudges. I promise I'm working on that, but it's hard" (page 148).
The book was clearly written while her wounds were still fresh; it would have been much stronger with time and perspective—or at least a better editor.
Jones claims she isn't trying to "settle a score" (page 154), yet spends at least half the book decrying how people in her community wronged her, judging them based on their (in)actions and personal lives. She admits, "One of my biggest flaws is my tendency to hold grudges. I promise I'm working on that, but it's hard" (page 148).
The book was clearly written while her wounds were still fresh; it would have been much stronger with time and perspective—or at least a better editor.
September 1, 2024
I would probably give this 2.5 stars. This is a book about an important topic: banning books and some concerning trends in politics. But this book is more about this author telling what happened to her when she spoke up and spilling the tea on people and some friends that were not supportive. I wish this would have been something from a reporter talking about trends, history, etc of book banning. This just isn’t that book, but it might be interesting to some people. I wouldn’t recommend it, though.
September 26, 2024
I, quite appropriately, borrowed this from my local library.
That Librarian reveals the disturbing, personal nature of the current attacks on LGBTQ and BOPOC books in libraries. It's about censorship, and the importance of books, and the emotional toll this kind of fight takes. This is a necessary book for librarians, Friends of the Libraries, teachers, and book lovers. I will note that it begins to feel repetitive through the middle; it would have been stronger with a lower word count, I think, but it's well worth muddling through for the hopeful ending and advice for other people and organizations amid similar fights.
That Librarian reveals the disturbing, personal nature of the current attacks on LGBTQ and BOPOC books in libraries. It's about censorship, and the importance of books, and the emotional toll this kind of fight takes. This is a necessary book for librarians, Friends of the Libraries, teachers, and book lovers. I will note that it begins to feel repetitive through the middle; it would have been stronger with a lower word count, I think, but it's well worth muddling through for the hopeful ending and advice for other people and organizations amid similar fights.
September 4, 2024
This started out as a 5 star read for me, I just kept wishing it was fiction and not non fiction it was so horrifying, but as we get into her life I found I actually really didn't care for the author, she basically ruined the book for me which quickly dropped it down to a 3. I was surprised I finished it due solely to her, not the important topic.
August 6, 2024
I cannot wait for everyone to have access to this much-needed manifesto.
August 30, 2024
Wow! A powerful memoir that shows how a well-respected decades-long educator/librarian is targeted and must fear for her life and family by a community mob of censors. Amanda Jones is a warrior for intellectual freedom and shares her story that is harrowing and cautionary. Hits close to home!
August 29, 2024
It is an inspirational story, no doubt. As a LGBTQ educator that faced a similar story during my professional career, I can empathize with the trauma she faced. My only objection to the text is there is a repetitiveness that tempers her story. Still, it is an important and excellent story.
September 26, 2024
Di tengah Banned Book Week versi American Library Association (ALA), let me yapping a little bit about this autobiography.
Wawasanku mengenai penyensoran & peran pustakawan dalam menyediakan bacaan di perpus sebatas materi kuliah saja. Aku belum pernah terjun langsung dalam praktik mengkurasi hingga memasukkannya dlm koleksi perpus.
Makanya, ketika That Librarian masuk radar, aku sudah bertekad untuk membacanya once it published.
Amanda Jones adl seorang librarian di sebuah tempat setingkat kabupaten di negara bagian Louisiana. Suatu ketika, dua pria membuat sebuah keributan di media sosial. Twisting what she fight for (yakni penyensoran terhadap buku-buku tertentu seperti buku tentang kespro, BIPOC, dan LGBTQ+) dengan mencecarnya dg bahasa yg kasar (child gr**mmer, p*d*fil). Pidatonya pada malam pertemuan warga Louisiana dg board member perpus tidak ada yg salah. Dia cuma menyampaikan bahwa penyensoran (removal book from display) berpotensi malah menciderai keharmonisan sebuah masyarakat.
