PODCAST · society
How I Library
by American Library Association
The American Library Association (ALA) is proud to present the podcast, “How I Library.” Hosted by ALA Communications Manager Phil Morehart, this monthly series features authors, filmmakers, musicians, scholars, thought leaders, and, of course, librarians discussing the importance of libraries, their favorite library memories, and issues facing the library world. Along the way, they’ll share thoughts about their work, what inspires them, and so much more. The podcast is an extension of the #HowILibrary campaign that ALA launched last fall that asked authors “how they library”: what the library means to them, how they use and have used the library, and how the library has impacted their lives.
Episodes
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Episode 36: Dr. Betty Turock
In this special episode commemorating the 150th anniversary of the American Library Association (ALA), which was founded on October 6, 1876, Phil Morehart from ALA and I Love Libraries speaks with one of the key figures in the history of the Association and librarianship, Dr. Betty Turock.…
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Episode 35: John Carpenter and Sandy King
In episode 35 of the “How I Library” podcast, show host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with husband-and-wife team of filmmaker John Carpenter and comic book publisher Sandy King about their award-winning publishing company Storm King Comics. John Carpenter is the...
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Episode 34: Min Jin Lee
In episode 34, show host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with author Min Jin Lee about her new book, “American Hagwon.” Lee is the author of the novels “Free Food for Millionaires” and “Pachinko,” which was a finalist for the National Book Award and named by the New…
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Episode 33: Daniel Kraus
In episode 33, show host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with author Daniel Kraus about his latest book, “Partially Devoured: How ‘Night of the Living Dead’ Saved My Life and Changed the World.” Filmmaker George A Romero’s 1968 horror masterpiece, “Night of the Living...
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Episode 32: Historian Wayne Wiegand on ALA and Library History
In this special episode of How I Library, show host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association (ALA) speaks with library historian and author Wayne Wiegand about the beginnings of ALA as the Association celebrates its 150th anniversary. In 1876, 103 librarians gathered in Philadelphia to...
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Episode 31: Roddy Bottum
In episode 31, show host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with musician and author Roddy Bottum from the band Faith No More about his recent memoir, “The Royal We.” As cofounder and keyboard player for Faith No More, Roddy was center stage for a music revolution that...
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Episode 30: Jon King
In episode 30, show host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with musician and author Jon King from the legendary post-punk band Gang of Four about his new memoir, “To Hell with Poverty! A Class Act: Inside the Gang of Four.” Gang of Four burst out of England in the years...
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Episode 29: Thien Ho
In episode 29, host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with Thien Ho, the district attorney of Sacramento County, California, whose new book, “The People vs. the Golden State Killer,” documents the hunt for and prosecution of serial killer Joseph DeAngelo, aka the Golden...
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Episode 28: Brian Baker
In episode 28, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with musician Brian Baker from legendary punk bands Minor Threat, Bad Religion, and more about his new book of photography, “The Road” (Akashic Books, 2025). As the bassist and guitar player for Minor Threat in the 1980s,...
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Episode 27: Kyle Edwards and Angeline Boulley
In episode 27, show host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with two writers who capture unique aspects of the Indigenous American experience in their work: Kyle Edwards and Angeline Boulley. Kyle Edwards is an award-winning Anishinaabe journalist and writer from the Lake...
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Episode 26: Grace Lin
In episode 26, show host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with author and illustrator Grace Lin. Grace is the award-winning creator of scores of beloved books for kids, including the National Book Award finalist, "When the Sea Turned to Silver;" the Newbery Honor title,...
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Episode 25: Jerry Drake
In this special Halloween episode, show host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with Jerry Drake, author of “Hazel Was a Good Girl: Solving the Murder That Inspired Twin Peaks.” In the summer of 1908 near Troy, New York, the body of a young woman was found in a pond in a...
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Episode 24: Joe Hill
In episode 24, 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 is the bestselling author of the novels "The Fireman," "NOS4A2," "Horns," "Heart-Shaped Box," "Strange Weather,” and...
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Episode 23: George Takei
In episode 23 of the “How I Library” podcast, host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with actor and modern-day icon—and honorary chair of Banned Books Week 2025—George Takei. Takei is the author of the new graphic novel, “It Rhymes with Takei,” the follow-up to his 2019...
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Episode 22: David Duchovny
In episode 22 of the “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with actor, writer, and musician David Duchovny. With an acting career that stretches more than three decades, Duchovny is best known for playing FBI agent Fox Mulder on the TV series “The...
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Episode 21: Brian Selznick
In episode 21 of the “How I Library” podcast, host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with writer and artist Brian Selznick. Selznick is the author and illustrator of multiple books for young readers, including “The Invention of Hugo Cabret,” which won the Caldecott Medal...
