Borrowed & Returned
Brooklyn Public LibraryBrooklyn Public Library is full of stories. Borrowed brings the best of them to you.
Current podcast series:
Launching July 8, 2025, Borrowed & Returned is a new podcast series that examines what our reading public borrowed in the past, and what we’re all reading now. In conversations with library workers, authors and readers across the country, we’ll return to the books that changed us, and cha... more
| Publishes | Infrequently | Episodes | 121 | Founded | 7 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | ArtsBooksSociety & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
When award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson sat down to write her family’s story of the Great Migration, she wanted to make it accessible to all kinds of readers. So she wrote a children’s book called This Is the Rope. In this episode, Woodson talks... more
Jose Antonio Vargas is a journalist, filmmaker, and author of the book Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen. He came to the US from the Philippines when he was twelve years old, and he didn’t discover he was undocumented until he was sixtee... more
Today we’re bringing you a really interesting episode from our friends at This Guy Sucked, a podcast hosted by historian and writer Claire Aubin about the worst people in history. Each episode, Claire sits down with an expert to pull back the scholar... more
Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson is a marine biologist, climate scientist and activist. Recently, she sat down with Jordan Kisner, of the Thresholds podcast, to talk about our climate future. You may have heard clips of their conversation in our last epis... more
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- Thank you
I really enjoy listening to the stories told here and the beautiful way y’all educate the listeners. Thank you
Apple Podcasts5Grog22PDX
United States10 months ago - What the Parable of the Sower
I loved this episode/intro to your podcast 1. You all expanded my intro to the sister’s story, the book store’s righteous transformation as a traumatized community resource
2. Expanded my baby boomer fan girl love of OB’ vision, life work and Parable series
Thank you!
Apple Podcasts5Home girl from DUnited Statesa year ago - When the Library’s a Stage
What a captivating episode of Borrowed! I wish I lived in Brooklyn so I could participate in this fun class! I would absolutely tune in for future readings as another option. Sounds like a great way to get people to the library while also providing them an outlet for creativity and expression. Great job Richard! Keep up the fantastic work! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Apple Podcasts5Lola & Pixie's MomUnited States2 years ago - When the Library’s a Stage
Another example of why I love the Brooklyn Public Library! This program sounds exciting and important. I look forward to hearing more about it. Thank you to talented volunteers like Richard Omar.
Apple Podcasts5JFA BkUnited States2 years ago - When The Library’s A Stage
This sounds absolutely fantastic! How incredible to have a no- judgement zone class where all are welcome to explore and take a deep dive into these works…all while having fun learning. Thank you for creating a program like this. Please keep it going!! Hats off to Mr Omar
and Miss Markowitz.
Apple Podcasts5LMerylUnited States2 years ago
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Apple Podcasts | #151 | United States/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #39 |  South Africa/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #53 |  Indonesia/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #104 | South Africa/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #124 | Indonesia/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #177 |  Hong Kong/Arts/Books |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Borrowed & Returned
What is Borrowed & Returned about and what kind of topics does it cover?
Borrowed & Returned tends to center conversations around books, libraries, and the social power of reading. Recent episodes explore censorship, representation in children's literature, and how libraries serve as cultural hubs—whether discussing the lasting impact of classic works, the role of librarians in civil rights-era activism, or the ways authors and educators shape inclusive storytelling. A standout pattern is pairing literary analysis with lived experiences—from prison education and rehabilitation to community resilience in Brooklyn—often anchored by librarians, scholars, and children's authors. Listeners are likely drawn to thoughtful discussions about race, history, censorship, and the transformative potential of libraries as demo... more
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Which podcasts are similar to Borrowed & Returned?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Borrowed & Returned:
1. 99% Invisible
2. Fresh Air
3. Throughline
4. Radiolab
5. This American Life
How many episodes of Borrowed & Returned are there?
Borrowed & Returned launched 7 years ago and published 121 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Borrowed & Returned?
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What guests have appeared on Borrowed & Returned?
Recent guests on Borrowed & Returned include:
1. Dr. Kellie Carter Jackson
2. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
3. Art Spiegelman
4. Molly Crabapple
5. Amy Kurzweil
6. Diane Johnson-Feelings
7. Meg Medina
8. Matt de la Peña
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