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
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