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Episode 20: Penn Jillette
In episode 20, Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with magician, actor, and author Penn Jillette. As part of the Emmy Award-winning duo, Penn and Teller, Jillette has wowed audiences worldwide with his unique blend of magic and comedy. With Teller, he hosted the…
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Episode 19: Nick Brooks
In episode 19, Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with Nick Brooks. Brooks is the critically acclaimed author of the award-winning young adult (Y.A.) thriller, "Promise Boys,” a filmmaker, and a musician from Washington, D.C. His new book, "Up In Smoke," is another...
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Episode 18: Mariam Zahra and Aruja Misra
In episode 18, show host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with Marium Zahra and Aruja Misra, two high school students from El Paso, Texas, who are participants in “On Our Minds,” an award-winning podcast series from PBS News Student Reporting Labs about the teenage...
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Episode 17: Dawn Logsdon and Lucie Faulknor
In episode 17, show host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with filmmakers Dawn Logsdon and Lucie Faulknor about their new documentary, “Free for All: The Public Library,” which premieres April 29 on PBS’s Independent Lens. “Free for All: The Public Library” is a love...
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Episode 16: Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud
In episode 16, show host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with comic book artists—and honorary co-chairs of National Library Week—Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud. Telgemeier is the New York Times-bestselling, Eisner Award–winning creator of the autobiographical…
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Episode 15: Eric Rogers
In episode 15, show host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with television, film, and podcast writer Eric Rogers, whose credits include “Futurama,” “NYPD Blue,” “Skylanders Academy,” “Polly Pocket,” “Teen Titans Go!,” and more. He is currently the creator, executive...
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Episode 14: Vicky Jenson, Glenn Slater, Alan Menken
In episode 14 of the How I Library podcast, show host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with Vicky Jenson, Glenn Slater, and Alan Menken, the director, lyricist, and composer, respectively, of the animated musical, "Spellbound." Jenson, Slater, and Menken are behind some…
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Episode 13: Raj Tawney
In episode 13, show host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association and I Love Libraries speaks with author Raj Tawney. Tawney is a writer and journalist whose work largely reflects his mixed-race upbringing. He has explored his identity through personal essays in The New York Times, the...
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Episode 12: David Dastmalchian
For this special Halloween episode, show host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with actor, writer, and producer David Dastmalchian. Dastmalchian is one of the most prolific and recognizable actors working today, especially in the horror, sci-fi, and superhero genres, who...
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Episode 11: Daniel Kraus
In episode 11, show host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with New York Times-bestselling author Daniel Kraus. Kraus is one of the most acclaimed and prolific writers of terrifying fiction working today. His books include "Whalefall," "The Shape of Water" with filmmaker...
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Episode 10: Beth Ferry
In this special Banned Books Week episode of "How I Library," Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with New York Times-bestselling writer Beth Ferry. Ferry is the author of numerous books for young readers, including the recently released "Roar for Reading," a picture book...
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Episode Nine: Max Greenfield
In episode nine of “How I Library,” host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with actor and writer Max Greenfield. Greenfield’s acting credits include the Fox sitcom “New Girl,” for which he received nominations at the Primetime Emmy Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, and the...
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Episode Eight: Lil Rel Howery
In episode eight of “How I Library,” host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with actor and comedian Lil Rel Howery. Howery has appeared in films such as “Get Out,” “Free Guy,” and “Judas and the Black Messiah,” and in the TV shows “The Carmichael Show,” Rel,” and…
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Episode Seven: John and Anni Furniss
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…
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Episode Six: Paula Poundstone
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,”…
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Episode Five: Ethan And Maya Hawke
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,...
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How I Library episode four: Jason Reynolds
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...
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How I Library episode three: Linda Sue Park and Kate DiCamillo
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,...
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How I Library episode two: Jesús Trejo
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...
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How I Library episode one: Meg Medina
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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The American Library Association (ALA) is proud to present the podcast, “How I Library.” Hosted by ALA Communications Manager Phil Morehart, this monthly series features authors, filmmakers, musicians, scholars, thought leaders, and, of course, librarians discussing the importance of libraries, their favorite library memories, and issues facing the library world. Along the way, they’ll share thoughts about their work, what inspires them, and so much more. The podcast is an extension of the #HowILibrary campaign that ALA launched last fall that asked authors “how they library”: what the library means to them, how they use and have used the library, and how the library has impacted their lives.
HOSTED BY
American Library Association
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does How I Library have?
How I Library currently has 36 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is How I Library about?
The American Library Association (ALA) is proud to present the podcast, “How I Library.” Hosted by ALA Communications Manager Phil Morehart, this monthly series features authors, filmmakers, musicians, scholars, thought leaders, and, of course, librarians discussing the importance of libraries,...
How often does How I Library release new episodes?
How I Library has 36 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to How I Library?
You can listen to How I Library on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts How I Library?
How I Library is created and hosted by American Library Association.
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