The Central Library Brown Baggers selected “That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America” by Amanda Jones as a 2025 group read back at the lunchtime selection meeting in December 2024. Appropriately enough,we discussed this title on October 16th of 2025; one week after 2025 Banned Books Week and the local screening on Oct. 8th of “The Librarians” at The Paramount.
Amanda Jones, a middle school librarian in small town Louisiana, was ostracized, harassed and bullied for speaking out at a 2022 public library board meeting against book censorship in her local public library. In particular, she was targeted by Citizens for a New Louisiana. “That Librarian” details the background of the situation, the impact on her, her family and community and the ongoing issue of book censorship in the United States.
Most of our readers agreed that while this title raises awareness of an important issue, the content was repetitive, the author was not a skilled writer and the book was in need of editing. But despite these shortcomings, our readers were glad to have read the book. The timeliness of this title could not be debated in terms of highlighting the issues of censorship and book challenges.
A reader who listened to the book pointed out that the audio version is read by Amanda Jones, lending some emotion and local accents to the reading.
We discussed the role of social media on mental health and the negative consequences of a social media addiction and online, anonymous bullying. However, one of our readers said the comments wouldn’t have bothered him and he would have just ignored the bullying and harassment. Others were appalled that people would behave in such a vicious way.
A good portion of our meeting was spent providing information and answering questions on JMRL’s policies and procedures for collection development and the reconsideration process here at JMRL. JMRL is governed by a regional Library Board with board members appointed by the jurisdictions they represent. JMRL Board meetings are held monthly, open to the public and the agendas and handouts are posted here.
Our readers agreed that writing the book was a sort of therapy for the author to work through the trauma of her experience. “That Librarian” can also be considered inspirational as an example for others on how one person can make a difference. Resources include a chapter on “What you can do in your Own Community” to stay informed on book challenges and an extensive bibliography.
Related links:
Upcoming Brown Bagger meeting dates and titles:
- November 20th, noon, 2025 I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
- December 18th, noon, 2025- Potluck and selection meeting
- January 15th, noon, The Women by Kristin Hannah
- February 19th, noon, James by Percival Everett