Amanda Jones, an international voice on intellectual freedom and the professional values of librarians, delivered a keynote speech at our Annual Seminar today. 

She joined a programme titled Building Belonging: the values that shape our libraries, which brought together library leaders, policymakers and partners from across the UK. This year’s Seminar placed a particular focus on the judgement, ethics and expertise that underpin public library services. 

An American school librarian, author and grassroots organiser based in Louisiana, Jones is known for her work supporting intellectual freedom and defending access to information. Her experience is featured in the award‑winning documentary The Librarians, directed by Academy Award nominee Kim A Snyder and executive produced by Sarah Jessica Parker. Jones is also the author of That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America and was named one of the world’s most influential rising stars in the Time100 Next list. 

Jones told delegates that libraries in the US have increasingly become sites of conflict, with campaigns to remove books and librarians facing personal attacks for defending intellectual freedom. She emphasised that the right to access and share ideas from all viewpoints is fundamental to democracy, and urged librarians to use their expertise, work together and defend access to information. 

Jones also took part in a panel discussion chaired by Libraries Connected Chief Executive Isobel Hunter, bringing Jones into direct conversation with senior UK library leaders and researchers. 

Her appearance comes at a time when UK library services are seeing an increase in challenges to decisions on collections and programming. A recent Libraries Connected survey found that 40% of library services had received a public complaint in the past 12 months about stocking a specific book or hosting an event.

In the UK, public libraries operate within a clear legal and ethical framework that protects free expression and access to information, meaning decisions to remove or restrict material must be grounded in law rather than political or personal pressure. Libraries Connected is supporting members and local authorities to apply this framework with confidence and make fair, lawful decisions about access to content. 

Amanda Jones said: 

“A shared commitment to intellectual freedom and professional judgment unites library leaders across the globe. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to engage with colleagues in the United Kingdom as we discuss the values that shape our institutions and work together to support the freedom to read.” 

Isobel Hunter MBE, Chief Executive of Libraries Connected, said: 

“Libraries exist so people can explore ideas, ask questions and learn about the world around them. That depends on skilled, experienced librarians using their judgement to build collections and services that reflect the needs of their communities. Amanda Jones brings an important international perspective on why those professional values matter, and we were delighted to welcome her to our Annual Seminar.”