Library-ish

Library-ish
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The Library-ish Podcast delves into libraries and librarianship, within the context of culture and community.

  1. 1D AGO

    The History of Black Reading Spaces | Library-ish Podcast

    Long before equal access to public libraries existed, Black communities created their own reading spaces—often in secret, often with great risk, and always with purpose. In this Black History Month episode of Library-ish, we explore the history of Black reading spaces and the powerful role reading has played in community, resistance, and survival. From literacy during enslavement to churches, homes, barbershops, salons, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities, we look at how reading spaces were created when access to books and libraries was denied. We want to be clear: we are not historians or subject-matter experts. We are librarians who believe deeply in access to information. This episode is meant to educate, to share what we’ve learned, and to help guide listeners toward trusted resources if they want to continue learning. This conversation is not exhaustive—it’s an invitation. 📚 Resources mentioned in this episode include: National Museum of African American History and CultureThe Schomburg Center for Research in Black CultureLibrary of Congress African American history collectionsHBCU libraries and archivesYour local public library ## 📚 Sources used & Further Reading * Advertising Week. *Black Barbershops and Salons: The Custodians of Culture.* (https://advertisingweek.com/black-barbershops-and-salons-the-custodians-of-culture/) * African American Intellectual History Society (AAIHS). *Rethinking Early Slave Literacy.* [https://www.aaihs.org/rethinking-early-slave-literacy/](https://www.aaihs.org/rethinking-early-slave-literacy/) * Duke University Libraries. *Slave Letters Collection Guide.* (https://library.duke.edu/rubenstein/research/guides/slaveletters) * Duke University Press. *Forgotten Readers.* (https://www.dukeupress.edu/Forgotten-Readers) * JSTOR Daily. *Freedom Libraries and the Fight for Library Equity.* (https://daily.jstor.org/freedom-libraries-and-the-fight-for-library-equity/) * Library of Congress (Teaching with Primary Sources). *Education in Enslaved Communities.* (Aug. 2022) (https://blogs.loc.gov/teachers/2022/08/education-in-enslaved-communities/) * National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6934089/](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6934089/) * Oakland Literacy Coalition. *Literacy by Any Means Necessary: The History of Anti-Literacy Laws in the U.S.* (https://oaklandliteracycoalition.org/literacy-by-any-means-necessary-the-history-of-anti-literacy-laws-in-the-u-s/) * Picturing Black History. *Learning in Secret Places.* (https://picturingblackhistory.org/learning-in-secret-places/) * Princeton University (Steven A. Knowlton). *Rapidly Escalating Demand…* (PDF) (https://steven-knowlton.scholar.princeton.edu/sites/g/files/toruqf3746/files/steven.a.knowlton/files/rapidlyescalatingdemand.pdf) * Public Discourse. *Article 84434.* (2022) (https://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2022/09/84434/) * Reading Partners. *Literacy: Path to Freedom and the Cost of Illiteracy.* (https://readingpartners.org/blog/literacy-path-to-freedom-illiteracy/) * Wikipedia. *Anti-Literacy Laws in the United States.* (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-literacy_laws_in_the_United_States) * Wikipedia. *Third Place.* (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_place) If you’d like help finding books, primary sources, or databases on this topic, your library is a great place to start. 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations about libraries, books, and the role libraries play in preserving history and building community. The Library-ish Podcast delves into libraries & librarianship within the context of culture and community. Library-ish podcast:⁠ https://www.buttecounty.net/2085/Library-ish-the-Butte-County-Library-Pod⁠ Butte County Public Library website: ⁠https://www.buttecounty.net/528/Library⁠ Our programming calendar: ⁠https://buttecounty.librarycalendar.com/events/month

