That Librarian

1. Speaking Out Against Censorship Invites Vicious Personal Attacks

There is nothing funny about receiving a threat on your life.

Initial shock and threats. Amanda Jones, a middle school librarian, faced death threats and smear campaigns after speaking against censorship at a public library board meeting. The attacks, including accusations of "indoctrinating our children with perversion + pedophilia grooming," were deeply personal, targeting her work and home with chilling threats like "we gunna put ur fat evil PEDO azz in the dirt."

Online hate campaign. The hate began with social media posts from groups like "Citizens for a New Louisiana" and local "keyboard warriors," falsely accusing her of advocating for "sexually erotic and pornographic materials in the kid’s section." These posts, often accompanied by her picture with a target, were shared thousands of times, leading to a barrage of hateful comments from strangers and even acquaintances. The experience was described as "an online hate campaign absolutely sucks. I do not recommend it. Two thumbs down. Zero out of five stars."

Emotional and physical toll. The online assault caused severe emotional distress, including panic attacks, uncontrollable crying, and physical symptoms like hives and weight loss. The trauma left her constantly on edge, fearing for her safety and that of her family, prompting increased home security and a pervasive sense of terror.

2. Book Bans Are Part of a Coordinated National Extremist Movement

The groups challenging books are highly organized and well funded.

Widespread phenomenon. The attacks on Jones were not isolated but part of a national trend of book challenges and censorship attempts. This movement, often driven by the Far Right, targets libraries across the country, regardless of political leaning or geographic location, indicating a coordinated effort rather than spontaneous local concerns.

Organized tactics. Pro-censorship groups, such as Moms for Liberty, use specific tactics to challenge books, often without reading them. They rely on lists from erroneous websites like BookLooks, taking passages out of context to create shock and awe. These efforts are well-funded and aim to overwhelm library systems with numerous challenges, costing time and money. The American Library Association reported a record 1,269 book challenges in 2022, nearly doubling the previous year.

Targeting specific content. The vast majority of challenged books are by or about members of the LGBTQIA+ community or Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). This reveals a clear agenda to marginalize and erase certain cultures and groups, rather than genuinely protecting children from "pornography," a term often misused to describe age-appropriate diverse literature.

3. Librarians Are Frontline Defenders of Intellectual Freedom

Libraries are important to our society, with the American Library Association reporting that there are more than sixteen thousand public libraries in the United States.

Essential community role. Libraries serve as vital community hubs, offering free access to books, information, and diverse programs for all ages. They support cultural heritage, provide services to vulnerable populations, and offer safe spaces. Librarians, as trained professionals, curate collections based on professional reviews and established policies, ensuring age-appropriate materials.

Collection development policies. All libraries have rigorous collection development policies that guide book selection and placement, often involving professional review sources like Kirkus Reviews and School Library Journal. These policies ensure that materials are relevant and appropriate for the specific age groups served by the library (e.g., children, young adult/teen, adult). The idea that librarians randomly place "pornography" in children's sections is a false narrative.

Reconsideration processes. Libraries also have formal challenge and reconsideration policies, allowing community members to object to a book's content or placement. However, these policies are often abused by mass challenges from organized groups who haven't read the books, turning a legitimate process into a tool for censorship. Librarians advocate for these policies to be followed, not circumvented.

4. Misinformation and Hypocrisy Fuel the "Protect the Children" Narrative

Pro-censors will often say there are books containing pornographic or sexually explicit material in children’s sections of the library to rile up public fear.

False narratives. Politicians and "keyboard warriors" frequently spread lies about libraries containing pornography or sexually explicit material in children's sections. This fear-mongering is designed to incite public outrage and push specific political agendas, often ignoring the reality of library policies and the professional judgment of librarians.

Hypocritical motives. Many who loudly advocate for "protecting children" from library books simultaneously ignore real threats like child abuse statistics or allow their own children unfettered access to actual pornography online. Their focus on libraries often serves as a distraction from genuine societal problems or as a means to gain political power and defund public institutions.

Political opportunism. Elected officials, like Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, exploit these false narratives for political gain, creating "snitch lines" and reports that lack evidence but fuel public distrust. This pandering to extremist views undermines public education and libraries, ultimately harming the very communities they claim to serve.

5. Personal Transformation Fuels the Fight for Inclusivity

I guess when some accuse me of catching the “woke disease,” it’s true. I finally woke up.

Acknowledging past biases. Jones openly admits to her past conservative views and even voting for Donald Trump, recognizing her contribution to the current political climate. Her journey of "waking up" involved confronting her own biases, particularly regarding race and LGBTQIA+ issues, and realizing the privilege she held as a white, straight person.

Embracing diversity and empathy. Influenced by figures like Marley Dias and K.C. Boyd, Jones began to actively seek out diverse perspectives and understand the experiences of marginalized communities. This led her to re-evaluate her library collection, ensuring it reflected all students, and to become a fierce advocate for inclusivity, recognizing that "adding stories of Black excellence to the collection doesn’t take away from white kids."

From silence to outspokenness. Her personal growth transformed her from someone who might have stayed silent in the face of negativity to an outspoken defender of human rights. This shift was driven by a deep sense of moral obligation and a desire to create a safe and inclusive environment for all children, especially those historically marginalized.

6. Fighting Back Requires Strategic Action and Strong Alliances

I decided to take matters into my own hands and reclaim my reputation. I filed police reports, hired an attorney, and started the process of taking back my life.

Legal recourse. Faced with defamation, Jones chose to fight back legally, filing a lawsuit against her harassers. This decision, though daunting and costly, was a deliberate step to set the record straight and demonstrate that such attacks would not go unchallenged. Her initial attempts faced setbacks, including being classified as a "public figure," making defamation harder to prove.

