‘That Librarian’ author to speak at New South Bookstore in Montgomery

When librarian Amanda Jones heard rumblings that there could be calls to remove library books in her Louisiana parish, she jumped at the opportunity to oppose the censorship. Then, she says, the death threats came.

Jones has been fighting book challenges ever since and last year published a book detailing her own fight with library challenges as well as the broader attack on libraries in That Librarian.

Now Jones is scheduled to make a stop in Montgomery on Saturday at New South Bookstore to talk about the book and about the push to remove or relocate books across the  country.

Jessala White, assistant manager at New South, said the book is particularly timely and relevant as Alabama has been embroiled in book challenges in libraries across the state.

Andrew Foster, the librarian fired at the Autauga-Prattville Public Library in the midst of policies pushing the censorship of LGBTQ+ content, will moderate the event.

That Librarian maps the book banning wave that has been a major sticking point in Alabama politics for the better part of two years now.

Jones will be at the New South Bookstore Saturday at 3 p.m. alongside Foster to discuss the book and censorship efforts.

In addition to challenges in individual libraries, Alabama libraries have also faced pressure from the state library service and the Alabama Legislature. Spurred by Gov. Kay Ivey , the APLS introduced changes to its administrative code that would require certain policies to be developed at Alabama libraries hoping to receive state aid. Those requirements were further transformed with the influence of ALGOP Chair John Wahl, now chair of the APLS executive board, and far-right groups including Eagle Forum of Alabama.

The Legislature also punished the APLS for a perceived lack of proper handling of the controversy, slashing its budget by 9 percent. A bill to allow librarians to be charged with misdemeanors narrowly missed the schedule to pass the full Legislature last session, but is on the fast track for passage in 2025.