Borrowed & Returned

Online search engines are basically universal, so questions at the library reference desk are changing. We follow the story of one question, “I want to know how I can be happy,” and learn about how libraries are keeping up with the needs of the community.

Read the transcript and check out our book list here: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/podcasts/across-reference-desk 

“A truly great library contains something in it to offend everyone.” So goes the quote from librarian Jo Godwin. From Dr. Seuss to kosher books to Drag Queen Story Hour, this episode will explore what it means to challenge censorship, and what happens when patrons disagree with content in the library.

Read the transcript and check out our book list here: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/podcasts/something-offend-everyone 

Preserving history is about more than battling mold and disintegration. We took a trip to Greenpoint, Brooklyn to learn about how an environmental disaster propelled residents into action, and how the public library is archiving the neighborhood’s past and present.

Read the transcript and check out our book list here: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/podcasts/oil-spills-and-moldy 

Books on conveyor belts, book vacuums and books in the mail. This episode of “Borrowed” will take you behind the scenes to see how books travel around the boroughs, from Long Island City to Bensonhurst to your bedside table.

Read the transcript and check out our book list here: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/podcasts/books-are-not-dead 

Brooklyn has so many stories to tell, and a lot of them start at the library. Every other week, “Borrowed” brings you stories that start here and take you somewhere new. Brought to you by Brooklyn Public Library. Our first episode launches March 12.