Finding Community at a Book Festival
Author Raj Tawney (“Colorful Palate: A Flavorful Journey Through a Mixed American Experience,” “All Mixed Up”) finds new friends and community amongst his peers at the 2025 Louisiana Book Festival in Baton Rouge.
Author Raj Tawney (“Colorful Palate: A Flavorful Journey Through a Mixed American Experience,” “All Mixed Up”) finds new friends and community amongst his peers at the 2025 Louisiana Book Festival in Baton Rouge.
In episode 24 of the “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with one of today’s leading creators of scary literature, author Joe Hill—just in time for Halloween! Hill joins the show to discuss his first novel in nine years, the scary epic “King Sorrow.”
In episode 23 of the “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with actor, activist, and modern-day icon—and honorary chair of Banned Books Week 2025—George Takei about his new graphic novel, “It Rhymes with Takei,” his life and career, and, of course, how he libraries.
Stephen King is many things: bestselling author, screenwriter, musician, actor. And now he can add “most banned author in U.S. schools” to his resume based on new data released this month.
Grace Lin, the lauded author and illustrator—and winner of a Newbery Honor, a Caldecott Honor, and a Children’s Literature Legacy Award—thinks libraries are places of wonder and magic for people of all ages. That’s why she proudly supports the American Library Association.
In episode 21 of the “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with award-winning author and illustrator Brian Selznick (“The Invention of Hugo Cabret,” “Wonderstruck”). Selznick joins the show to discuss his new YA novel, “Run Away with Me,” the importance of creating stories that depict the LGBTQ+ experience, book repair, Italian art and architecture, and, of course, how he libraries.
Oscar-winning actor and lifelong advocate for equity and education, Geena Davis believes libraries are magical spaces—full of discovery, imagination, and opportunity for all. That’s why she proudly supports the American Library Association. Join Geena in standing up for libraries and the freedom to read.
In episode 20 of the “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with magician, actor, and author Penn Jillette from the Emmy Award-winning magic and comedy duo, Penn and Teller. Jillette joins the show to discuss his new novel, “Felony Juggler,” and its influences, magic and skepticism, the importance of libraries in his life growing up, book bans and information access, and of course, how he libraries.
MSNBC’s Ali Velshi sat down with author Max Brooks recently to learn why Brooks’ book “World War Z” has been banned and to break down its message, exploring why it inspires fear not just in the reader, but also in those in power.
In a special video message for ALA, author Judy Blume—whose work has been subjected to numerous challenges and bans across the country—encourages everyone to unite against book bans.