Stony Brook University Libraries hosted an event on April 2 focused on book bans and censorship, featuring a screening of the documentary The Librarians and a discussion with Amanda Jones, a librarian known for her activism against book censorship.
The topic is significant as PEN America has tracked more than 22,000 cases of book bans across 45 states since 2021. This trend highlights growing concerns about access to literature in schools and libraries.
Amanda Jones became involved in the issue after speaking out against book censorship at a Louisiana library board meeting in July 2022. She said, “There are thousands of us out there. We love teaching kids, we love the community, and we love to read. I think I have the best job in the world. I was just doing what we do, and then it all blew up.” Jones described facing attacks from conservative organizations that led her to become what she calls an “accidental activist.”
During her talk at Stony Brook University, Jones discussed how extremist groups have driven recent waves of book banning campaigns. She linked these efforts to broader political motivations such as Christian nationalism and authoritarianism. Reflecting on her own experiences growing up during the “satanic panic” era of the 1980s and seeing challenges to books like Harry Potter throughout her career, she noted changes in targets: “But now the books they’re targeting aren’t about wizards, they’re about real people. And they’re not just attacking the books, they’re attacking the authors, the characters, the people who read them, and they’re attacking librarians and educators who put books in their hands.”
Jones recounted being targeted online with misinformation: “On social media everybody just says their thoughts with no filter… If you go against them, they will try to destroy your life.”
Karim Boughida, dean of Stony Brook University Libraries, said that community member Kathy Ishizuka inspired hosting this event: “We built on that idea… decided to pair the screening with a conversation featuring a leading library activist,” he said. He also announced creation of an annual Amanda Jones Award for Intellectual Freedom: “As a defender of intellectual freedom she is a hero.” Jones responded: “I am humbled and honored to receive this award… It would be a privilege to continue being part of something so meaningful.” David Wrobel from Stony Brook’s College of Arts and Sciences referenced past cases where even works by John Steinbeck faced bans.
The Librarians documentary was funded by Sarah Jessica Parker and directed by Kim A. Snyder based on Jones’ memoir. It premiered at Sundance Film Festival in 2025.
Jones plans continued advocacy despite personal attacks: “I didn’t mean to become an activist… But it’s an uphill battle in Louisiana… But we keep plugging along.” Boughida concluded that systemic book-banning represents deeper threats: “Book bans are the canary in the coal mine… Intellectual freedom… are core values of our profession.”
