Amanda Jones - Standing Up Against Book Bans
Libraries provide invaluable educational resources and welcoming spaces for communities. In this episode, Amanda Jones discusses the vital role of librarians in connecting patrons with age-appropriate materials carefully selected through established policies. She explores how efforts to ban books, particularly those featuring LGBTQ+ themes and diverse authors, aim to silence marginalized voices.
Jones also shares her own experiences facing harassment for defending libraries against censorship. Despite threats, she founded organizations to combat book banning and wrote a memoir chronicling her anti-censorship advocacy. Her steadfast commitment underscores libraries' importance as inclusive hubs for learning and community-building.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Oct 15, 2024 episode of the All About Change
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1-Page Summary
Libraries: Safe Community Spaces and Educational Hubs
Libraries serve essential roles in communities by providing educational resources and support, while offering safe, welcoming spaces for patrons of all ages, according to Amanda Jones.
Libraries Connect Patrons to Books and Research
Librarians play a vital part in linking patrons to appropriate books and valid research materials beyond basic internet searches, Jones highlights. School libraries are safe havens where most children feel secure, she notes, citing a report.
Collection Policies Ensure Age-Appropriate Materials
Jones underscores the importance of libraries' collection policies that guide material selection to ensure age-appropriateness. For example, her nonprofit aims to build a library for a Kenyan girls' school with older students managing it.
How Librarians Curate Collections
Librarians Review Materials for Audience Fit
Jones discusses librarians' attentiveness in selecting materials based on professional reviews and demographic suitability. Public libraries are organized into sections like children's, teens, and adults to properly match content and age levels. For younger students, Jones is particularly meticulous in acquiring vetted, age-appropriate books.
Book Banning Efforts Target Diverse Voices
Conservative Group Falsely Labels LGBTQ+ Books as "Pornographic"
An extremist group has targeted libraries by pushing to ban LGBTQ+ books and works by authors of color, Jones shares. They falsely accuse innocuous children's books merely depicting LGBTQ+ themes, like "Pride Puppy," of being sexually explicit.
Speaker Views This as Unwelcome Erasure of Marginalized Communities
Jones ties these challenges to efforts silencing diverse voices and implying LGBTQ+ people and minorities are unwelcome in communities. She cites concerning outcomes like LGBTQ+ student suicides and highlights the trend's spread to Black, Asian, and Indigenous authors. Some challengers lack children at impacted schools.
Librarian's Activism Despite Harassment
Librarian Faced Threats for Anti-Censorship Stance
For opposing censorship, Jones faced a harsh harassment campaign involving defamation, threats, and insults like "pedophile groomer." This took a severe toll, limiting her public role and necessitating therapy, according to Jones.
Librarian Founded Pro-Library, Anti-Censorship Organizations
Undeterred, Jones attended library meetings confronting opponents. She founded groups defending libraries, like the Livingston Parish Library Alliance, Louisiana Citizens Against Censorship, and authored a memoir, "That Librarian," to combat censorship. Her Kenya library project aims to replicate this model of empowerment globally.
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Counterarguments
- Libraries may not always be perceived as safe and welcoming by all, as some individuals may have had negative experiences or feel that libraries do not represent their interests or cultural backgrounds.
- While librarians aim to connect patrons to appropriate materials, there can be challenges in keeping up with the vast amount of new information and publications, potentially leading to gaps in the collection.
- The concept of age-appropriateness is subjective and can vary greatly among different cultures, communities, and individuals, leading to disagreements over collection policies.
- Professional reviews used to curate collections may have biases, and what is considered demographically suitable by some may not align with the views of all community members.
- Efforts to ban books can sometimes stem from genuine concerns about the content and its impact on children, rather than an intent to censor diverse voices.
- The term "pornographic" is subjective, and what is considered innocuous by some may be viewed as inappropriate by others, leading to differing opinions on what should be available in libraries.
- The issue of book banning and its impact on marginalized communities is complex, and some may argue that there are ways to address concerns without complete censorship.
- While harassment of librarians for their anti-censorship stance is unacceptable, there may be legitimate and respectful ways to express concerns about library content and policies.
- The effectiveness of founding pro-library and anti-censorship organizations can be debated, as the impact of such groups may vary and their approaches may not be universally supported.
- Attending library meetings and authoring memoirs are methods of activism that may not resonate with or be effective for everyone, and alternative strategies could be considered.
Actionables
- You can support diverse voices by creating a personal reading challenge that includes books from LGBTQ+ authors and authors of color. Start by setting a goal for how many such books you want to read over a certain period, like six months or a year. Then, research and compile a list of titles that interest you, ensuring they cover a range of genres and perspectives. Share your reading list and progress on social media to encourage others to join you in broadening their literary horizons.
