Amanda Jones never set out to be an activist. As an award-winning librarian and educator in her small Louisiana hometown, she had sought to shape the minds of and inspire the love of reading in her students. But when the book bans sweeping our nation came to her front door, she realized the importance of using her position and privilege to speak out for free speech.

Amanda Jones joined host Jay Ruderman to talk about the growing issue of book bans across the United States. Amanda discusses her personal journey from being a school librarian to becoming an advocate against censorship, and about the hateful backlash she faced as a result of speaking out. Jay and Amanda also speak about the political forces fueling book bans, the importance of representation in literature, and how she used her experience to author a powerful memoir and start a non-profit aiming to empower communities to build and sustain their own libraries.



Episode Chapters

(00:00) Intro to Amanda Jones

(00:20) The Role of Libraries in Communities

(01:45) Misconceptions About Curating Library Content

(03:00) Amanda’s Background and Activism Journey

(10:27) Facing Backlash for Speaking Out

(13:14) Ongoing Legal Battles

(16:28) Mental Health and Support Systems

(20:32) National Perspective on Book Bans

(21:41) The Importance of Representation in Literature

(24:19) Political Influence on Libraries

(27:29) Non-Profit Initiatives for Libraries

(29:49) Advice for Standing Up Against Book Bans

(32:14) Conclusion and Credits



For video episodes, watch on www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation



Stay in touch:

X: @JayRuderman | @RudermanFdn

LinkedIn: Jay Ruderman | Ruderman Family Foundation

Instagram: All About Change Podcast | Ruderman Family Foundation

To learn more about the podcast, visit https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/

Amanda Jones never set out to be an activist. As an award-winning librarian and educator in her small Louisiana hometown, she had sought to shape the minds of and inspire the love of reading in her students. But when the book bans sweeping our nation came to her front door, she realized the importance of using her position and privilege to speak out for free speech.
Amanda Jones joined host Jay Ruderman to talk about the growing issue of book bans across the United States. Amanda discusses her personal journey from being a school librarian to becoming an advocate against censorship, and about the hateful backlash she faced as a result of speaking out. Jay and Amanda also speak about the political forces fueling book bans, the importance of representation in literature, and how she used her experience to author a powerful memoir and start a non-profit aiming to empower communities to build and sustain their own libraries.
 
Episode Chapters
(00:00) Intro to Amanda Jones
(00:20) The Role of Libraries in Communities
(01:45) Misconceptions About Curating Library Content
(03:00) Amanda’s Background and Activism Journey
(10:27) Facing Backlash for Speaking Out
(13:14) Ongoing Legal Battles
(16:28) Mental Health and Support Systems
(20:32) National Perspective on Book Bans
(21:41) The Importance of Representation in Literature
(24:19) Political Influence on Libraries
(27:29) Non-Profit Initiatives for Libraries
(29:49) Advice for Standing Up Against Book Bans
(32:14) Conclusion and Credits
 
For video episodes, watch on<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation"> www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation</a>
 
Stay in touch:
X:<a href="https://x.com/JayRuderman"> @JayRuderman</a> |<a href="https://x.com/RudermanFdn"> @RudermanFdn</a>
LinkedIn:<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-ruderman-a799781b9/"> Jay Ruderman</a> |<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/ruderman-family-foundation/"> Ruderman Family Foundation</a>
Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/allaboutchangepodcast/"> All About Change Podcast</a> |<a href="https://www.instagram.com/rudermanfamilyfoundation/?hl=en"> Ruderman Family Foundation</a>
To learn more about the podcast, visit<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2NzRTVYWDNpMjlZLXR5RWxURzhsSHVxTXdtUXxBQ3Jtc0ttODJLa0ZDR3RsMFFCRWNhVXpyRjJPNXRQQmQtVFZLYXFqc2NNSTdQRWFZV3RMXzk5Ykp4TC16alUtYXBtMUtnN1h6RTBlZmhVSURrbmctNDNRWC1fWURoOGcxWksyQjV3VTlYNzUydnkybU1BSk96UQ&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fallaboutchangepodcast.com%2F&amp;v=3JbEeuN4dEk"> https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/</a>

How do we build an inclusive world? Hear intimate and in-depth conversations with changemakers on disability rights, youth mental health advocacy, prison reform, grassroots activism, and more. 

