That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America

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NATIONAL BESTSELLER

Featuring a new afterword by the author.

Amanda Jones started getting death threats, all for standing up for our right to read . . . but shes not stopped fighting against book bans, or stopped advocating for access to diverse stories.Oprah Winfrey, at the 2023 National Book Awards

Part memoir, part manifesto, the inspiring story of a Louisiana librarian advocating for free speech on the front lines of our vicious culture wars.

Small town librarian Amanda Jones has been called a groomer, a pedo, and a porn-pusher; she has faced death threats and attacks from strangers and friends alike. When she stood up for diverse perspectives at a public library board meeting, she became a target for extremists using book banning campaignsfunded by dark money organizations and advanced by hard right politiciansin a crusade to make America more white, straight, and Christian. But Amanda Jones wouldnt give up without a fight: she sued her harassers for defamation and urged others to join her in the resistance.

Mapping the book banning crisis occurring all across the nation, That Librarian draws the battle lines in the war against intellectual freedom, calling book lovers everywhere to rise in defense of our readers.

Really important . . . a fantastic book.Ann Patchett

"As an author whose novels have been banned . . . I have been waiting for a book like this one.Jodi Picoult

Thank you [Amanda Jones] for fighting back . . . People like you are TRUE heroes. TRUE treasures.Jason Reynolds

Reviews

One of the most absorbing books I've read this year. * Margaret Renkl *
An important and engrossing story. * The Washington Post *
A testament to the power of fighting back against hate speech and political extremism. * San Francisco Chronicle *
Really important . . . a fantastic book. * Ann Patchett *
A full-throated defense of the freedom to read, to discover, and to think. * California Review of Books *
A fantastic book. * Sarah Jessica Parker *
[Jones] is frank, open, emotionally raw, and unwavering. What she endured is every librarian's worst nightmare, yet she perseveres, offering tips and playbooks for how readers can defend books about LGBTQIA+ topics of interest, sexual health, and more in their own public libraries. A must-read in order to understand the deep and lasting impact of online smear campaigns and enduring need to stand up for books. Jones is an inspiration to everyone combating book bans and her memoir/guidebook should be available to all to help us defend our right to read. * Booklist, Starred Review *
In her memoir, award-winning school librarian Jones delves into how she was subjected to a hate campaign after speaking out against censorship attempts at her local public library Joness deeply personal account of her battle to regain her reputation and combat intolerance in libraries is essential reading and ultimately a clarion call for others to help defend intellectual freedom and democracy. * Library Journal, Starred Review *
That Librarian is revelation. But its more than an expos about hate and its effects on principled people. Its also a gripping memoir . . . In Amanda Jones, the American public has a bold truth-teller. * The Washington Review of Books *
Heartfelt . . . Jones is a compelling narrator with a nearly unbelievable story that is a parable for our divided times . . . For all who value books, libraries and the freedom of information, That Librarian is an empowering, triumphant tale. * BookPage *
A taste of the emotional toll librarians, teachers, and library staff have been subject to for the better part of a decade in regard to book banning . . . A template for those currently serving in the culture war on how to respond, react, and stand up for intellectual freedom. * School Library Journal *
The book that every librarian and teacher, and those that oversee librarians and teachers, should read and share . . . your starting point toward understanding what this really is about and how you can protect yourself and support others in this fight. * Golden Libraries (starred review) *
Amanda Jones story is one filled with humor and heart (and a healthy dose of snark) that will enlighten and infuriate you . . . a powerful, truth-telling memoir that is strongly of the moment, and it absolutely deserves your time and attention. * The Southern Bookseller *
Jones message is bracing, and she delivers it with admirable fire and focus. This is an inspiring portrait of resilience and a galvanizing call to speak up for intellectual freedom. * Publishers Weekly *
[Jones] offers sound advice about how individuals from a variety of viewpoints can better educate themselves regarding library content, purchasing processes, and reconsideration policies . . . A useful book for readers interested in better understanding a persistent problem. * Kirkus Reviews *
That Librarian, part memoir, part impassioned political argument against censorship and book bans, is a deeply felt exposition and a strategic workbook about ways for communities to fight back . . . Its a powerful, angry, and inspiring book. * New Pages *
As an author whose novels have been banned in hundreds of school districts after falsely being cited for explicit content, I have been waiting for a book like this one. We writers are well aware that the foot soldiers in this spreading civil war are librarians, who are threatened personally and profoundly by those who call for widespread book bans. Amanda Jones clearly outlines how we got here, whos leading this false charge against qualified educators, media specialists, and authorsand most importantly, explores the steps we all must take to make the voice of truth and reason louder than their caterwauling. * Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author *
Deeply important and compelling, this book about one heroic librarian's fight against book bans, will help all of us who care about books and our freedom to read. * Ellen Oh, author and CEO of We Need Diverse Books *
Read this absorbing book to understand the conspiracy-driven war on public educationfrom inside the schoolhouse library. Amanda Jones takes us into the trenches and offers deft portraits of the people and organizations waging this war on democracyas well as the heroes standing up for freedom and education. * Katherine Stewart, author of THE POWER WORSHIPPERS and MONEY, LIES, AND GOD *
Not only timely, but essential . . . This is a memoir of grit and grace. This is a rallying cry for the protection of intellectual freedom. * Nikki Grimes, author of the frequently banned memoir in verse ORDINARY HAZARDS *

Author Bio

Amanda Jones has been an educator for 23 years, at the same middle school she attended as a child. She has served as President of the Louisiana Association of School Librarians and won numerous awards for her work in school libraries, including School Library Journal Librarian of the Year. A sought-after keynote speaker, Amanda is a frequent volunteer for state and national library associations, as well as a co-founder of the Livingston Parish Library Alliance and founding member of Louisiana Citizens Against Censorship. She lives in Livingston Parish, Louisiana.