Episode 80: Reading Romance

Call Number with American Libraries Podcast

Love is always in season at the library. Whether helping readers find their next fictional crush or offering couples space on their wedding day, the library is a perfect place to pair up. In Episode 80, Call Number is head-over-heels for romance. First, American Libraries Managing Editor Terra Dankowski speaks with Jill Maneikis, deputy director of special events at Boston Public Library, where more than 100 couples have rented the library’s new $200, one-hour wedding venue. Next, American Libraries associate editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial talks with Robin Bradford, author of the upcoming Readers' Advisory Guide to Romance, and Jessica Pryde, author of Black Love Matters and cohost of Book Riot’s When in Romance podcast. They discuss how the romance genre has diversified and how librarians can build a more inclusive romance collection for readers. Finally, ALA Editions Senior Editor Jamie Santoro and Panuncial chatted with attendees at ALA’s recent LibLearnX conference in New Orleans, where they shared their favorite literary couples and romance tropes and what they love most about their libraries. Is there a story or topic you’d like us to cover? Let us know at [e-mail]. You can also follow us on Twitter and SoundCloud and leave a review on iTunes. We welcome feedback and hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for listening.