Borrowed

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Books #163

Brooklyn Public Library is full of stories. Borrowed brings the very best of them to you.

Borrowed is a narrative series about superhero librarians, neighborhood stories and what it means to be a free, democratic place in today’s changing world. We tell stories about libraries during natural disasters, the challenges of homelessness, and NYC’s fraught relationship with trash.

Borrowed and Banned is our limited series about America's ideological war with its bookshelves. From September to December 2023, we released ten episodes featuring the stories of students on the frontlines, librarians and teachers whose livelihoods are endangered when they speak up, and writers whose books have become political battleground.  

For transcripts, pictures, book lists, and resources, please visit our web page: bklynlib.org/podcasts 

Recent Episodes

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Recent Reviews

Lola & Pixie's Mom

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! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
JFA Bk

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.
LMeryl

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.
dbjus

When The Library’s A Stage

Really enjoyed this episode, and what a wonderful workshop. Excellent!
Julia Sugar

When the Library’s a Stage

I really enjoyed this episode and it definitely made me interested in checking out this class! Hope it continues!
Reading in BK

When The Library’s a Stage

Great episode! Hope to hear more about these people. Very cool!
GatsbyNYC

When the library's a stage

Great episode! I want to join this group!!
lmc168lmc

Fabulous

Wonderful! The topics are varied, but all so uplifting and informative.
Simply Rodah

Thanks

I am enjoying this podcast
BookLover8558

Best Podcast I’ve To In a Long Time

I am not even an adult and this podcast was EXTREMELY interesting and captivating. I as a bookworm, I was interested to hear about how books were being banned, I also love to talk about banned book with my friends and family. This podcast is a MUST listen, and I wish you happy listening!
mspassell

23576 stars!!!!

God bless libraries, god bless this podcast.
podcastfan13

Great listen and go libraries!

Interesting stories and an important topic! Excited for more. :)
Stunt40LBS

Great pod!

Borrowed is one of thee best library pods out. Well produced and great stories that speak to listeners beyond NY.
Afuatina

This podcast is a treasure

I’m so glad I found it! It’s a wonder and blessing that libraries persist and endure and hopefully thrive. Librarians do so so so much. What would we do without them?
Blues5522

Oh to be a librarian!

Virginia Marshall also edits and works on The Brooklyn Review and helped me with a story. I had no idea. Happening upon this podcast is a gift. Each episode is a story that is alive and full of interesting details told in an engaging rhythm that is perfect for long road trip listens. Time flies. You can feel the library, always a magical place in small towns and big ones, in this case NYC. This is good storytelling.
char1975

Lots of Love For This Show from LaGrange, IN

I stumbled across you and binged like it was a True Crime Podcast! LOVE everything you are doing!!
yorkvilleresident

Building Brooklyn!

I loved learning about the different communities within Brooklyn in the last series. The Chinatown episode was great!
Blizzzzzard

An endlessly fascinating burrough

Well done! For me, everything that a binge- able podcast should be. This is an extraordinary oral history of an iconic and storied city that has been completely shaped by waves of immigrants. Who better to deliver the goods then local librarians? Many fascinating episodes from America’s front door..
BostonLovesBorrowed

Fantastic storytelling!

I don’t even live in Brooklyn but I still love this podcast so much - the range of stories that all happen to start at the library is incredible and I learn something new about books, Brooklyn, and myself every episode!
bookdealer

Avid Reader

Very entertaining series. Well written and performed. Interesting look at the the operations of the library unseen by the public.
Ms. DeRosia

Librarians are the coolest people!

Librarians are the best podcasters. They know how to do research and have all the connections. You go girls!
jaebear2988

Informative and eye-opening

I absolutely love listening to Borrowed! Every episode I learn something new about the various kinds of work librarians do in their day-to-day or about Brooklyn or what kind of services and resources are available at the library. This podcast is very thoughtfully produced and I would highly recommend to everyone!
katharinr

Lots of heart

I love learning about all that the library has to offer-from the obvious to the obscure-and reflecting on all the library has given me throughout my life. Definitely recommend a listen!
frandurke1

I love this podcast!

Every week I learn something new and inspiring and always look forward to hear what’s next!
Diva770

Happiness 30-minutes at-a-time

I am loving “Borrowed”!! Each week, I eagerly check my phone waiting for the next episode to download. The installments (I have listened to all of them so far) are smart, funny, informative and often quite moving. I have told my friends that “Borrowed” is a “must-listen”. Thanks BPL for making my morning commute such a happy occasion.
lethifolded

Incredible New Podcast!

I’ve been listening to Borrowed since the very first episode and I’ve loved every episode! It’s informative, charming, sweet, funny, and above all else, adds kindling to the love of libraries I’ve had my whole life. I look forward to every new episode! My only complaint (and it’s a tiny one!) is that the recommended books at the end of the podcast are not included in the show notes, which is a little frustrating since I usually listen while driving. Other than that however, this podcast is absolutely wonderful and comes with my highest recommendations.
curly sheri

Love it

Nice insight to the people who work at the library
rmarshra

Borrowed Brightens Brooklyn and New York

The second episode of Borrowed podcast was wonderful. Well written and interesting, the story details how library archives save history and bring it forward to solve problems in our lives. What a great way to bring to life the history of smelly Greenpoint now trying to transform itself with the help of documents from the past. Can’t wait for the next podcast. Go BPL!
amytheSLP

Fantastic and informative podcast!

So far, this has been such a warm, inviting, and informative podcast to listen to! It also helps that it's about my favorite library system! I really hope BPL releases more eps!
PodcastJunkie4444

Wonderful podcast!

Engaging and beautifully produced podcast which shows how important local libraries are.
NewWaveGrrl

Libraries are wonder-full!

Great podcast that tells quirky stories that show just how amazing and important to our community libraries are.
Jakob Marley's Mom

Books are the Best!

FANTASTIC podcast! Great content with a polished delivery. Loved the book recommendations at the end. I’m hopeful that this will be a successful podcast that continues for a long time!
PTV-Girlinthewater

Amazing!

I absolutely loved this! I couldn’t stop smiling on my travel to school. Today I give my first speech in class and it’s about becoming a Librarian. It’s so good to have the reminder that my passion is so incredible and intricate. ❤️ thank you for this
starshipsfordays

Love this!

I love the Brooklyn Public Library and I think this is such a cool and interesting podcast!
luietlui

Wow!

If the first podcast is any indication of what we can expect, this one will be on my list every week. So incredibly well written, delivered and produced! What a great opening episode; connecting the dots between the modern-day mechanics of a behemoth library system and the granular impact on everyday people’s lives. Brilliant!
Mindar101

Excellent listening

I am so excited to hear all of the stories about my beloved borough that this podcast will offer. Thanks BPL!
Clemallow

Can’t wait!

I love BPL so much- they have so many creative programs. Can’t wait to listen.
kcavouras

I <3 Brooklyn Public Library!

I’m biased, since I’m a Brooklynite and an avid library user, but just from the trailer this sounds like it’s going to be awesome!