Episode 93: Decoding AI

Call Number Podcast: Decoding AI

March 11, 2024

First, American Libraries Associate Editor Megan Bennett speaks with Cheryl Eberly and Larry Singer, both from Santa Ana Public Library in California. They discuss the library’s initiative, which provides neurodivergent youth with access to robots that help them build social-emotional skills. This includes an AI robot named Moxie, who is available for checkout. Then, American … Continue reading Call Number Podcast: Decoding AI


Episode 92: The Wide World of Librarians in Sports

Call Number Podcast: The Wide World of Librarians in Sports

February 12, 2024

First, American Libraries Associate Editor Megan Bennett speaks with Paralympian and librarian Amanda McGrory. McGrory, a seven-time medalist, has competed in wheelchair racing in four Paralympic games. Now retired from racing, she oversees the archive for the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Then, American Libraries Senior Editor Greg Landgraf chats with Drew Evans, retired law … Continue reading Call Number Podcast: The Wide World of Librarians in Sports


Episode 91: Good Morning, Baltimore!

Call Number Podcast: Good Morning, Baltimore!

January 16, 2024

First, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with David Thomas and Tonya Thomas, both chefs and food historians. The husband-and-wife duo is behind Baltimore’s H3irloom Food Group, a culinary organization with a mission of uplifting the Black food narrative through catering and educational events. They discuss their cooking journeys and … Continue reading Call Number Podcast: Good Morning, Baltimore!


2023 Author Chats - from left, authors Clint Smith, Angie Thomas, and Rick Riordan

Call Number Podcast: 2023 Author Chats

December 11, 2023

In Episode 90, Call Number presents its “2023 Author Chats.” Hear never-before-released clips from conversations with Idina Menzel and Cara Mentzel, James Patterson, Rick Riordan, Brian Selznick, Clint Smith, Tracy K. Smith, Angie Thomas, and Kelly Yang. They share how libraries have been an integral part of their life and work—often highlighting how the library … Continue reading Call Number Podcast: 2023 Author Chats


Episode 89: Services for the Incarcerated

Call Number Podcast: Services for the Incarcerated

November 13, 2023

First, poets and prison reform activists Reginald Dwayne Betts and Randall Horton talked with former ALA Executive Director Tracie D. Hall back in an interview conducted last July. Betts and Horton, who were formerly incarcerated, now spearhead respective literary program: Betts founded Freedom Reads, which installs 500-book Freedom Libraries in prisons and juvenile detention centers, … Continue reading Call Number Podcast: Services for the Incarcerated


Call Number Podcast: Every Witch Way

October 16, 2023

First, American Libraries Associate Editor Megan Bennett speaks with Dan Lipcan, of Phillips Library at Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts. The two discuss the library’s vast collection of materials related to the 1692 Salem Witch Trials and debunk common myths and misconceptions. Then, three staffers from Troy (Mich.) Public Library—director Emily Dumas; Olivia Olson, … Continue reading Call Number Podcast: Every Witch Way


Episode 87: Protecting the Right to Read

Call Number Podcast: Protecting the Right to Read

September 11, 2023

In Episode 87, Call Number looks at how libraries and library workers are on the front lines defending intellectual freedom. First, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with Peter Coyl, immediate past president of the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) and director and CEO of Sacramento (Calif.) Public Library. They … Continue reading Call Number Podcast: Protecting the Right to Read


Episode 86 of Call Number is titled, "What's New in Library School?"

Call Number Podcast: What’s New in Library School?

August 14, 2023

In Episode 86, Call Number looks at what’s new in library school. First, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial explores iBlackCaucus, a student organization formed by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA). She chats with Ana Ndumu, assistant professor in the College of Information Studies at University of … Continue reading Call Number Podcast: What’s New in Library School?


Call Number Episode 85: The Colorful World of Comics

Call Number Podcast: The Colorful World of Comics

July 17, 2023

First, American Libraries Associate Editor Megan Bennett speaks with Jenny Robb, head curator of the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum at Ohio State University in Columbus, which houses the world’s largest collection of print cartoon art. Then, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial hits the halls of ALA’s 2023 Annual … Continue reading Call Number Podcast: The Colorful World of Comics



Episode 83: Supporting Small Business

Call Number Podcast: Supporting Small Business

May 15, 2023

In Episode 83, Call Number highlights how libraries and librarians are supporting small business owners—particularly those who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color. First, American Libraries Associate Editor Megan Bennett talks with Madeleine Ildefonso, managing librarian at Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL). They discuss LAPL’s Be a Successful Street Vendor program, a new offering … Continue reading Call Number Podcast: Supporting Small Business


Call Number Podcast: Bringing Films and Series to the Library

April 21, 2023

American Libraries associate editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with Hope Harms, eResources librarian at Johnson County (Kans.) Library to learn more about her library’s journey navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, Kanopy, and supporting today’s job seekers and learners. Call Number with American Libraries Podcast · Bonus Episode: Bringing Films and Series to the … Continue reading Call Number Podcast: Bringing Films and Series to the Library