Borrowed & Returned

Brooklyn Public Library's podcast takes a unique angle on literary conversation by asking a deceptively rich question: what are people borrowing from the library, and what does that tell us about who we are? Borrowed and Returned combines author interviews, narrative storytelling, and cultural history to explore how books have shaped American life. The guest list is genuinely impressive for an institutional podcast: Art Spiegelman, N.K. Jemisin, Molly Crabapple, and Reginald Dwayne Betts have all appeared. The show has evolved through several distinct series. The original Borrowed episodes tackled library stories during crises, homelessness, and urban upheaval. Borrowed and Banned, a ten-episode run from late 2023, focused on censorship and book challenges, featuring students, librarians, teachers, and writers affected by banning efforts. The current incarnation, launched in mid-2025, returns to the broader theme of literary history and cultural impact, covering books like Silent Spring, Parable of the Sower, and the history of Black libraries in America. With 119 episodes and a 4.7-star rating from 191 reviews, the show has found a loyal audience that appreciates its blend of the personal and the political. Transcripts and additional resources are available on the BPL website. If you've ever loved a library, or if you believe that what a community reads reveals something essential about it, this podcast will feel like home.