- Volunteer to assist at your local library to help maintain it as a safe and welcoming space. Reach out to your local library and ask about volunteer opportunities. This could involve helping to organize books, assisting with events, or providing support for librarians. By volunteering, you contribute to the library's mission and help ensure it remains a resource for everyone in the community.
- Educate yourself on the impact of book banning and censorship by starting a blog or social media page dedicated to discussing these issues. Use the platform to highlight specific cases of censorship, share stories of how banned books have positively impacted individuals, and provide resources for others to learn more about the importance of intellectual freedom. Engage with your followers by asking them to contribute their experiences and opinions on the subject.
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Role and Purpose of Libraries as Community Institutions
Libraries serve as pivotal community institutions by providing resources and educational support, while also acting as safe and welcoming spaces for patrons of all ages.
Libraries as Research, Reading, and Education Hubs
Amanda Jones highlights the critical role of libraries, particularly in educational settings, as places that offer access to resources for research, free independent reading, and support to faculty and staff to facilitate teaching.
Librarians Link Students and Patrons To Resources and Guide Research
Librarians are essential figures within these institutions, adept at connecting students and patrons with books that suit their needs and interests. They provide assistance in finding and accessing valid resources beyond simple internet searches, ensuring that patrons receive accurate and useful information.
School Libraries Offer a Safe, Welcoming Space
School libraries, Amanda Jones mentions, are inherently safe and inclusive spaces where children can spend time before and after school. According to a report from the Human Rights Coalition, the vast majority of children—nine out of ten—feel safe within the confines of school libraries.
Collection Policies Ensure Age-appropriate, Audience-Specific Materials
The need for appropriate collection policies is implicit in the role lib ...
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Role and Purpose of Libraries as Community Institutions
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Counterarguments
- While libraries are intended to be safe and welcoming, some individuals may not feel comfortable in these spaces due to past experiences, personal anxieties, or perceived barriers such as socioeconomic status or cultural differences.
- The effectiveness of libraries as educational support can vary depending on funding, resources, and the quality of the librarians' training, which may not be consistent across all communities.
- The role of libraries in research is challenged by the increasing availability of digital resources, which can sometimes make physical libraries less relevant for certain demographics, particularly those who are tech-savvy.
- Librarians' ability to connect patrons with resources may be limited by budget constraints, which can affect the diversity and currency of the library's collection.
- The assertion that school libraries are inherently safe and inclusive may not hold true in every case, as instances of bullying or exclusion can occur in any environment, including libraries.
- Collection policies that ensure age-appropriateness can sometimes lead to controversies over censorship and the ba ...
Actionables
- You can volunteer to read stories at your local library to create a more inclusive environment for children. By offering to read during children's hours, you help foster a love for reading and provide a safe space for kids to learn and engage with literature. This could be as simple as reaching out to your library and setting up a weekly or monthly reading session where you share age-appropriate stories with an emphasis on inclusivity and education.
- Start a book exchange program in your neighborhood to extend the library's reach. Set up a small, weatherproof bookcase in a communal area and encourage neighbors to leave a book and take a book. This not only promotes reading and sharing of resources but also creates a micro-community of readers who can benefit from each other's literary tastes and knowledge.
- Partner with a local library to organize a ...
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The Process Of How Librarians Curate Library Collections
Librarians play a crucial role in curating library collections, carefully selecting materials that reflect their patrons' informational, educational, and entertainment needs.
Librarians Choose Materials Based On Reviews and Demographic Suitability
Amanda Jones discusses the careful considerations librarians make to ensure that their collections are both diverse and appropriate.
Library Sections For Children, Teens, and Adults
Public libraries are organized into different sections, such as those for children, teens, young adults, and adults. Amanda Jones emphasizes the importance of following collection development policies, which guide librarians in selecting and organizing materials so that they are placed in the correct section based on their intended age group. These policies fundamentally shape the library's collection to serve its diverse patronage adequately.
Librarians Acquire Suitable Reviewed Materials For Students
When it comes to school libraries, the selection process is tailored e ...
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The Process Of How Librarians Curate Library Collections
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Counterarguments
- While librarians do strive to select materials based on reviews and demographic suitability, there can be biases in reviews and the selection process that may inadvertently exclude certain perspectives or authors.
- The organization of public libraries into sections for different age groups, while helpful, can sometimes oversimplify the diversity of reading levels and interests within each age group.
- Collection development policies are essential, but they can sometimes lag behind cultural shifts or fail to accommodate the full spectrum of patron needs and interests.
- The focus on acquiring professionally reviewed materials for students is important, but it may limit exposure to newer or le ...
Actionables
- Volunteer at your local library to gain insight into the selection process and see firsthand how librarians cater to community needs. By offering your time, you can observe the criteria used for choosing materials and learn about the demographic considerations that influence these decisions. This experience can help you better understand how to select resources that are relevant to specific groups or purposes in your own life.
