Banned Books Week is coming up Oct. 5-11, and the library is kicking things off on Oct. 2 with an author night featuring Amanda Jones.
Jones’ book, “That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America,” is the story of how she found herself at the center of a vicious defamation campaign after speaking out against book censorship in libraries.
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Jones, a Livingston Parish school librarian, was doxed and harassed after speaking up against book banning during a 2022 public hearing at the Livingston Parish Public Library.
She also has faced death threats.
“That Librarian” draws the battle lines in the war against equity and inclusion.
Jones’ author talk starts at 5:30 p.m. at Norman Mayer Library, 3001 Gentilly Blvd., and will be facilitated by Megan Holt, the executive director for One Book One New Orleans and the Words & Music Literary Festival.
LATIN INSPIRATION: Smithsonian educators Adrián Aldaba and Emily Key will visit the New Orleans Public Library via Zoom on Oct. 2 to discuss the book “Nuestra América: Stories of Inspiring Latinas/Latinos.”
The stories in “Nuestra América” cover each person’s cultural background and childhood, and their accomplishments or contributions to American history. A glossary of terms and a reading guide with discussion question, created by the National Museum of the American Latino, encourages further research and exploration.
Aldaba is the national programs manager for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino. is the assistant director of Learning and Public Engagement at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino.
Visit nolalibrary.co/nuestra-america to register and submit your questions for the authors.
WRITING POETRY: Local poet and educator Brad Richard will lead a poetry workshop called “Surprise! Jump-Starting Your Writing,” Oct. 3 at Latter Library, 5120 St Charles Ave.
Starting at 11 a.m., this two-hour workshop will help attendees get started writing or refresh their writing practices with activities designed to encourage imagination and make you think in new ways.
The workshop’s focus will be on poetry, but participants are invited to bring the playful but serious spirit of this class to any writing project.