Kansas City Hosts Amanda Jones: A Librarian’s Battle Against Book Banning

Kansas City Welcomes Amanda Jones: A Librarian’s Fight Against Book Banning

On September 25, the Kansas City Public Library will play host to a very special guest, Amanda Jones. This remarkable librarian from Louisiana is not just any librarian; she has been recognized with the titles of 2020 School Librarian of the Year and 2021 School Library Journal Librarian of the Year. Amanda will be discussing her new memoir, That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America, which sheds light on her fight against the alarming trend of book banning sweeping through the country.

Book Banning: A Rising Concern

As Amanda steps into this momentous occasion, it’s hard not to notice the backdrop of her journey. In recent times, book banning has shown a monumental rise in the United States. Right now, there are over 100 bills proposed in various state legislatures seeking to restrict access to certain books in public and school libraries. This wave of censorship often targets literature featuring LGBTQ themes, with opponents claiming these books contain sexually explicit content.

Sadly, the impact of these bans runs deeper than just limiting access to specific books. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has intervened in Missouri, suing both the state and local school districts for enforcing these policies, which can leave patrons with a significant void in educational resources. As a result, some libraries face tight budget cuts and the possibility of closure, which only heightens the stakes for both librarians like Amanda and the communities relying on these invaluable resources.

The Personal Journey of Amanda Jones

Amanda’s fight against censorship isn’t just a professional duty; it’s also deeply personal. As she prepares for her upcoming public address, she is simultaneously embroiled in a pending lawsuit against an extremist group and a fellow community member for defamation. When Amanda spoke out against book banning at a library meeting in Louisiana—just after Pride Month—she didn’t expect the backlash that was about to follow.

“It started with what I thought was a simple speech about the importance of representation and fighting against censorship,” Amanda shared. “But soon after, I woke up to a targeted smear campaign on social media.” The fear and attacks against her grew relentlessly, escalating to claims that she promoted teaching inappropriate content to young students.

Determined to Fight Back

As an educator with more than 20 years of experience and a married mother of one, Amanda found strength in her decision to advocate for all students and the books that represent them. “I knew if they silenced me, it would deter others from speaking up,” she said. Fueled by a desire to protect those stories and a commitment to her principles, Amanda sought legal advice and began taking steps towards a lawsuit, aiming to reclaim her reputation.

Despite initial setbacks—her case being dismissed twice—Amanda’s fight is now heading to the Louisiana Supreme Court. She hopes to not only defend herself but pave the way for other librarians facing similar challenges.

A Path to Authorship

Interestingly, amidst this whirlwind, Amanda participated in an auction hosted by an organization called We Need Diverse Books. She won a zoom call with a literary agent, which opened the door to her memoir. The book describes her personal experiences while also shining a spotlight on the broader struggles faced by librarians fighting against book bans across the nation.

“In the book, I reflect on my journey and the lessons I’ve learned about standing up for what is right,” she said. “My daughter asked what I was going to do about the attacks on my integrity, and that really hit home. I’ve always taught her to be brave and speak her truth.”

Resilience in the Face of Fear

Living through this ordeal has not been easy for Amanda and her family. With grocery deliveries becoming the norm and a hesitance to leave the house, life looks different for them now. Yet Amanda remains undeterred, stating with conviction, “This is my town, and they’re not going to run me out.”

As Kansas City prepares to welcome Amanda Jones, her story serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle for freedom of expression and the importance of standing tall against censorship. The event promises to encourage visibility and discourse about a topic that is affecting countless communities nationwide. Seats are still available for those keen to hear directly from this inspiring librarian.

Whether you’re a fellow librarian or simply enjoy a good book, Amanda’s fight is one worth tuning into. Join her at the Kansas City Public Library and be a part of this important conversation.