Sepanjang 16 bab, Amanda bercerita bagaimana ia jatuh cinta dengan pekerjaannya, mengapa ia bertahan di kabupaten kecil tempat ia lahir & tumbuh besar, hingga melawan 2 orang penyebar "hoaks" di pengadilan.
Aku paling suka bagian ketika Amanda menjelaskan bagaimana prosedur librarian mengajukan judul untuk peningkatan koleksi di perpustakaan: alurnya, tata aturannya, proses kurasi dkk. Kata Amanda, perpustakaan adl tempat aman untuk semua orang, dibiayai oleh pajak warga. Maka dari itu, dalam pengadaan koleksi, semua orang punya hak yg sama untuk "direpresentasikan." Itu artinya, semua suku, ras, bangsa, agama, dan identitas berhak "menemukan" dirinya diantara koleksi.
Meski That Librarian sangat kental dengan nuansa kewarganegaraan US, namun disitulah letak menariknya buatku. Aku melihat bahwa usaha penyensoran buku (terutama soal kespro) selalu ada begitu pula dg kemunculan anggota dewan yang sok gaul & sok prihatin (padahal ke perpus aja hampir nggak pernah) (kok mirip ya?).
That Librarian is an awesome book to read when you want to know how librarians empower their patrons with knowledge.
Wawasanku mengenai penyensoran & peran pustakawan dalam menyediakan bacaan di perpus sebatas materi kuliah saja. Aku belum pernah terjun langsung dalam praktik mengkurasi hingga memasukkannya dlm koleksi perpus.
Makanya, ketika That Librarian masuk radar, aku sudah bertekad untuk membacanya once it published.
Amanda Jones adl seorang librarian di sebuah tempat setingkat kabupaten di negara bagian Louisiana. Suatu ketika, dua pria membuat sebuah keributan di media sosial. Twisting what she fight for (yakni penyensoran terhadap buku-buku tertentu seperti buku tentang kespro, BIPOC, dan LGBTQ+) dengan mencecarnya dg bahasa yg kasar (child gr**mmer, p*d*fil). Pidatonya pada malam pertemuan warga Louisiana dg board member perpus tidak ada yg salah. Dia cuma menyampaikan bahwa penyensoran (removal book from display) berpotensi malah menciderai keharmonisan sebuah masyarakat.
Sepanjang 16 bab, Amanda bercerita bagaimana ia jatuh cinta dengan pekerjaannya, mengapa ia bertahan di kabupaten kecil tempat ia lahir & tumbuh besar, hingga melawan 2 orang penyebar "hoaks" di pengadilan.
Aku paling suka bagian ketika Amanda menjelaskan bagaimana prosedur librarian mengajukan judul untuk peningkatan koleksi di perpustakaan: alurnya, tata aturannya, proses kurasi dkk. Kata Amanda, perpustakaan adl tempat aman untuk semua orang, dibiayai oleh pajak warga. Maka dari itu, dalam pengadaan koleksi, semua orang punya hak yg sama untuk "direpresentasikan." Itu artinya, semua suku, ras, bangsa, agama, dan identitas berhak "menemukan" dirinya diantara koleksi.
Meski That Librarian sangat kental dengan nuansa kewarganegaraan US, namun disitulah letak menariknya buatku. Aku melihat bahwa usaha penyensoran buku (terutama soal kespro) selalu ada begitu pula dg kemunculan anggota dewan yang sok gaul & sok prihatin (padahal ke perpus aja hampir nggak pernah) (kok mirip ya?).
That Librarian is an awesome book to read when you want to know how librarians empower their patrons with knowledge.
September 21, 2024
Review to come soon. Y'all, if you are at all inclined to learn more about the nefarious push to ban books in school and public libraries and about one woman's fight against it, pick up this book. It's a splintering take down of many issues concerning banning books from kids, especially those who are BIPOC and LGBTQIA+, and includes the personal fight of Amanda Jones, who simply wanted to push back against the bans in her local public library. What happened is an infuriating whirlwind of events that put her reputation and career on the line at the hands of people who ran with the misinformation and backlash. It's an infuriating read, but a necessary one, and I'm glad that Amanda shared this. 5 stars.
