How I Library

In episode seven of the “How I Library” podcast, host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with artists and authors John and Anni Furniss.

John and Anni Furniss are a married couple who live and create art from their home in Washington. John has been an accomplished woodworker for almost 20 years—he is also completely blind. A suicide survivor, John is passionate about sharing his story to help others. Anni is a mixed-media artist with a hypermobility condition who spreads awareness about using art to help with mental and physical challenges. Together, they have created an online community dedicated to mental health awareness, disability advocacy, and art with more than two million followers.

In their book, "The Blind Woodsman” (Fox Chapel Publishing, 2024), John and Anni detail how they found each other and built a life and art practice together while navigating personal struggles and newfound fame.

Morehart spoke with the Furnisses about their book, their art, their advocacy, and of course, how they library.

In episode six of “How I Library," host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with comedian Paula Poundstone.

Poundstone is an iconic standup comic, a panelist on NPR’s news quiz show, “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me,” the host of the podcast, “Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone,” and an actor in numerous TV shows and films. She’s also a longtime supporter of libraries.

Morehart spoke with Poundstone about her wide-ranging career and interests—everything from information literacy and comedy to book bans and “The Twilight Zone.”  And, of course, how she libraries.

In episode five of “How I Library,” host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with Ethan and Maya Hawke about “Wildcat,” their new film about author Flannery O’Connor.

Directed by Ethan Hawke and starring his daughter, Maya, ”Wildcat” is a snapshot in the life of O’Connor, following the writer in her early twenties when she left New York City and returned home to Milledgeville, Georgia, after being diagnosed with lupus. It was a return that would forever shape her life, her writing, her faith, and more. The film intersperses depictions of O’Connor’s life with dramatizations of her writings, with Maya taking on multiple roles as she plays characters from O’Connor’s work.

Morehart speaks with the Hawkes about bringing O’Connor to the big screen, as well as their thoughts on book bans and censorship, their book recommendations, and, of course, how they library.

In episode four of How I Library, Phil Morehart from the American Library Association (ALA) speaks with #1 New York Times-bestselling author Jason Reynolds. Reynolds is one of the most acclaimed writers of young adult literature in the world. The recipient of a Newbery Honor, a Printz Honor, an NAACP Image Award, and multiple Coretta Scott King honors, he is the author of a slew of books, including “Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks,” “All American Boys” (with Brendan Kiely), “Long Way Down,” “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You” (with Ibram X. Kendi), Stuntboy, in the Meantime,” “Stuntboy, “In-Between Time,” and “Ain’t Burned All the Bright,” as well as books in the Mile Morales Spider-Man franchise for Marvel Entertainment.

Reynolds spoke with Morehart about writing for young readers, the fun and challenges of working in the superhero world, book bans, library memories, music, and more.

In episode three of How I Library, host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with two Newbery Medal-winning authors: Linda Sue Park (A Single Shard) and Kate DiCamillo (The Tale of Despereaux, Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures). They discuss their latest books, writing for kids, book bans, their favorite library memories, and much more.

In episode two of "How I Library," host Phil Morehart speaks with comedian, actor, and author Jesús Trejo. They discuss Trejo's award-winning children's book, "Papá’s Magical Water-Jug Clock" and his upcoming book, "Mamá’s Magnificent Dancing Plantitas," his comedy inspirations and favorite taco spots, book bans, and, of course, his love of libraries.

In the first episode of "How I Library," host Phil Morehart speaks with Meg Medina, author of “Merci Suárez Changes Gears,” “Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away,” “Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass,” and many more acclaimed books. She’s also the 2023-2023 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. They discuss the recent graphic novelization of her classic book, “Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass,” Medina’s thoughts on being the author of a banned book and the impact of book bans, her favorite library memories, and more.