First-hand stories about activism, change, and courage from people who are changing the world: from how a teen mom became the Planned Parenthood CEO, to NBA player Kevin Love on mental health in professional sports, to Beetlejuice actress Geena Davis on Hollywood’s role in women’s rights. 

All About Change is hosted by Jay Ruderman, whose life’s work is seeking social justice and inclusion for people with disabilities worldwide. Join Jay as he interviews iconic guests who have gone through adversity and harnessed their experiences to better the world. This show ultimately offers the message of hope that we need to keep going. All About Change is a production of the Ruderman Family Foundation. 

Listen and subscribe to All About Change wherever you get podcasts. 

https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/

How do we build an inclusive world? Hear intimate and in-depth conversations with changemakers on disability rights, youth mental health advocacy, prison reform, grassroots activism, and more. 
First-hand stories about activism, change, and courage from people who are changing the world: from how a teen mom became the Planned Parenthood CEO, to NBA player Kevin Love on mental health in professional sports, to Beetlejuice actress Geena Davis on Hollywood’s role in women’s rights. 
All About Change is hosted by Jay Ruderman, whose life’s work is seeking social justice and inclusion for people with disabilities worldwide. Join Jay as he interviews iconic guests who have gone through adversity and harnessed their experiences to better the world. This show ultimately offers the message of hope that we need to keep going. All About Change is a production of the Ruderman Family Foundation. 
Listen and subscribe to All About Change wherever you get podcasts. 
https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/

A Podcast on Inclusion, Innovation, and Social Justice.

All About Change

How do we build an inclusive world? Hear intimate and in-depth conversations with changemakers on disability rights, youth mental health advocacy, prison reform, grassroots activism, and more. 

First-hand stories about activism, change, and courage from people who are changing the world: from how a teen mom became the Planned Parenthood CEO, to NBA player Kevin Love on mental health in professional sports, to Beetlejuice actress Geena Davis on Hollywood’s role in women’s rights. 

All About Change is hosted by Jay Ruderman, whose life’s work is seeking social justice and inclusion for people with disabilities worldwide. Join Jay as he interviews iconic guests who have gone through adversity and harnessed their experiences to better the world. This show ultimately offers the message of hope that we need to keep going. All About Change is a production of the Ruderman Family Foundation. 

Listen and subscribe to All About Change wherever you get podcasts. www.allaboutchange.com

Please fill out the Listener Feedback Form - Linked Here

How do we build an inclusive world? Hear intimate and in-depth conversations with changemakers on disability rights, youth mental health advocacy, prison reform, grassroots activism, and more. 
First-hand stories about activism, change, and courage from people who are changing the world: from how a teen mom became the Planned Parenthood CEO, to NBA player Kevin Love on mental health in professional sports, to Beetlejuice actress Geena Davis on Hollywood’s role in women’s rights. 
All About Change is hosted by Jay Ruderman, whose life’s work is seeking social justice and inclusion for people with disabilities worldwide. Join Jay as he interviews iconic guests who have gone through adversity and harnessed their experiences to better the world. This show ultimately offers the message of hope that we need to keep going. All About Change is a production of the Ruderman Family Foundation. 
Listen and subscribe to All About Change wherever you get podcasts. <a href="http://www.allaboutchange.com">www.allaboutchange.com</a>
Please fill out the Listener Feedback Form - <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16OwpWj2C4L0bK_MxtFyzZIoFzKPlI62qVY4aS6t2ByU/viewform?edit_requested=true">Linked Here</a>

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