    30 min

  2. FEB 22

    Galentine’s Day Reads | Unconventional Romance Books | Library-ish Podcast

    Valentine’s Day isn’t for everyone—and neither are traditional romance stories.In this Galentine’s Day episode of Library-ish, we’re talking about unconventional romances: books where love looks like friendship, found family, queer joy, self-discovery, or quiet connection instead of a standard happily-ever-after.From cozy fantasy and BookTok favorites to literary fiction and genre-blending love stories, we’re sharing recommendations for readers who want something a little different this February.Whether you love romance, avoid it entirely, or fall somewhere in between—there’s a book here for you.📚 Topics include:Friendship as the central love storyQueer and nontraditional romancesCozy and comforting readsLove stories where romance isn’t the end goalLooking for personalized recommendations? Your local library is always a great place to start.🎧 Subscribe for more bookish conversations from Library-ish.The Library-ish Podcast delves into libraries & librarianship within the context of culture and community. Library-ish podcast:⁠https://www.buttecounty.net/2085/Library-ish-the-Butte-County-Library-Pod⁠Butte County Public Library website: ⁠https://www.buttecounty.net/528/Library⁠Our programming calendar: ⁠https://buttecounty.librarycalendar.com/events/month

    29 min

  3. JAN 27

    Not Just Books! 10 Cool Ways to Use Your Library Card You May Be Missing Out On

    Think your library card is just for checking out books? Think again. In this episode of Library-ish, we’re sharing 10 cool ways to use your library card you may be missing out on — from digital resources to in-person services that can save you time, money, and effort. Libraries offer far more than most people realize, and your library card unlocks access to tools, entertainment, learning opportunities, and community resources you might not even know exist. If you’ve ever said, “Wait… the library does that?” — this episode is for you. 📚 Learn how to get more value out of your library card 🎧 Discover services beyond books 🏛️ See why libraries are one of the best free resources in your community 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you learned something new! The Library-ish Podcast delves into libraries & librarianship within the context of culture and community. Library-ish podcast:⁠ https://www.buttecounty.net/2085/Library-ish-the-Butte-County-Library-Pod⁠ Butte County Public Library website: ⁠https://www.buttecounty.net/528/Library⁠ Our programming calendar: ⁠https://buttecounty.librarycalendar.com/events/month

    47 min

  4. JAN 10

    Butte County’s Favorites 2025 — The Books You Couldn’t Put Down

    What were the books Butte County readers checked out again and again in 2025? In this episode of Library-ish, we’re taking a look at the most popular titles borrowed from the Butte County Library — the books that flew off the shelves, racked up holds, and became true community favorites.We’ll talk about the reading trends that shaped the year and what these top checkouts say about what our community loves to read. Then, at the end of the episode, we’ll shift our focus to the year ahead and share the books we’re personally most excited to read in 2026 — from fiction to nonfiction and everything in between.Whether you’re looking for your next great read, curious about what your neighbors loved this past year, or already building your reading list for the new year, this episode is a great place to start.The Library-ish Podcast delves into libraries & librarianship within the context of culture and community. Library-ish podcast: https://www.buttecounty.net/2085/Library-ish-the-Butte-County-Library-Pod Butte County Public Library website: https://www.buttecounty.net/528/Library Our programming calendar: https://buttecounty.librarycalendar.com/events/month

