We speak with Amanda Jones, a school librarian in Livingston Parish, Louisiana. Ms. Jones is the author of “That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America.” The book recounts how speaking out for race- and gender-related books in libraries led to her being targeted and threatened by book-banning extremists. She describes initial abandonment by friends and colleagues who were afraid to speak up. But nationwide, librarians and their constituents are fighting back.  Ms. Jones includes tips for librarians and teachers facing attacks.

Overview

00:00-00:47 Intros

00:47-01:35 What a Library Board of Control is

01:35-02:16 What Amanda Jones said at Board of Control meeting

02:16-02:33 Trevor Project

02:33-03:19 Board of Control members’ responses

03:19-04:48 What happened then

04:48-05:38 Reactions by friends and neighbors to attacks 

05:38-06:16 Reactions from school administrators and colleagues

06:16-07:02 Changes over time

07:02-09:09 Impact on children of marginalized communities of books with characters like them

09:09-11:19 How decisions of what books to purchase for school libraries get made

11:19-11:53 Guidelines

11:53-13:58 Processes when there are book challenges

13:58-14:45 Decision process in public libraries

14:45-15:30 Appeal to courts

15:30-18:39 Impetus for book banning campaigns

18:39-20:49 Efforts to ban Palestinian books and informational events at libraries

20:49-21:41 Censorship efforts are everywhere

21:41-24:10 Where librarians can turn for help

24:10-26:01 Organizations of parents who are under attack and other supporters

26:01- Outro

Transcript

Click here to see the full transcription of this conversation. 

References

A Librarian from Louisiana fights book bans and the “haters” – The New York Times 

Put Kids’ Interests First, This Librarian Insists – The New York Times

PAHO Policy on the Prevention and Resolution of Harassment in the Workplace

Get Ready Stay Ready: A Community Guide Toolkit 

Amanda Jones’ Linktr.ee

Soundtrack by Poddington Bear

Photo by © Emily Kask