That Librarian
by Amanda Jones
Pub Date: August 27, 2024
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Part memoir, part manifesto, the inspiring story of a Louisiana librarian advocating for inclusivity on the front lines of our vicious culture wars.
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.

I completely agree with the fight against book banning of any sort, and I sympathize with the author. (I am on the board of a governing library board). The book needs more editing--about 1/3 to 1/2 of it should be eliminated. I would recommend it if it didn't ramble so much about reactions to social media and repetitive whines about her 'friends'. Remove the rambling complaints and I will be glad to recommend and purchase the book.

Loved this book. So proud of the author for continuing to stand up for herself and for her students. I've followed this saga online via social media and was hooked instantly in reading all of the ins and outs we didn't get to read about on social media. Your students are lucky to have you!!

Heavy hitting and mind blowing - Amanda Jones tells the truth with no filter. I am shocked and appalled at the state of our country regarding book bans and our effort to raise our youth. I have never seen so much hate and shade thrown for speaking up. Our country may have freedom of speech, but that does not give a person the right to slander or out right lie. We live in a country struggling to navigate social media and protecting youth from harm due to misinformation. The irony of the book banner's methods is not lost upon me - advocating for protecting youth while using some of the most vulgar language and lies to defend their position. If their tweets and claims were in a book they themselves would ban it. The behavior they want to instill is the exact opposite of the behavior they are using to try to brow beat their argument into an unaware public. I may not agree with every book in my own library, but I realize that would be a dull library indeed if I only selected books I like. There are voices and experiences that I personally do not find interesting, but those voices belong in my library for their readers. Yes, we want to give our students age relevant and appropriate materials based on mental development and maturity. This is why libraries have a system in place for challenges to items in a collection. Jones lays it out, defends collection development practices and challenge policies as well, and advocates for herself! Not all of us are ready or equipped to take a stand, but when you read this book, you will want to rally your friends to support our #FReadom to read. Every adult should read this! Librarians you need to know what is out there and coming. Thank you netgalley for the digital ARC. My copy is on order.

Maybe because I am a public librarian, but this story failed to hold my attention. It would have been more interesting if it was written by an investigative reporter who talked to both Jones and her attackers.

I am so immensely proud of Amanda for taking a stand and moving past being defamed and harassed online. Amanda is fierce and book banners might want to think twice before messing with her! This memoir is told in accessible narrative non-fiction that also includes images of some online posts, and also a full quote of her original speech at the board meeting. She is an inspiration and a morale booster for librarians across the country.

This book felt like a gut-punch. It reads a little bit like the beginning of a sci-fi book, but not because of anything the author was doing. But more because Amanda’s reality as a librarian standing against censorship and disgusting conservative lies in a deep red state is so horrifyingly dystopian.

White Christian nationalists are edging this purported land of the free into very dangerous territory. We are watching it in real time as 17 states have put censorship issues to the forefront of their political agenda, with Idaho recently being forced to create “adults only” libraries. Amanda’s memoir serves as a rallying cry to not allow these vile people to continue to step on our rights. It is a respectful and thoughtful questioning of what sits at the heart of this ‘political discourse’. Is it truly for the safety of children?

It’s hard not to be a little bit heartbroken about this subject, but Amanda hasn’t set out to preach doom and gloom. Instead, it is hopeful, full of perseverance and grounded in the notion that there are good people out there. It is a story about her genuine desire to do right by her community. After reading the book, it is hard not to feel inspired to do the same within your own community.

This book should be mandatory reading for everyone. Amanda’s experience, as horrible as it was, has allowed her to provide invaluable insight to such a contentious topic. Her recommendations on how to help combat book banning and censorship is invaluable. It is so important for people to be able to have media literacy, and deconstruct the messages being fed to them. Censorship and book banning is not about protecting the children, or to keep truly harmful books out of library collections. It’s about controlling the narrative. There’s a lot more at stake in this cultural war than a couple of books being available.

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review

I have to admit....reading a book about the life I live is not the most relaxing work/life balance. But on the flipside, I have not felt so seen, so validated, in my role as a librarian and what we are currently experiencing.

It is a sad state of affairs when my own state of Idaho is mentioned in this book twice because of our extremism. But it's true. My library has gone through a dissolution attempt. I have been called (though not to my face) a pedophile and a groomer. I have had my director be told "the soul of Satan was in his eyes" and that they would pray for the gay, black man. (HEADS UP....HE ISN'T GAY! Guess his only crime is being black.)

