79 episodes

BPL's new podcast series Borrowed and Banned tells the story of America's ideological war with its bookshelves. In seven episodes, we'll talk with students on the frontlines, librarians and teachers whose livelihoods are endangered when they speak up, and writers whose books have become political battleground.

Borrowed Brooklyn Public Library

    • Arts
    • 4.9 • 138 Ratings

BPL's new podcast series Borrowed and Banned tells the story of America's ideological war with its bookshelves. In seven episodes, we'll talk with students on the frontlines, librarians and teachers whose livelihoods are endangered when they speak up, and writers whose books have become political battleground.

    All for a Library Card

    All for a Library Card

    When a high school teacher in Norman, Oklahoma shared a QR code with her students that would grant them access to BPL’s digital collection, she took a stand against a restrictive state law. That act of resistance made her first day of school ... also her last. 
    Our call to action for this episode: Get a library card! Wherever you live, sign up for a library card in person or online. If you're between the ages of 13 and 21, you can apply to our free Books Unbanned e-library card. Plus, Seattle Public Library and Boston Public Library now also have Books Unbanned cards that you can apply to up to age 26. And, if you live anywhere in California, you can apply to LA County Library's Books Unbanned program if you are between the ages of 13 and 18.
    If you'd like, you can read a transcript of this episode. Borrowed and Banned is a production of Brooklyn Public Library and receives support from the Metropolitan New York Library Council’s Equity in Action Grant and Goat Rodeo.
    More resources:
    October 1 - 7 is Banned Books Week! There are lots of events you can attend in Brooklyn and across the country. On October 4th, join our social media campaign by posting a picture of yourself reading in public (a banned book, or any book) and tell everyone that you protect the #FreedomtoRead.  Read new reports from PEN America about book bans in schools, and the American Library Association's stats on bans in libraries across the country. Read some of the most frequently-challenged books (many of which will be featured on this podcast series)! Start your own movement by wearing BPL's Books Unbanned QR code on your T-shirt or hoodie (and support the library while doing it!) Sign up for our newsletter to get every episode delivered to your inbox. 

    • 27 min
    Introducing: Borrowed and Banned

    Introducing: Borrowed and Banned

    Last year, over 2,500 unique titles were challenged in libraries across the country. That’s the highest number in over 20 years. On Borrowed and Banned, we tell the story of America’s ideological war with its bookshelves by talking with the people most impacted: the students on the frontlines, the librarians and teachers whose livelihoods are endangered when they speak up, and the writers whose books have become political battleground. 
    Read the transcript and find resources: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/podcasts/introducing-borrowed-and

    • 3 min
    An Episode from Grown: Culture and Identity

    An Episode from Grown: Culture and Identity

    We’re doing something a little bit different today and sharing an episode from a totally different podcast we love … it’s called Grown, and it’s from the Moth.
     
    Grown is all about the experience of growing up. There's conversations, true stories told live, and young people grappling with big questions. Read more about Grown and subscribe at grownpod.com. We hope you enjoy!
     
    About the episode: "Natural hair. A culture festival. Middle school jerks. In this episode, we hear stories of culture, identity, and how the two intertwine. Oleeta Fogden gets her first period, and Katiana Ciceron talks about the time her pastor touched her hair. Then, Aleeza and Fonzo get an update from Katiana on how she feels about her story now. Hosted by: Aleeza Kazmi and Fonzo Lacayo. Storytellers: Oleeta Fogden and Katiana Cicero."

    • 29 min
    Jay-Z at the Library

    Jay-Z at the Library

    Over 14,000 patrons have signed up for their first library card since Jay-Z's exhibit came to Central Library in mid-July. We talk to Brooklynites traveling around the borough to collect all 13 Jay-Z library cards, and ask what The Book of HOV means to them. 
    Learn more about the exhibit and our signature library cards: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/podcasts/jay-z-library 

    • 7 min
    Pathways to Leadership

    Pathways to Leadership

    Kesha Powell and Amen Emile have been working at BPL for over 20 years in various roles, from public safety to circulation manager. Thanks to BPL's Pathways to Leadership program—a scholarship and mentorship initiative designed to diversify the field of librarianship—they will soon be fully-certified librarians. 
    Read the transcript and find further resources here: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/podcasts/pathways-leadership 

    • 13 min
    Meet Our (Almost) Six-Year-Old Librarian

    Meet Our (Almost) Six-Year-Old Librarian

    If you ask Hannah Jean what would be her greatest wish, she will say running Brooklyn Public Library. Last month, she got to do just that. 
    Read the transcript and check out our book list: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/podcasts/meet-our-almost-six-year 

    • 9 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
138 Ratings

138 Ratings

podcastfan13 ,

Great listen and go libraries!

Interesting stories and an important topic! Excited for more. :)

Stunt40LBS ,

Great pod!

Borrowed is one of thee best library pods out. Well produced and great stories that speak to listeners beyond NY.

Afuatina ,

This podcast is a treasure

I’m so glad I found it! It’s a wonder and blessing that libraries persist and endure and hopefully thrive. Librarians do so so so much. What would we do without them?

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