Podcast Summary: "That Librarian with Amanda Jones"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Here’s Where It Gets Interesting
- Host: Sharon McMahon
- Episode: That Librarian with Amanda Jones
- Release Date: January 6, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, host Sharon McMahon engages in a profound conversation with Amanda Jones, a dedicated librarian and author who has been at the forefront of battling book bans in America. The episode delves deep into Amanda's personal experiences, the rise of extremist groups targeting libraries, and the broader implications for freedom of speech and access to information.
Amanda's Journey and Rise to Prominence
Amanda Jones, a long-time resident of Louisiana and a passionate librarian, discusses her journey in the library profession. Recognized as the Louisiana School Librarian of the Year 2020, Amanda has been a vocal advocate for libraries as essential community institutions.
Amanda Jones (03:05): "Contrary to popular belief by the people in my town, we've had an extremist group in Louisiana that has been targeting libraries for a few years."
Her leadership roles, including serving as the president of the Louisiana Association of School Librarians, positioned her as a significant figure in the fight against censorship, making her a target for extremist groups aiming to silence influential voices in the library community.
The Surge of Extremist Attacks on Libraries
Amanda provides a firsthand account of the escalating attacks on libraries and librarians. She recounts a pivotal moment in 2022 when she spoke at a local public library board meeting, advocating against censorship and emphasizing existing policies that protect intellectual freedom.
Amanda Jones (04:03): "I'm being targeted by two men and all of their friends and family, and they created some awful memes that were untrue about me that have been circulated thousands of times across the Internet."
The advent of the Internet has amplified these attacks, allowing misinformation and hate to spread rapidly beyond local communities. Amanda highlights how this digital onslaught differs from historical instances of book banning, which were more localized.
Personal Toll and Community Impact
The relentless harassment has taken a severe personal toll on Amanda. She describes the emotional and physical consequences, including panic attacks, weight loss, hair loss, and medical complications stemming from stress.
Amanda Jones (18:35): "I cried so much that my eyes swelled shut and then my sinuses. I couldn't breathe out of my nose for a few days."
Beyond her personal struggles, Amanda is deeply concerned about the broader impact on the library profession. She observes that continuous targeting leads to burnout and attrition among librarians, weakening the community's ability to defend intellectual freedom.
Amanda Jones (21:12): "It's been hard for myself, but seeing what they do to my friends and my colleagues. People are going to leave the profession, which is what they want."
Systemic Challenges: Legal and Institutional Barriers
Amanda sheds light on the systemic obstacles faced by victims of harassment. Filing lawsuits against perpetrators is financially draining, often costing tens of thousands of dollars without guaranteed outcomes.
Amanda Jones (23:07): "For the one lawsuit, I've spent $60,000 so far."
She emphasizes that the current legal framework in the United States makes it difficult for individuals to seek justice without substantial financial resources, effectively silencing those without means to fight back.
Sharon McMahon (24:00): "It's a very specialized legal skill to engage in federal litigation. And these people do not make $12 an hour."
Defending Libraries Against Misinformation and Censorship
The conversation underscores the vital role libraries play in providing diverse and inclusive resources. Amanda passionately defends the presence of LGBTQ+ materials and other culturally significant books in libraries, debunking myths about inappropriate content for children.
Amanda Jones (08:28): "We don't even have pornography in the adult section. What they're objecting to tends to be stories by authors or with characters from the LGBTQ community."
She argues that libraries are misrepresented as institutions promoting harmful ideologies, when in reality, they adhere to stringent collection development policies ensuring age-appropriate and professionally reviewed materials.
Moral and Ethical Considerations
Amanda and Sharon explore the ethical dimensions of censorship and free speech. Amanda argues that slanderous accusations and misinformation campaigns against librarians are harmful and constitute a breach of professional ethics.
Amanda Jones (35:50): "I was trying to stifle the blatant lies that they were telling about me that were damaging to my career and my reputation. I'm not teaching children about sex acts. I'm not providing children with pornography, and so to say so is a complete fabrication."
Sharon adds that there is an inherent conflict in accusing someone of censorship while simultaneously supporting resource allocation for public institutions like libraries.
Sharon McMahon (35:22): "They can't both accuse someone of censorship and also accuse them of putting too many resources in the library. They're not compatible ideas."
The Importance of Libraries in Society
Amanda articulates the indispensable role libraries play in fostering empathy, understanding, and critical thinking among community members. She highlights how access to diverse narratives can save lives by providing representation and solace to marginalized individuals.
Amanda Jones (37:26): "Books have the ability to shape people, make them more empathetic, more understanding of the world around them. And books save lives."
She passionately advocates for the preservation of libraries as democratic institutions that offer free access to knowledge, irrespective of socioeconomic status.
Hope and Call to Action
Despite the ongoing challenges, Amanda remains hopeful, particularly when observing the resilience and empathy of younger generations. She calls on listeners to stay informed, engage with local governance, and support libraries in their communities.
Amanda Jones (41:37): "I hope people will start speaking out more. And I wrote this for the calm, rational people in the world that truly want to understand what is happening and get to the bottom of it."
Sharon echoes this sentiment, reinforcing the importance of libraries in maintaining the free flow of information and knowledge.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of the fundamental value of libraries as bastions of democracy and knowledge. Sharon McMahon commends Amanda Jones for her unwavering dedication and resilience in the face of adversity, emphasizing the critical need to support and protect libraries from censorship and extremist ideologies.
Sharon McMahon (43:05): "Libraries have always been important to Americans and long live the library."
Key Takeaways:
- Rise of Extremism: Modern extremist groups are leveraging the Internet to target libraries, spreading misinformation and inciting harassment.
- Personal and Professional Impact: Librarians like Amanda Jones face severe personal hardships, including mental and physical health challenges, due to sustained harassment.
- Systemic Barriers: Legal recourse against harassment is prohibitively expensive, limiting justice to those with financial means.
- Defending Intellectual Freedom: Libraries are essential for providing diverse, professionally vetted materials that foster empathy and critical thinking.
- Call to Action: Community support and active engagement with local institutions are crucial in combating censorship and preserving the integrity of public libraries.
Notable Quotes:
- Amanda Jones (03:05): "We've had an extremist group in Louisiana that has been targeting libraries for a few years."
- Amanda Jones (08:28): "We don't even have pornography in the adult section."
- Amanda Jones (37:26): "Books have the ability to shape people, make them more empathetic, more understanding of the world around them. And books save lives."
- Sharon McMahon (43:05): "Libraries have always been important to Americans and long live the library."
Final Thoughts
Amanda Jones' story is a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by those who champion intellectual freedom and resist censorship. Her resilience and unwavering commitment to her community serve as an inspiration, highlighting the indispensable role of libraries in nurturing informed and empathetic societies.