Amanda gives a very interesting perspective because she also is a woman of faith. A woman who doesn't apologize for her faith but still believes in the separation of church and state. A woman who doesn't believe faith is meant to spew hate and victimize the victims. Amanda is a woman who up until recently identified as a Republican.....until the party became so far from her values and what was right and wrong. Amanda says the very things that I say about how parents need to be involved in what their children are reading. That especially public libraries have adults in them and as such expect "adult" materials. BUT THEY ARE NOT IN THE CHILDREN'S SECTION! There are policies written, research done, etc.

Amanda has used her platform, her media attention, to not stay silent. And I applaud her. Because when they keep going low, we need to go high. And the day we don't rise up and challenge, the extremism wins. Once again, I am reminded of why I am a white, heterosexual, Christian youth services librarian. It's because I know my biases. I know I have some privilege. So I need to use it. Also, it is vital to show that librarians who "look" "act" and "believe" as the loud mouths do are only a small minority. Because that doesn't fit me.

There are elements of the book that feel redundant. Indeed the book could have been a smidge shorter. But the parts you could have left out were ones that made me smile (mentioning Phil at the Author Village, EveryLibrary references, the whole shebang!)

Amanda Jones exemplifies not only what librarians do to change others' lives and are subjected to good & bad, but also the best of "us," to speak up, speak out even when you are retaliated against, and to advocate for others as well as ourselves. It's not easy being a ride or die, but so important for communities and country. For those of you who haven't experienced it first hand, you feel what it's like to be shunned, scared, ostracized, lied and defamed about. Yet, take the high road with That Librarian, Amanda, and Michelle. :) Speak up for freedom, libraries, librarians, and each other!

I loved this book! As a librarian I could understand many of the scary problems we are facing with banning books, targeting people, and not letting people have access to what they need.
Thank you you letting me read this title early and I will be sharing my love for it to fellow friends and librarians.

Amanda Jones is a true hero in her fight against book censorship. It is unfortunate that she was slandered so unpleasantly in a public meeting and on social media. It is good that her views were publicized. and our freedom to read has such an ardent champion. This is her story.

Jones discusses how other people can support libraries, and help young people struggling with gay issues.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and Amanda Jones for sharing this galley with me. I hope to articulate how much it has meant to me in this honest and heartfelt review.

Amanda Jones is living the life many of us wanted (being a librarian is in many ways, a dream job) and being at the school you attended...priceless! The experiences she shares are full blown nightmares, as no one wants to be called to task for choosing inappropriate materials, especially when that is not the case. As a Southern Baptist girl in the South, who initially thought being a librarian would be a safe career for a minister's wife, I can sympathize with her plight. I, too, have always tried to provide safe spaces for students where relationships are key to creating a foundation to support the educational goals and endeavors of my students. In a society of selfish humans, who seem to thrive on conflict, you bring calm to the chaos.

I have been a member of professional associations (TxLA, and ALA) and know many librarians who are out to change the library world. The politics of it all are beyond me. This book has helped me understand more about the necessity of being involved. I'm sorry that you were thrust into the spotlight but grateful that you, too, have a network of friends and family to help you through.

Take care of yourself. You are now one of our heroes.

I’m a retired librarian, one of thousands. And also a STRONG opponent of book banning and censorship, among other current threats to liberty and democracy these days. As a librarian, I dealt with my share of challenges, complaints, etc, but I never dealt with a fraction of the abuse heaped on a small town librarian from Louisiana named Amanda Jones.

In 2022, a local public hearing to look into “book content” was held in her town. It was one of the tons of attacks on the freedom to read dealt with by schools and libraries across the U.S. in recent years. The complaints deal with books discussing racism, LGBTQ+ issues, gender, and other topics. Parents, concerned citizens, and wackos were vocal (and worse) in their challenges. Amanda chose to speak up at that meeting, never guessing at the nightmare ahead of her as a result.

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.

Since that meeting, Amanda “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.” “

I’m impressed by her courage as much as I am outraged by the events that led up to it. Her book, That Librarian:The Fight Against Book Banning in America, should be required reading for librarians, teachers, school boards, parents, and anyone even remotely interested in the challenges to our democracy playing out in the country today. Five stars, and thanks to Bloomsbuy Publishing and NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for this honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC.

As a librarian this book hits home! I love Amanda taking her stance and putting her foot down on book banning! Thank you!

