Good Morning

It’s Monday. Today, we’ll explore the story behind a courageous school librarian from Louisiana who is making her way to the New York Public Library’s prestigious gala, which costs $5,000 per attendee. Additionally, we’ll hear from a City Council candidate who has recently gained internet fame due to a “Saturday Night Live” sketch that humorously depicts his political journey.

Amanda Jones, a dedicated librarian from Watson, Louisiana, is poised to be a highlight at the New York Public Library’s gala tonight. The library has honored her with a complimentary ticket to this exclusive event. Her journey into the spotlight began in 2022 during a passionate speech at a meeting held at her local public library, separate from the middle school library she manages. In her address, she passionately defended the inclusion of books with L.G.B.T.Q. themes, asserting that they should remain accessible to all readers.

Following her brave stance, she was met with a wave of backlash, including a barrage of hostile messages that accused her of promoting harmful ideologies. Despite the vitriol, Jones remained resolute in her beliefs. She took her advocacy further by penning a memoir titled “That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America.” In addition, she founded a grassroots organization named Louisiana Citizens Against Censorship, dedicated to combating censorship and advocating for the protection of library resources.

“The backlash she faced is a testament to the urgent need to protect intellectual freedom,” remarked Anthony Marx, the president of the New York Public Library, highlighting the significance of her work and the broader fight against book banning across the country.