Media engagement. Recognizing the power of public opinion, Jones strategically engaged with reputable journalists to share her story nationally. This allowed her to control her narrative, counter misinformation, and raise awareness about the broader issue of censorship, even if it meant potential risks to her lawsuit. She was interviewed by outlets like USA Today, Washington Post, and NPR.

Building support networks. Crucial to her fight was the unwavering support from fellow librarians, friends, family, and organizations like EveryLibrary and Campaign for Our Shared Future. These alliances provided emotional, strategic, and financial assistance (via GoFundMe), transforming a lonely battle into a collective effort against censorship.

7. The Mental and Physical Toll of Harassment Is Profound

Reading a death threat—my death threat—has left me changed.

Debilitating anxiety and fear. The constant harassment led to a state of perpetual fear and anxiety, impacting her daily life. She experienced panic attacks, sleeplessness, and physical symptoms like hair loss and fainting spells. The fear extended to her family's safety, prompting increased home security measures and a constant vigilance.

Emotional exhaustion. The emotional toll was immense, leading to periods of depression and a feeling of being "consumed" by the ordeal. Reliving the trauma through interviews and legal proceedings was draining, affecting her ability to focus at work and be present for her family. She admitted, "I spent hours each day working over scenarios of me being vindicated in the public eye, knowing that would never happen."

Seeking professional help. Recognizing the severity of her mental health struggles, Jones sought therapy and medication. This professional support was vital in helping her cope with the stress, process her emotions, and develop strategies to reclaim her well-being, highlighting the importance of self-care in the face of such attacks.

8. Choosing the "High Road" Is Challenging But Essential for Integrity

If you want to really get the best of someone, you must rise above it.

Resisting retaliation. Despite intense urges to retaliate with equally hateful or petty online attacks, Jones consciously chose to "go high," echoing Michelle Obama's famous motto. She understood that engaging in mud-slinging would only perpetuate the cycle of negativity and undermine her own values and role as an educator.

Setting an example. Her decision was partly driven by her responsibility as a teacher and parent to model appropriate behavior. She recognized that her adversaries were setting a poor example for children by cyberbullying, and she aimed to demonstrate a more constructive way to address conflict.

Strategic non-engagement. Instead of direct online confrontation, Jones channeled her energy into documenting the harassment and sharing her story through legitimate channels. This approach, while difficult, allowed her to maintain her integrity, avoid giving her tormentors the attention they craved, and ultimately focus on the larger mission of fighting censorship.

9. Community Grassroots Efforts Are the Best Defense Against Censorship

It’s very important in the quest for intellectual freedom that we get to know our foes.

Local engagement is key. To combat censorship effectively, individuals must actively engage at the local level by attending school board, library board, and local governance meetings. Understanding the players, tracking legislation, and knowing who funds politicians helps expose the motives behind censorship efforts.

Building alliances. Forming community alliances, like the Livingston Parish Library Alliance, provides a unified front against censorship. These groups can:

• Utilize social media to share information and counter misinformation.
• Organize residents to attend meetings and speak out.
• Submit public records requests to gather evidence.
• Rally support through signs, billboards, and buttons.

Statewide and national collaboration. Connecting local alliances with statewide organizations (e.g., Louisiana Citizens Against Censorship) and national groups (e.g., EveryLibrary, PEN America) amplifies their impact. This collaborative network shares strategies, resources, and provides a broader platform to fight for intellectual freedom and protect libraries from well-funded, coordinated attacks.

10. True Christian Values Advocate Love, Not Hate or Exclusion

I was taught to never use my faith to harm others or promote myself or an agenda.

Distorted faith. Jones critiques the hypocrisy of "white Christian nationalists" who use Christianity as a weapon to justify hate, promote political agendas, and marginalize the LGBTQIA+ community. She contrasts their actions with the core teachings of Jesus, which emphasize kindness, mercy, and love for all, including "sinners" and outcasts.

Weaponizing religion. Figures like Kirk Cameron and local "Christian warriors" exploit religious rhetoric to push anti-LGBTQIA+ narratives and attack public education and libraries. They frame their actions as "protecting children" or "defending traditional family values," but their methods involve spreading misinformation, making veiled threats, and promoting exclusion.

Separation of church and state. Jones emphasizes the importance of the separation of church and state in public institutions like libraries and schools. She argues that these institutions must serve all members of a pluralistic society, not just Christians, and that attempts to impose one religious viewpoint through censorship undermine democracy and true Christian values.

11. The Longevity of Hate Underscores the Need for Persistent Advocacy

The haters are why I continue to say yes to interviews and the reason I’m writing this book.

Enduring harassment. Despite legal setbacks and the emotional toll, the online harassment against Jones persisted for over a year, demonstrating the relentless nature of targeted hate campaigns. This ongoing obsession by her tormentors, even after she blocked them, highlighted their deep-seated animosity and the need for sustained resistance.

Purpose in adversity. The continuous attacks, rather than silencing her, solidified Jones's resolve and gave her a newfound purpose: to inspire and support others facing similar challenges. She recognized that her platform, born from adversity, could be used to shine a light on injustices and advocate for librarians and marginalized communities nationwide.

Long-term victory. While individual battles may be lost, the long-term fight for intellectual freedom requires perseverance. Jones's commitment to speaking her truth, building alliances, and educating the public, even at personal cost, represents a victory against those who seek to silence dissent and dismantle democratic institutions. Her journey embodies the idea that "we will win in the long run."