Libraries Get It Right While We Get It Wrong

Jul 29, 2025

46:24

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In today’s two-part episode, you’ll hear some of our contributors take a deep dive into a smattering of library systems across the United States. It’s fascinating to compare and contrast different regions, especially in light of funding threats. Libraries certainly do it right. Then hear from a woman who did it all wrong–Rax King–as she discusses her new book Sloppy.

Libraries Across America (0:22)

Join Jordy, Shoshana, and Mariquita as they explore the contrasts between funding and accessibility to teen summer reading lists in urban and rural libraries across the U.S. This episode is packed with insights, book recommendations, questions about equity, and a deep dive into what public libraries really offer their communities.

Doing It All Wrong with Rax King (29:53)

Rax King, author of Sloppy Or: Doing It All Wrong, joins Ashley to discuss what it means to do it all wrong. They also discuss themes including privilege, power, and recovery. A great point of note is when Rax discussed what pop culture does well about bad behavior.

Books/Resources Mentioned:

Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust

Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao

A Pho Love Story by Loan Le

The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta

The Last Session by Jasmine Walls 

Queen of Tiles by Hanna Alkaf 

The Last Bookstore on Earth by Lily Braun-Arnold

A Deathly Compendium of Poisonous Plants by Rebecca E. Hirsch

American Royals by Katharine McGee

Dread Nation by Justina Ireland