Middle-school librarian Amanda Jones spoke up against book banning at her local public library board meeting in the summer of 2022. For that, she has received death threats, been labeled a pedophile and a groomer, and been ostracized in the small town of Watson, La., where she has lived all her life.
That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America is partly a memoir, offering an intimate look at how she and her family have endured threats and harassment. It's also an insightful handbook on library procedures and legislation. With great honesty and vulnerability, Jones shares her lowest points with readers, but still manages to view everything she has experienced with pragmatism, humor, and goodwill. She even reflects with relief that, if this had to happen to anyone, she was glad that she was the chosen target of this hate campaign and not others from historically villainized groups who also spoke up that night.
Although Jones has experienced many devastating lows, she remains committed to the fight against censorship and finds ways to cope with the stress of harassment. She stresses the importance of community, media, and political support in the fight against censorship. She also encourages readers to find strategies to stand up against book bans and suggests methods to stay informed, such as voting in every election and attending school and library board meetings. Earnest and accessible, That Librarian is Jones's love letter to libraries, reading, and intellectual freedom, as well as a testament to her incredible resilience in the face of danger and hatred. --Grace Rajendran