How I Library

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 State Killer. Thien was the lead prosecutor who led a team of law enforcement from six California prosecutor's offices in the hunt for DeAngelo. "The People vs. the Golden State Killer" is the first official account of how the Golden State Killer was apprehended and put behind bars for life. The book also details Thien’s fascinating personal journey—escaping communist Vietnam on a fishing boat as a child, working his way up from an internship to an elite homicide division, and eventually becoming Sacramento District Attorney. Thien joins the show to discuss his book and the Golden State Killer case, our collective fascination with true crime, his inspiring life story, and of course how he libraries.

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, then-teenage Brian helped create a new form of music—hardcore punk—that would influence the world. His legacy was furthered cemented in the years following Minor Threat’s breakup, which saw him playing in the bands Dag Nasty, Samhain, The Meatmen, Government Issue, Junkyard, and more before joining long-running punk stalwarts Bad Religion in 1994—a position he holds to this day. Brian’s musical bone fides are unquestionable, but he has another passion that is just now being recognized and celebrated: photography. Brian has been taking photographs on Bad Religion tours and personal travels for years, and the photos have been collected in the impressive new volume, “The Road.” Brian joins the show to discuss his photography, “The Road” and its impetus, the legacy of punk rock, book bans, and, of course, how he libraries.

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 Manitoba First Nation in Manitoba, Canada, and a member of the Ebb and Flow First Nation. He’s the managing editor at Native News Online, a Wallace Stegner Fellow at Stanford University, and a 2021 Nieman Visiting Fellow at Harvard University. Kyle’s debut novel, "Small Ceremonies," is a poignant coming-of-age story that follows a group of Native high school students from Winnipeg’s North End, a remote area at the border of Canada's eastern woodlands and central prairies. It’s a story of friendship, hope, fear, and struggle in the waning days of high school when the future is uncertain, scary and hopeful; a story of growing up forgotten, urban, poor, and Indigenous; and a story about hockey. Kyle joins the show to discuss “Small Ceremonies” and its influences, his work as a journalist, the importance of telling the stories of Indigenous peoples, and how he libraries. Angeline Boulley, an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, is a storyteller who writes about her Ojibwe community in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Her debut novel, "Firekeeper's Daughter" (2021), is a New York Times bestseller and recipient of many international accolades, including the ALA Printz and Morris Awards; the YA Goodreads Choice Award; and the Walter Award for Outstanding Children's Literature. It was also named one of the top 100 young adult novels of all time by Time magazine. Angeline’s new novel, "Sisters in the Wind," is a fascinating mystery about an Ojibwe teen who has been on the run since her father’s death and the dark secrets that arise when she finally stops to confront her past—one that’s found her a ward of the foster care system, unsure of her own identity, and literally fighting to survive against unknown actors. Angeline joins the show to discuss “Sisters in the Wind,” her research process, writing Indigenous American stories, book bans, and how she libraries.

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, "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon;" and the Caldecott Honor title, "A Big Mooncake for Little Star.” Grace’s work has earned her the American Library Association’s Children's Literature Legacy Award. She also hosts several podcasts devoted to children’s literature. Grace’s new book for young readers (and her first novel in nine years), "The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon," is based on Chinese folklore and follows a mythical stone lion cub who accidentally escapes from the realm of the spirits and his quest to return home and save his family. Grace joins the show to discuss her new book and its influences, her work as an illustrator, her podcasts, book bans, and of course, how she libraries.

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 secluded rural area outside of the city. Her name was Hazel Drew, and her unsolved murder has confounded investigators and the curious for more than 100 years. One of whom was TV writer Mark Frost, who together with filmmaker David Lynch, found inspiration in Drew’s case when they created the groundbreaking TV show “Twin Peaks,” which begins with the unsolved murder of a young woman found in a body of water. Drew’s murder has fascinated people, inspired local ghost stories, and birthed numerous investigations. One of those is documented in the book “Hazel Was a Good Girl: Solving the Murder That Inspired Twin Peaks” by author and cold case investigator Jerry Drake. Drake joins the show to discuss the book and his research, why Hazel Drew has kept a grip on us for more than 100 years, the ghost stories attached to the murder, and of course, how he libraries.

