Amanda Sand Vazquez

About

Amanda Sand Vazquez is an expert in library material challenges and promoting intellectual freedom in libraries of all types.

Now a library consultant, Amanda works with libraries to train staff and boards in intellectual freedom issues. She also reviews policy and governance models. More about her consulting services can be found at www.libraryleverage.com.

As Chair of the Iowa Library Association’s Intellectual Freedom Committee, Amanda provided direct support to library workers facing challenges to books, programs, and other library resources. She is a skilled presenter on topics related to intellectual freedom and preparing for and responding to challenges.

Amanda served as ALA Chapter Councilor for Iowa and as a member of the Iowa Library Association Executive Board. She is an active member and past-Chair of ALA’s Intellectual Freedom Round Table. Amanda is a passionate advocate for intellectual freedom and is dedicated to helping libraries and educational institutions navigate the complex challenges that come with promoting and defending free speech rights.

Quoted

• American Libraries | How We Fight Back (2023)
• Library Journal | Resistance Support Editorial (2023)
• Library Journal | People Get Ready: Preparing for Challenges | Censorship (2023)
• Library Journal | Public Libraries Face Escalating Book Challenges (2022)
• Iowa Public Radio | Iowa Library Association’s intellectual freedom committee encourages libraries to defend diverse books (2021)
• Iowa Starting Line | The Problem With Jake Chapman’s ‘Obscenity’ Claim (2021)
• Des Moines Register | Drive to ban library books with LGBTQ content erupts in Orange City (2018)
• Library Journal | Orange City Public Library Pressured to Label, Segregate LGBTQ Material (2018)
• The Hill | Iowa library flooded with donations after man burns LGBTQ children’s books on camera (2018)

• “Be Prepared: Program Challenges at Your Public Library” — LibLearnX 2024
  • Story by American Libraries Magazine
• “Proactive Governance: How to Prepare for and Handle Problems in Your Board Meetings” – Library Journal 2023
  • Slides
• “Building a Practical Toolkit for Censorship and Challenges at Your Public Library” – LibLearnX 2023
  • Story by American Libraries Magazine
• “Preparing for Program Challenges at Your Public Library” – Programming Librarian 2023
  • Recording, Slides, & Handout 
• “Book Challenges and Intellectual Freedom: Proactive Planning for Public Libraries” – Webjunction 2022
  • Recording, Slides, and Resources 
• “Privacy in Practice” – Iowa Library Association Conference 2021
  • Session Description p. 13
• “The Unhappy Patron: A Choose Your Option Intellectual Freedom Story Game” – Iowa Library Association Conference 2021
  • Session Description p. 7
• “Frosty Windows, Frosty Mirrors: Representation, Labeling, Discoverability, and the Chilling Effect” — Intellectual Freedom Round Table 2021
  • Recording

I’m available for speaking engagements.