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Welcome back to Bookish Flights, where we tell our stories through the books that shape us. Today’s episode is a celebration of libraries and the magic that happens inside them. I’m joined by Gigi Howard — librarian of 15 years and host of Drinks in the Library, the only library where drinks aren’t just allowed, they’re required.

We talk about her librarian heart, the unwritten (and very real) rules of librarianship, and why protecting a reader’s experience matters so deeply. Gigi shares what it’s really like working in a library, why she started her podcast, and how books can meet us exactly where we are.

Whether you’re a lifelong library lover or someone trying to find your way back to reading, this conversation is a reminder that there truly is a book for everyone.

So grab your library card — or your favorite drink — and let’s dive in.

Episode Highlights:

• What 15 years in libraries has taught Gigi about readers
• The “rules” of librarianship (and why they matter)
• The brilliance of graphic novels and raising kids who love books and stories
• The question every librarian asks to find the right book
• How Drinks in the Library came to life
• Why diminishing a reader’s experience does more harm than good
• A full Xochitl Gonzalez book flight

Connect with Gigi:

• Instagram
• Drinks in the Library Podcast
• Substack

Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.

Books and authors mentioned in the episode:

• Gingko Season by Naomi Xu Elegant
• The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
• Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield
• Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
• On Beauty by Zadie Smith

Xochitl Gonzalez Book Flight

• Anita de Monte Laughs Last
• Olga Dies Dreaming
• Last Night in Brooklyn

✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.

Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap

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