September 28, 2024
A must read for anyone enraged by the growing hate and negativity disguised as 'concern' that has been targeting books written by BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ authors around the world. Sadly Amanda Dead, a school librarian in the American South found herself the target of hate and cyber bullying after standing up against book banning in her county. Amanda's story is just one example of what is going on far too often by Conservative groups disguising their political agendas under the guise of 'concern for children.' Great on audio read by the author and a perfect read for Banned Books Week!
September 11, 2024
Being a small town public librarian, I have luckily, in almost 3o years of the job, seen a handful of people contesting any of our collection. No books have ever been deleted, but we did move one from Young Adult to Adult.
We did recently experience some censorship attempts similar to the one Amanda speaks of. The answers on the Materials Reconsideration Form to the questions "Have you read the entire book" and "what reviews have you read regarding this material" were "No" and "I talked to my like minded friends about it." The list was pulled from a right wing, anti-LGBTQ+ website, the adult books were already in the adult area, we didn't even have half the books. Amanda, I feel your frustration, but luckily to a much lower degree.
The only thing I disagree with in the book is Jones' wish that more friends and colleagues had stood up for her on facebook. Some people like myself pretty much avoid social media, except for work, and friends may miss the negative posts. Plus, it's most of the time useless to try to change the minds of people over social media; they're there to raise a stink, contradict them and you're on their target list. Best in my opinion to ignore the haters as much as possible online.
We did recently experience some censorship attempts similar to the one Amanda speaks of. The answers on the Materials Reconsideration Form to the questions "Have you read the entire book" and "what reviews have you read regarding this material" were "No" and "I talked to my like minded friends about it." The list was pulled from a right wing, anti-LGBTQ+ website, the adult books were already in the adult area, we didn't even have half the books. Amanda, I feel your frustration, but luckily to a much lower degree.
The only thing I disagree with in the book is Jones' wish that more friends and colleagues had stood up for her on facebook. Some people like myself pretty much avoid social media, except for work, and friends may miss the negative posts. Plus, it's most of the time useless to try to change the minds of people over social media; they're there to raise a stink, contradict them and you're on their target list. Best in my opinion to ignore the haters as much as possible online.
September 19, 2024
Wow, where do I begin? Librarians do the world so much good- I would not trade my career for anything in the world. Amanda is working wonders in order to fight censorship and book bans. I only disagree with her stance on the Little House books, which shows presentism- but otherwise I agree with her on everything else. Thank you for doing so many wonderful things for our country.
September 21, 2024
“No one on the right side of history has ever been on the side of censorship and hiding books.” - Amanda Jones
Support your libraries!!!
Support your libraries!!!
September 10, 2024
To be clear, I'm on Amanda's side. And I'm glad someone in a small, red state town spoke up and fought back. However, this book should have been no longer than a longform magazine or newspaper feature story. It's repetitive and reads like a series of unedited journal entries. It focuses too much on grievances. It indulges in too many clichés. And what should sound like self-empowerment sounds more like self-back patting. About halfway in, this began to feel like a slog. I stuck with it, but with little reward... though the chapter towards the end on how to battle the anti-library/pro-censorship cretins is fairly helpful. Otherwise, the last half is skimworthy.
All this said: I hope Amanda wins her case and makes her harrassers pay/apologize.
All this said: I hope Amanda wins her case and makes her harrassers pay/apologize.
July 8, 2024
As a fellow school librarian and educator, Amanda’s story gave me hope at a time when schools and libraries feel under attack from so many directions. Her candid voice conveys a traumatizing, stress-filled situation that she truly turned in to a positive by reaching out to advocate and show support for all. There were moments that were honestly hard to imagine as she described the vitriol that was thrown her way. I appreciated her honesty in sharing her feelings, emotions, reactions, and even the struggles that her health encountered due to the stress.
