That Librarian - Amanda Jones

Genre: Memoir

As a retired high school librarian - That Librarian by Amanda Jones is a title that I couldn’t resist. And while I’m glad I did, in many respects I found it difficult to read. Amanda Jones, a public school librarian, showed up to speak at a board meeting about her reservations regarding book censorship. She was subsequently attacked via social meeting - dishonestly and inaccurately - in a clearly calculated movement. She experienced death threats, worried for her job, for her family, and for the patrons and readers she valued so highly.

Jones accomplishes several things in her sharing of this difficult experience. She illustrates well her vision as a librarian and as a parent for wanting all kids to be able to find themselves in her library collection. I love how she reviews her own history as a reader and also cites her training to make an effective case. She also depicts the power of abusing social media. Even though I know, I was stunned at how quickly the movement against her built on social media. The destruction was profoundly difficult to read about. As a librarian who was often asked whether I had to really go to school to do my job, I appreciate how thoroughly Jones outlines how librarians are trained to fulfill the position. The lack of respect she receives is palpable, but it is balanced out with stories of respect. I also respect how Jones responds to the call to fight against censorship.

As a school librarian, I had the privilege of working cooperatively with other teachers and their students on a variety of challenged and banned books projects and presentations. I found it one of the most eye opening projects for the students and one of the most fulfilling for me. I am stunned at how much the attitude toward censorship has changed so quickly. Newer teachers often avoided tackling the topic head on. For the first time in my 26 year career as a librarian, a parent requested a copy of my shelf list. Nothing came of it, but the request itself seemed portentous to one who has never had a book challenged. LIke Jones, I believe in the power of books and reading to change lives and that book banning has never historically lent itself to positive cultural changes. I appreciate Amanda Jones’ commitment to her patrons and her willingness to share her experiences in That Librarian in such an honest way to even further the cause.