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 the acclaimed story collections, "Full Throttle" and "20th Century Ghosts." He is also the Eisner Award-winning writer of the seven-volume comic book series, "Locke & Key." Much of his work has been adapted for film and TV, as well, including “Locke & Key,” “In the Tall Grass,” and “The Black Phone.” Hill joins the show the discuss his first novel in nine years, “King Sorrow,” a sprawling, intercontinental tale of modern-world dangers, dark academia, and the unexpected consequences of revenge that follows six friends—one of whom works in a library—who dabble in the occult and are (unfortunately) successful when they call up an evil entity that demands human sacrifice in return for its services. He also gets into his favorite horror movies and novels, writing for comic books, seeing his work adapted by others, book bans, and, of course, how he libraries.

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 graphic novel, “They Called Us Enemy,” which details his childhood spent in a Japanese-American internment camp during WWII. “It Rhymes with Takei” charts Takei’s adult life as a fierce social activist, a closeted gay man working in an entertainment industry that struggled to accept him, and as someone who found love as he struggled to eventually accept himself. Takei joins the show to discuss the book, his life and career, and, of course, how he libraries.

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 X-Files” and writer Hank Moody on the TV series “Californication,” both of which earned him Golden Globe awards. He is also host of the podcast, “Fail Better with David Duchovny," a successful singer-songwriter, and author of six best-selling novels. Duchovny’s latest book, “About Time: Poems” (Akashic Books, 2025), is his first collection of poetry. Duchovny joins the show to discuss “About Time: Poems,” his writing and music, his thoughts on book bans and censorship, and, of course, how he libraries. He also reads a brand-new poem for our listeners.

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 and was adapted into Martin Scorsese’s Oscar-winning film “Hugo,” “Wonderstruck,” which was adapted into a feature film by Todd Haynes, and “The Marvels.” His illustrations include the 20th-anniversary book covers for the Harry Potter series. Selznick’s new book, and his first novel for young adult readers, “Run Away with Me,” is a coming-of-age love story about two teen boys who find each other and fall in love over one summer in Rome in the 1980s. It’s a beautiful, touching ode to Rome and its history and architecture, the magic of books, and being young, queer, and in love. And it’s gorgeously illustrated. Selznick joins the show to discuss “Run Away with Me” and its influences, Italian art and architecture, the importance of creating stories that depict the LGBTQ+ experience, book repair, and, of course, how he libraries.

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 long-running television show, “Penn and Teller: Bullshit,” and currently hosts the magic-competition show, “Penn and Teller: Fool Us.” Jillette is also the host of the podcast, “Penn’s Sunday School,” and is the author of multiple fiction and nonfiction books, including the new novel, “Felony Juggler,” a semi-autobiographical tale about a nomadic street performer whose life is turned upside down after participating in a bank heist. Jillette joins the show to discuss “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.

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 page-turning, Y.A. thriller that follows the events that spiral after a murder is committed during a Black Lives Matter protest. It’s part murder mystery, part call to revolution. Brooks joins the show to talk about "Up In Smoke" and its influences, his writing career, empowering today's youth, and of course, how he libraries.

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 experience. Each season is hosted by two high school students, and episodes are co-created with teens and feature segments produced by student producers across the country. The new season, which premiered April 16, asks teens, “Who Inspires You?” For Zahra and Misra, it was their school librarian, Mr. Biddle, who is beloved on campus for his outgoing personality and for being a proponent of reading banned books. Zahra and Misra join the show to discuss working with PBS News Student Reporting Labs, podcasting, journalism, banned books, and of course, how they library.

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 letter to America’s libraries that follows Logsdon and Faulknor as they travel across the United States to examine the history of our libraries and the unsung heroes behind them, from the pioneering women behind the “Free Library Movement” of the late 19th century to the librarians whose influence helped ignite the Harlem Renaissance and other artistic and social movements to today’s librarians who serve us all despite book bans and threats to their lives. Logsdon and Faulkner join to show to discuss the film, its production, and some of its featured luminaries, the library’s place in American life today, book bans, and of course, how they library.

