Amanda Jones is the author of That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America (Bloomsbury Publishing). Jones, a middle school librarian in Watson, La., spoke out against censorship in her community and faced a backlash, including death threats.
“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,’” reads Bloomsbury’s description of the book. “But Amanda Jones wouldn’t give up without a fight: she sued her harassers for defamation and urged others to join her in the resistance.”
In a review of the book in The Washington Post, Christopher Myers, a retired high school librarian and reference librarian in Oregon, observed, “Jones is at her best when pulling back from her own struggles to offer a wider view of the current landscape of library challenges, and of the importance of libraries in communities and public schools. She forcefully argues that libraries, especially public libraries, must be as inclusive as possible in the books they offer patrons, and she points out that most of the current challenges are aimed at books with authors and characters of color or who are LGBTQ+.”
That Librarian is available at bookstores nationwide and online as a hardback and an ebook.
Jones discussed the book recently with Church & State Staff Writer Rob Boston.
Boston: Americans United for Separation of Church and State has opposed religiously based censorship since our founding in 1947. As I’ve looked over the history of our involvement with this issue, I have noticed that censorship efforts seem to peak and wane over time. We seem to be experiencing a particularly virulent peak right now. Do you have any thoughts on why this is happening now?
Jones: What I have experienced personally, and what I am witnessing across the U.S., is a movement of Christian Nationalism set to impose religious beliefs on others within our public school systems and public libraries. I believe it is caused by power grabs from politicians and rooted in the need for money, power and control.
Boston: A common tactic of Christian Nationalist groups is to claim that books they don’t like are “pornographic” and that school libraries and public libraries are giving these books to children. It seems absurd, but it appears that some Americans believe this. What’s really going on here? Is this just an effort to attack books and materials that contain LGBTQ+ characters and themes? How can libraries best counter this charge?
Jones: Christian Nationalists will take a page of a book out of context from an adult or young adult book for older teens and claim that these books are in children’s sections of school and public libraries. It is simply not true. The books in question are not pornographic, and taking the work as a whole, rational individuals can see through this. However, extremists use social media, and politicians use fear, to insist that “pornographic” books are in libraries in order to pander for votes and usher in bills that are solutions to problems that do not exist. It is not only an attack on books and materials with LGBTQ+ characters and themes, but attacks on the LGBTQ+ community as a whole. Libraries can counter this charge by dispelling myths and rumors with positive library campaigns that showcase the truth and making sure the public is aware of collection development and reconsideration policies already in place.
Boston: What is the end game here? In other words, what do groups like Moms for Liberty, Christian Nationalist organizations and others hope to achieve? Is it a purge of all books they don’t like, or is it something more far reaching?
Jones: These groups are hoping to erase history, other the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities and use books to further their hateful rhetoric in an attempt to overtake school and public library boards. They want to purge books whose characters, authors and themes they disagree with, tell the rest of us what we are allowed to read, and control our schools and libraries in order to push the agenda of Christian Nationalism.
Boston: You received death threats for your advocacy of the freedom to read and learn. That must have been difficult. Were you ever tempted to step away? What kept you going?
Jones: No, I have never been tempted to step away, even when called names in public, been a target of smear tactics to get me fired or even when receiving death threats. I was raised as a Southern Baptist to love my neighbor as myself and be a good Samaritan. I was taught to do the right thing and stand up for injustice, so I will continue doing what my parents raised me to do. Knowing I am on the right side of history, helping build a better future for my daughter and our community, is what keeps me going.
Boston: What are some things average folks can do to support public libraries?
Jones: Community members need to make sure they have library cards, attend library programming and check out the books and resources. Be sure to check out the books being challenged to show support and thank your local librarians and educators. Stay vigilant and watch school board and public library board agendas for censorship attempts, and always respond to hate with kindness and empathy in order to set a better example for the children of our communities.
Boston: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Jones: Educators and librarians do not have hidden agendas and are not trying to indoctrinate children. We are your relatives, neighbors and friends. We did not go into our jobs with any other thought than to love our communities and promote books and public services, and we certainly do not receive a high salary for our jobs. Trust us and treat us fairly.