Kansas City Takes a Stand Against Censorship in Libraries
In the heart of Kansas City, a community gathered recently to tackle a pressing issue that has been stirring conversations across school districts and public libraries nationwide: censorship. Librarians and educators from different backgrounds came together at the Kansas City Public Library’s Central location for the monthly FYI Book Club. This time, the book discussed was “That Librarian” by Amanda Jones, a powerful nonfiction account of her personal battle against censorship in her hometown library in Louisiana.
The Heart of the Discussion
The discussion drew around 20 readers, many of whom were directly involved in the library and education sectors, including Crystal Faris, the Deputy Director of Youth and Family Engagement, and Steven Woolfolk, the Director of Programming and Marketing. As Jones detailed her struggle against persistent attacks from right-wing conservatives, it resonated deeply with attendees. One participant, Maria Robertson, succinctly captured the group’s sentiment by stating that censorship isn’t just an attack on books; it’s an attack on education.
She echoed Jones’ quote, highlighting the dangerous undercurrents of what some are trying to impose: “Education is about knowledge, facts, truth, and what they’re pushing isn’t about these things.” Jones pointedly remarked that those pushing for censorship seem to yearn for a time when certain societal norms were unchallenged, highlighting a desire to control narratives rather than to foster understanding.
First Amendment Rights Under Siege
Woolfolk, known for taking a stand during a 2016 incident at a library event, provoked thought among the group regarding whether they are more concerned with the legal interpretations of the First Amendment or the broader idea of free speech. “Does it matter if it’s a violation of the First Amendment or if it’s just a matter of routine censorship?” he asked. His perspective stressed that true education thrives in an environment where diverse voices are not just heard but respected.
As conversations flowed, it became evident that the library is a vital space for communities seeking truthful representation. In 2023, it was reported that the American Library Association noted a staggering 4,240 unique book titles challenged across the nation—indicative of the growing censorship climate in educational institutions. Observers noted that Missouri was among the states facing significant challenges, with many of the targeted titles authored by or focusing on members of the LGBTQIA+ community and people of color.
Educators Share Personal Experiences
The meeting also prompted personal reflections from local educators. Kimberley Kreicker spoke about how fear among teachers can lead to self-censorship. She recounted an episode in her district where books were removed due to “offensive” images—detailed enough to raise concerns but minimal enough to seem absurd in hindsight. “Teachers effectively shut down their own classroom libraries for self-protection,” she lamented.
Despite facing online harassment for standing up against censorship, Faris made it clear that her duty remains to the children and teenagers whose right to access diverse experiences and stories is at stake. “My professional responsibility is to secure their rights to access,” she asserted, reinforcing a shared commitment among the attendees to resist these challenges.
A Call to Action
As the discussion came to a close, the community felt a blend of anger and determination. The attendees’ shared concerns about how censorship misrepresents a movement aimed at protecting children rather than merely promoting a narrow worldview. They echoed sentiments that attempts at censorship cater more to a desire to maintain traditional values than to serve the educational needs of all students.
The event was timely as Banned Books Week approaches (September 22-28), creating an opportunity for increased awareness about the importance of intellectual freedom. On September 25, Amanda Jones will be visiting the Kansas City Public Library at 6 p.m. to speak more about her experiences and the ongoing fight against censorship. The public reception begins at 5:30 p.m., and all are encouraged to attend in a show of solidarity.
In Kansas City, as in many places across the country, the fight against censorship continues to be a rallying point for those committed to protecting the freedom to read. It is clear that communities will keep engaging, questioning, and standing firm against any forces that seek to limit access to knowledge.