Amanda does a beautiful job of encouraging others to find ways to stay active in their communities. Her examples shared in the final chapters are simple, straight forward ways that anyone can easily do and that I feel are so important to continue to share. I loved her message that the heart of the library is truly a place for all and the importance of keeping personal beliefs separate in order to provide a space that holds the tools for any and all to access.
Thank you to Net Galley and Bloomsbury for this ARC, and thank you to Amanda for being raw and vulnerable in sharing her story. What an amazing advocate for her students and community members.
Amanda does a beautiful job of encouraging others to find ways to stay active in their communities. Her examples shared in the final chapters are simple, straight forward ways that anyone can easily do and that I feel are so important to continue to share. I loved her message that the heart of the library is truly a place for all and the importance of keeping personal beliefs separate in order to provide a space that holds the tools for any and all to access.
Thank you to Net Galley and Bloomsbury for this ARC, and thank you to Amanda for being raw and vulnerable in sharing her story. What an amazing advocate for her students and community members.
April 20, 2024
Highly recommend for any teacher, educator, librarian, or friend of libraries. A painfully detailed account of what it is like to be targeted by censors. Amanda details her own experiences and weaves that into the bigger picture of the attack on libraries and schools in our country. She is vulnerable and open which makes reading her story feel more like chatting over drinks with a friend. I alternated between being on the verge of tears, seething with anger, and giggling at her recounting of her life growing up in Louisiana. I hope there will be a big audience for her book and that it will shed light on the hateful tactics of those who seek to force their narrow world view on everyone else by controlling libraries.
September 28, 2024
"I chose to take a stand, and that decision changed the trajectory of my life . . . I have zero regrets."
“Rule number 1: Don’t F-ck with librarians.” ~Neil Gaiman
That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America by Amanda Jones is a memoir about a middle school librarian, who spoke about intellectual freedom, in support of her public library at their board meeting. Jones believes that readers need to be able to see themselves in the books that they read. She spoke out in support of not removing books by and about the LGBTQAI plus and BIPOC communities. After speaking out in support of not banning books, she was targeted with slurs and even death threats. Jones does not hold back and shares every step of her heartbreaking journey. She was bullied and accused of promoting pornographic information and sexual education to young children. She was accused of being a pedophile and a groomer. Her story documents all that she endured and her legal battles regarding her defamation. That Librarian is an important book that I feel everyone should read, especially those who are in support of intellectual freedom and the right to read and access information. Libraries are for everyone, no matter their race, religion, or identity. Censorship and book banning needs to stop and Amanda Jones’s story is incredibly amazing. Her strength, determination, and perseverance are incredible. Highly recommended.
“A shared love of books can grow bonds.”
“Speaking out matters.”
“ Human rights should not be political.”
“ Libraries should include all religions and serve every member.”
“Rule number 1: Don’t F-ck with librarians.” ~Neil Gaiman
That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America by Amanda Jones is a memoir about a middle school librarian, who spoke about intellectual freedom, in support of her public library at their board meeting. Jones believes that readers need to be able to see themselves in the books that they read. She spoke out in support of not removing books by and about the LGBTQAI plus and BIPOC communities. After speaking out in support of not banning books, she was targeted with slurs and even death threats. Jones does not hold back and shares every step of her heartbreaking journey. She was bullied and accused of promoting pornographic information and sexual education to young children. She was accused of being a pedophile and a groomer. Her story documents all that she endured and her legal battles regarding her defamation. That Librarian is an important book that I feel everyone should read, especially those who are in support of intellectual freedom and the right to read and access information. Libraries are for everyone, no matter their race, religion, or identity. Censorship and book banning needs to stop and Amanda Jones’s story is incredibly amazing. Her strength, determination, and perseverance are incredible. Highly recommended.
“A shared love of books can grow bonds.”
“Speaking out matters.”
“ Human rights should not be political.”
“ Libraries should include all religions and serve every member.”
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