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 graphic novels, “Smile,” “Sisters,” and “Guts.” She is also the creator of “Drama” and “Ghosts,” and the adapter and illustrator of the first four Baby-Sitters Club graphic novels. McCloud is the New York Times-bestselling author of “Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art,” “Making Comics: Storytelling Secrets of Comics, Manga, and Graphic Novels,” “Zot!,” and “The Sculptor.” He is a frequent lecturer on the power of visual communication and was inducted into the Will Eisner Awards Hall of Fame in 2021. Telgemeier and McCloud are the creators of the new graphic novel, “The Cartoonists Club,” which follows a group of kids—each with their own distinct talents—who come together with the help of their school librarian to learn the art of comic book making. They join the show to discuss their new book, their careers as artists and comic creators, the joys of National Library Week, and how they library.

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 producer, and showrunner of the animated series for kids, “Angry Birds: Mystery Island,” on Prime Video and Amazon Kids+. Rogers joins the show to discuss “Angry Birds,” his writing career, what goes into making a television show, especially an animated show for kids, and of course, how he libraries.

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 of the most acclaimed film and stage productions ever created. Jensen is the Oscar-winning director of "Shrek;" Slater is the lyricist of "The Little Mermaid," "Sister Act," and "School of Rock" on Broadway; and Menken is the Emmy-, Grammy-, Oscar-, and Tony-winning composer behind "Little Shop of Horrors," "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin," "Newsies," and many more. They have come together to create "Spellbound," a new animated musical on Netflix about a young princess whose parents are monsters—literally. How her parents became that way—and how they can revert to their original form—is the crux of the film, and it’s not a simple story. It’s one about family strife, and how it impacts parents and their children alike. It’s serious, but also buoyant and fun. Jenson, Slater, and Menken join the show to discuss their careers, their creative processes, the making of "Spellbound," and, of course, how they library.

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 Washington Post, USA Today, I Love Libraries, and other outlets, and in his first book, “Colorful Palate: A Flavorful Journey Through a Mixed American Experience” (2023). In his new book for young readers, “All Mixed Up” (2024), Tawney tells the semiautobiographical story of a multi-ethnic American boy who forges a complex friendship with a Pakistani immigrant in the wake of 9/11. Tawney joins the show to discuss his writing, book bans and the importance of representation in books for readers of all ages, the power of food, and of course, how he libraries.

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 can be seen in “The Dark Knight,” The Suicide Squad,” “ Ant-Man,” “Dune,” “The Last Voyage of the Demeter,” “Oppenheimer,” “Late Night with the Devil,” and more. He is also a voracious comic book fan, both as a collector and a creator, whose writing credits include “Count Crowley,” “Creature Commandos,” “Knights vs Samurai,” “The Headless Horseman Halloween Annual,” “DC Horror Presents,” and many more. Dastmalchian joins the show to discuss his love of comics and horror movies, his writing career, and of course, how he libraries.

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 Guillermo del Toro, "The Ghost That Ate Us: The Tragic True Story of the Burger City Poltergeist," "Rotters," "The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch," and "The Living Dead" with the late horror director George A. Romero. Kraus’ latest book, “Pay the Piper,” finds him collaborating posthumously with Romero again. It is one of two novels the director known best for zombie films like "Night of the Living Dead" and "Dawn of the Dead" left unfinished when he died in 2017. “Pay the Piper" is an altogether different type of horror from Romero, about a mythical and mystical entity that terrorizes the Louisiana bayou. In Kraus’ hands, Romero’s work is finally out in the world. Kraus joins the show to talk about "Pay the Piper" and its origins, Romero’s influence, zombie movies, and of course, how he libraries.

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 about a brave little lion who decides to speak out against book banning. Ferry joins the show to discuss her new book, the book banning crisis engulfing the U.S., and her love of libraries.