    36 min

  5. 12/13/2025

    Winter Bookish Traditions Around the World

    Settle in with Traci and January for a cozy literary journey around the world as we explore real winter reading traditions that make this season perfect for stories, candles, and long nights with a good book. In this episode, we travel through: 🕯️ Sweden’s mysiga stunder — the art of creating “cozy moments,” where winter reading becomes a slow, intentional ritual surrounded by warmth, candles, and comfort. 📚 Iceland’s Jólabókaflóð — the beloved “Christmas Book Flood,” when families exchange books on December 24 and spend the night reading with cocoa or jólaöl. 🌙 Iran’s Yalda Night — the ancient winter solstice celebration marked by poetry recitation, especially Hafez, as families gather to welcome the longest night with stories and light. 🎄 Germany’s Advent Reading Nights — including chapter-a-day Advent books and Adventslesungen hosted in libraries and homes throughout December. 📖 Japan’s fuyu no dokusho — the nationwide “winter reading season,” supported by seasonal book lists, school reading weeks, and library programs. 🍃 Scotland’s Winter Storytelling Tradition — rooted in Celtic folklore, long nights, and oral storytelling gatherings that continue today through community events and library programs. Plus: a look at why winter becomes the natural global reading season — psychologically, culturally, and historically. Grab a warm drink, wrap up in a blanket, and join us for a tour of winter bookish traditions from across the world. The Library-ish Podcast delves into libraries & librarianship within the context of culture and community. Library-ish podcast: ⁠https://www.buttecounty.net/2085/Library-ish-the-Butte-County-Library-Pod⁠ Butte County Public Library website: ⁠https://www.buttecounty.net/528/Library⁠ Our programming calendar: ⁠https://buttecounty.librarycalendar.com/events/month

    37 min

  6. 11/07/2025

    All We Want for Christmas Is... Books!

    Join Traci & January for a cozy holiday episode of Library-ish as they unwrap Butte County’s most-checked-out titles of 2025, share their personal favorites, and recommend their most anticipated new and upcoming books to give (or keep!) this season. 📚 Borrow these & many more titles for free through your local library — or find them on Libby & Hoopla! 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. The Library-ish Podcast delves into libraries & librarianship within the context of culture and community.   Library-ish podcast:⁠https://www.buttecounty.net/2085/Library-ish-the-Butte-County-Library-Pod⁠ Butte County Public Library website: ⁠https://www.buttecounty.net/528/Library⁠ Our programming calendar: ⁠https://buttecounty.librarycalendar.com/events/month #LibraryishPodcast #ButteCountyLibrary #HolidayReads #BookGifts #ChristmasReads #BookRecommendations #LibbyApp #HooplaDigital #ReadersOfInstagram

    37 min

  7. 10/25/2025

    Cursed Ink: The Legends Behind History’s Most Haunted Books

    Some books tell stories. Others keep secrets. 📖💀 In this Halloween episode of Library-ish, Traci and January open the covers of history’s most haunted and forbidden works — from the unreadable Voynich Manuscript and the chilling Devil’s Bible, to the Malleus Maleficarum, the Piri Reis Map, the legendary Necronomicon, and even Shakespeare’s Macbeth — the cursed Scottish Play that still haunts stages today. Are they cursed, misunderstood, or simply too powerful to ignore? Find out in Cursed Ink: The Legends Behind History’s Most Haunted Books. The Library-ish Podcast delves into libraries & librarianship within the context of culture and community.   Library-ish podcast:https://www.buttecounty.net/2085/Library-ish-the-Butte-County-Library-Pod Butte County Public Library website: https://www.buttecounty.net/528/Library  Our programming calendar: https://buttecounty.librarycalendar.com/events/month

    35 min

  8. 10/11/2025

    Wait…That Book Was Banned?!

    Did you know Charlotte’s Web was once challenged for its talking animals? Or that Where’s Waldo? was banned because of a single background image? In this episode of Library-ish, Traci and January dive into thesurprising history of banned books. We share unusual stories behind some of the most unexpected titles, explain why challenges happen, and highlight how libraries safeguard intellectual freedom for everyone. Join us as we take the mystery out of banned books and explore why access to stories—no matter how unusual the challenge—matters to every community. The Library-ish Podcast delves into libraries & librarianship within the context of culture and community.   Library-ish podcast:https://www.buttecounty.net/2085/Library-ish-the-Butte-County-Library-Pod  Butte County Public Library website: https://www.buttecounty.net/528/Library Our programming calendar: https://buttecounty.librarycalendar.com/events/month Library policies: https://www.buttecounty.net/694/Library-Policies

    47 min
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About

The Library-ish Podcast delves into libraries and librarianship, within the context of culture and community.

Information

  • Creator
    Library-ish
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Library-ish
  • Show Website
    Library-ish