- Start a book club with a focus on diverse genres and authors to mirror the varied sections of a public library. This encourages you to explore different perspectives and subjects, much like a librarian would when curating a collection for a community. It can also improve your ability to assess what content might be suitable for different audiences within your book club.
- Create a personal content developm ...
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Wave Of Book Bans Targeting Lgbtq+ Content and Authors of Color
Group Targets Libraries to Ban Lgbtq+ and Authors of Color Books
A group has begun to target libraries with the intention of banning books, focusing on LGBTQ+ content and authors of color. Amanda Jones, a librarian, has witnessed firsthand the impact this outside extremist group has had on her community's library.
Groups Falsely Label Books "Sexually Explicit" or "Pornographic" Despite Age-appropriate Representation
The group has accused the library of holding sexually explicit materials in the children's section, targeting books with LGBTQIA+ content. One example is the children's book "Pride Puppy," which is about a puppy attending a pride parade; the group demanded its removal solely because it references an LGBTQIA+ event.
Speaker Views This As an Effort to Erase Diverse Voices, Implying Those Communities Are Unwelcome
Jones highlights the critical need for books that all community members can relate to, including those with LGBTQ parents. She relates distressing outcomes in her community, such as LGBTQ students relocating or committing suicide due to ostracization. She details how the challenges and bans of books in the U.S. are not limited to LGBTQ content but also to works by Black, Asian, and Indigenous authors.
Furthermore, Jones mentions mass challenges to books by individuals who might not have children attending the school; these individuals challenge hundreds of books. She raises concerns about anti-library legislation in states like Miss ...
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Wave Of Book Bans Targeting Lgbtq+ Content and Authors of Color
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Actionables
- You can support diverse authors by purchasing or gifting their books to friends and family, which directly contributes to their success and visibility. By choosing titles from LGBTQ+ authors and authors of color, you're not only enjoying a broader range of literature but also helping to counteract the effects of censorship. For example, next time you're looking for a book to read or a gift, research and select one from a list of banned or challenged authors to show your support.
- Start a virtual book club focused on reading and discussing books by marginalized authors, which can create a supportive community and raise awareness. This doesn't require any special skills, just an interest in reading and discussing books. You can use social media or book-reading apps to connect with others interested in exploring these works, fostering a space for conversation and understanding about the diverse narratives being challenged.
- Write rev ...
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Librarian Speaker's Activism and Experiences With Book Bans
In a deep dive into the book ban battles, Amanda Jones's experience illuminates the gritty confrontation between censorship and the preservation of knowledge.
Speaker, Librarian, Opposed Censorship, Faced Harassment
Amanda Jones is a librarian who stepped into the spotlight for her strong opposition to book bans, transforming her personal adversities into a broader activism against censorship.
Speaker Faces Threats, Defamation, and Backlash, Limiting Public Presence
Jones has been subjected to a battery of harassment. An extremist group targeted her with vicious actions, including a defamatory meme spreading false allegations about her advocacy, and invectives like "pedophile groomer" flooded the comments under these false accusations, some coming from individuals she recognized. This hate campaign has not only damaged Jones's reputation in the community but also pushed her to avoid unnecessary public appearances. Confronted with hostile treatment at events and derogatory labels, her life was altered significantly.
Despite reporting to the Sheriff's Department and filing a lawsuit, these threats were dismissed as a civil matter; even a death threat went uninvestigated. This onslaught has led to two years of intensive therapy and anxiety medication for Jones, costing her numerous friends and prompting her to take a step back from the forefront of librarians' advocacy.
Despite the Toll, the Speaker Became an Activist, Founding Organizations to Support Libraries and Create a Roadmap Against Censorship
In the wake of abject harassment, Jones fortifies her stand against censorship. Unfazed by intimidation, she persists in attending every library board meeting, ready to face those who record and mock her. Coalescing her strength a week after being attacked, she decided to lean into her upbringing values and openly combat bullying and injustice.
Jones established the Livingston Parish Library Alliance to bolster her local library and even reached beyond her community, forming the ...
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Librarian Speaker's Activism and Experiences With Book Bans
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Actionables
- You can support your local library by volunteering to help with their digital presence, such as managing social media or creating online content to promote anti-censorship messages. By doing this, you'll be contributing to the library's outreach and education efforts, which can help protect against censorship. For example, you could create a blog series highlighting banned books and their importance or produce short videos interviewing library visitors about what free access to information means to them.
- Start a virtual book club focused on titles that have faced censorship, inviting participants from diverse backgrounds to foster a community of support and awareness. This can be as simple as setting up a monthly Zoom meeting where members discuss a chosen book and its themes related to freedom of expression. You could also invite authors or experts to speak at these meetings, enhancing the educational aspect of the club.
- Create an online resource hub compiling legal, educational, and advocacy tools for those facing censorship challenges in t ...
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