This memoir is so moving. It’s crazy what some people can do to other people. This book makes you sad, angry, and depressed. I can’t believe that people can be so mean and lie about someone to destroy them. Good for you for sticking up for what’s right.

That Librarian is an inspirational, informative, and awe inspiring view of one librarians unfortunate experiences with a cruel public. Amanda's stamina and determination to fight for equal rights of all library patrons is remarkable. May the world opinions change toward acceptance of "love thy neighbor."

Amanda Jones is such a wonderful example of what librarians should be, although the circumstances that brought her to that should have never happened. I'm so glad to have read her story and feel so inspired as a fellow middle school librarian to keep doing what I'm doing.

<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203579067-that-librarian" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1710358438l/203579067._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203579067-that-librarian">That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14761429.Amanda_Jones">Amanda Jones</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6572310523">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
For those of us who have met Amanda Jones, the first thing you notice is her smile which stretches across her whole face and makes her eyes light up. ‘That Librarian’ is Amanda Jones’ journey, including her worst moments, life, childhood, self-discoveries, and honest appraisals. <br /><br />Some of the quotes from the book, make the story clearer. When ridiculed for winning national awards, she said, “You only mock people who have awards when you have no real accomplishments of your own.” She directly addresses all of the shenanigans from legislatures who do not understand what goes into librarians choosing books. FYI, in most states, we have to have a master’s degree to be a school librarian. “There is a science to placing book orders, and there are entire classes in graduate school on how to create and follow collection development policies.” And, one of the best descriptions from Amanda herself is, “I'll sparkle bright like Edward Cullen in the sunlight.”<br /><br />This book is written for everyone, not just school librarians. You can see the legal process and its limitations. <br /><br />Disclaimer: I have followed Amanda Jones before she was attacked and helped when her friends asked. I was horrified and remain horrified and somewhat threatened as a school librarian. Thank you to Amanda for showing us that we are stronger than we realize.<br /><br />Thank you to NetGalley & Bloomsbury USA for an advanced copy.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/151928393-robbie-barber">View all my reviews</a>

This book is important and timely, but I believe it would have been a better compilation than a stand-alone. Having the stories of many librarians rather than one would have made a stronger argument for why book banning, relabeling, and reclassifying is currently such a hot-topic. I thought the author did a good job of telling her story and the bullying and abuse she went through was unforgivable. As with many left-leaning and progressive books that are perceived to be political, the people who need to read this the most are the ones who will attack it. The hope is that current library supporters will read this and feel energized and willing to stand up for those caught in the crossfire.

In 2022, Louisiana school librarian Amanda Jones attended a meeting of her local school board and spoke out against attempts to ban and/or challenge books in her school system. The speech (which is reproduced in full at the end of this book) was relatively mild, did not mention any books by name and concentrated on respecting the students in the community and the professionals who were trained to do their jobs. But following her comments, Jones was the subject of a hate campaign which on the one hand escalated into national attention and on the other, led to mental and physical health challenges, loss of friends and family support, and a national reputation which supporters and distracters are still arguing about today.

This is an important book, and should be required reading by schools, teacher and librarian organizations, school boards, community leaders and the general public. We all need to know how ordinary people are harassed, hounded and threatened by people who live within a movement where people who talk about acceptance of people of color, LGBTQ+ and others who don’t fall into a white Christian worldview are seen as (to quote their words) groomers, indoctrinators, pedos and perverts. Jones talks about getting death threats, one of them the day after she testified, and constant harassment from that day forward. She responded by suing the main perpetrators, and although the case was dismissed, she continues to try and advance her case.

While I think Amanda’s story is important and hopefully will be a wake-up call for people who may be taking these matters too casually or failing to support their employees and community members who are being harassed, I also feel that this book needs significant editing to help her tell her story most effectively. There is a great deal of repetition in the narrative, and even though chapters are organized into different aspects of the issue, the writing frequently devolves into Jones’ personal feelings, descriptions of slights by various people, and rants against people who (admittedly) wronged her. At times, I felt this was a useful method of emphasizing Jones’ authenticity; she definitely came off as a real, ordinary, even flawed person thrust into circumstances beyond her control. At other times, I cringed when she described individuals by either mentioning their names or giving enough information for them to be easily identifiable. What will be the fallout for these people when the book is published? Did she get permission from all of them? Did they know what was being written about them?

I hope it’s not too late to make a few judicious edits before the book is published in August. I’m grateful for the opportunity to receive this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion,