Reading Glasses Podcast Episode 407 Summary: "How to Protect Libraries From Fascism + Bookshop eBooks!"

Release Date: April 17, 2025
Hosts: Brea Grant and Mallory O'Meara

1. Introduction

In Episode 407 of Reading Glasses, hosts Brea Grant and Mallory O'Meara address pressing issues threatening libraries today. This emergency episode delves into actionable strategies to protect these vital community institutions from governmental overreach and funding cuts. Additionally, the hosts introduce exciting news about Bookshop.org's foray into the ebook market and offer thoughtful book recommendations for listeners navigating complex personal relationships.

2. Hosts' Current Reads

Bria Grant shares her recent read: Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins, a highly anticipated prequel to The Hunger Games. Bria describes the book as "very stressful" and praises Collins' ability to maintain suspense (00:32 – 02:03). She highlights the focus on Haymitch, the only victor from District 12, and notes her admiration for Woody Harrelson's portrayal of the character in the subsequent films.

Mallory O'Meara discusses The Secret History of the Rape Kit by Pagan Kennedy, narrated by Claire Danes. She emphasizes the book's exploration of the rape kit's invention in the 1970s by Marty Goddard and its subsequent appropriation. Mallory praises the narrative for its blend of personal stories and true crime elements, stating, "it's very, very, very compelling" (02:20 – 03:49).

3. Listener Feedback

The hosts take a moment to engage with listener feedback. Dana provides insightful information about the Libby app's Deep Search feature, explaining its functionality and limitations within different library systems (03:56 – 05:34). This segment underscores the podcast's commitment to empowering listeners with practical tools to enhance their reading experiences.

Another listener, Bela, shares a heartwarming testimonial about how the podcast has become a reliable tool for falling asleep, despite the hosts' self-deprecating humor regarding their speaking styles (05:34 – 06:11). Brea gratefully acknowledges Bela's support, highlighting the community aspect of the podcast.

4. Event Promotions

Mallory excitedly announces her participation in the upcoming LA Times Festival of Books on April 26th and 27th. She recounts the initial disappointment when the 2020 event was canceled and expresses renewed enthusiasm for the in-person experience, describing it as "like walking around outside" with numerous authors, book signings, and food trucks (06:21 – 08:00).

Additionally, the hosts promote Clarion West's upcoming event, Steamy in Seattle, themed "Alien Romance Tea Party". They emphasize its role in supporting early-career and underrepresented writers in speculative fiction, highlighting notable alumni and encouraging listeners to participate as a fundraiser for the Clarion West Writers Workshop (08:39 – 11:00).

5. Member Spotlight

The podcast features Kelly, honored as the Max Fund's Member of the Month for April. Kelly shares her eight-year journey as a dedicated listener, expressing gratitude for the laughter and comfort the show brings her. The segment reinforces the podcast's appreciation for its supportive community and encourages others to become members (11:00 – 12:11).

6. Main Topic: Protecting Libraries From Fascism

In a serious turn, Brea and Mallory address the alarming threats facing libraries under the current administration. They underscore the essential role libraries play in communities, providing not just free books but also critical services like internet access, job application assistance, and support for underserved populations (12:11 – 25:27).

Key Points Discussed:

• Understanding the Threat: Bria highlights recent legal actions, such as the American Library Association (ALA) suing the Department of Government Efficiency (DGE) over funding cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) (14:20 – 15:34).

• Actionable Steps for Listeners:

  • Research Funding: Utilize IMLS.gov to investigate federal funding allocations to your state.
  • Advocate Directly: Contact local senators and representatives to urge the protection of library funding. Mallory provides a script for phone calls, emphasizing personalization and the importance of leaving one's address to validate constituency (15:27 – 18:07).
  • Participate in Protests: Attend and organize library support protests, leveraging collective voices to influence policy changes. Bria encourages forming "library blocks" with friends to amplify the message (18:07 – 19:38).
  • Engage with Library Boards: Attend public library meetings or virtual sessions to express support. Mallory quotes a Book Riot statement to emphasize the irreplaceable value of documenting and voicing library support (19:38 – 21:30).
  • Promote Library Membership: Encourage others to obtain library cards, broadening support and demonstrating the community's reliance on these institutions (21:30 – 23:37).

Notable Quotes:

• Mallory O'Meara (12:29): "Libraries are one of the most important, important institutions that we have."
• Bria Grant (15:34): "This library job was very important to me and helped me save for a lot of stuff and also gave me the confidence to work and to love books."
• Mallory O'Meara (17:16): "Please show up for our libraries and urge the White House to hold back its attack on their funding."
• Bria Grant (19:38): "These protests do make a difference. Like, think about what happened during Black Lives Matter."

The hosts stress the immediacy of the issue, urging listeners to act swiftly to prevent further erosion of library services. They also mention the role of organizations like Every Library, which provides petitions and additional resources for advocacy (05:27 – 25:27).

7. Book Tech: Bookshop.org Ebooks

Shifting focus, Bria and Mallory introduce the groundbreaking development of ebooks from Bookshop.org, positioning it as a significant alternative to Amazon for digital reading. They discuss how Bookshop.org is expanding its offerings to include ebooks, partnering with platforms like Kobo and IngramSpark, thereby supporting indie authors and providing more options for readers who wish to avoid Amazon's dominance (25:27 – 33:31).

Highlights:

• Exclusive Availability: Ebooks are currently accessible only through the Bookshop.org app, with future expansions planned to include partnerships with Kobo and IngramSpark.

• Support for Indie Authors: Purchases through Bookshop.org benefit local independents and podcasters, fostering a more community-centric literary ecosystem.

• User Experience: Despite minor technical hurdles, such as purchasing through a browser due to app store restrictions, the hosts remain optimistic about the platform's potential to rival Amazon's convenience.

Notable Quotes:

• Mallory O'Meara (27:47): "Bookshop.org is working with some of those self-publishing platforms to get those authors off of Amazon or get them at least also on Bookshop."
• Bria Grant (30:03): "The bookshop.org app is a lifesaver for e-readers. It feels luxurious."

The hosts express enthusiasm for the shift towards more ethical ebook purchasing options, highlighting personal plans to adopt Bookshop.org's platform exclusively.

8. Listener Recommendation Request

Listener Morgan seeks recommendations for books featuring a female protagonist navigating the aftermath of confessing romantic feelings to a best friend, ideally without a reconciled friendship at the end. Bria initially struggles but suggests All About Love by bell hooks, focusing on self-love and varied relationship dynamics. However, Mallory corrects this by recommending The Romantic Agenda by Claire Kahn, which aligns more closely with Morgan's request. This novel explores unrequited love and the complexities of maintaining friendships post-rejection (36:04 – 38:23).

Mallory’s Recommendation:

• The Romantic Agenda by Claire Kahn: Follows an asexual female protagonist who, after being rejected by her best friend, teams up with an ex-boyfriend to fake-date, hoping to rekindle feelings (36:42 – 38:23).

Bria also suggests Normal People by Sally Rooney as a potential fit, albeit with spoiler warnings about their own reading experiences.

9. Closing Remarks and Promotions

The episode concludes with acknowledgments of the podcast's supportive online communities on Facebook and Discord, thanks to their dedicated moderators. The hosts promote their merchandise store, encouraging listeners to purchase items like T-shirts and stickers to support the show financially. They reiterate the importance of library advocacy and invite listeners to stay engaged through social media and email (38:23 – End).

Conclusion

Episode 407 of Reading Glasses masterfully balances urgent societal concerns with uplifting literary discussions. Brea Grant and Mallory O'Meara effectively mobilize their audience to protect libraries while celebrating advancements in book technology that empower both readers and authors. Through heartfelt interactions, actionable advice, and community-building promotions, the episode exemplifies the podcast's commitment to fostering a resilient and informed book-loving community.

Notable Quotes:

• Mallory O'Meara (12:36): "We really do."
• Bria Grant (18:07): "Go to a protest. Your friends are there."
• Mallory O'Meara (25:28): "Think about how sexy that person is going to be when they have a library card."

Resources Mentioned:

• IMLS Website: imls.gov
• Five Calls Resource: fivecalls.org
• Every Library Organization: everylibrary.org
• Bookshop.org: bookshop.org
• Clarion West: clarionwest.org
• LA Times Festival of Books: latimesbooksfestival.com

Stay connected with Brea and Mallory on Instagram @ReadingGlassesPodcast and support the show through merchandise or membership. For book recommendations and questions, email readingglassespodcast@gmail.com.