Practical (RA) Magic
Can't Shelve This
It's not magic, it's research. 🔎✨ Janette and Leah sit down with RA for All's Becky Spratford to explore the art of connecting readers with the right books. From practical tips and resources to building a culture of book discovery, Becky shares why Readers' Advisory is all about conversations and curiosity. Relevant Links:
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Call Me Maybe (After School)
Can't Shelve This
Illinois's Governor Pritzker just signed a school cell phone ban into law—what does that mean for school libraries? Janette and Leah welcome Texas library media specialist Nina Canales (aka @NinaTheGeekLib) to share her firsthand experience navigating a districtwide cell phone ban and the surprising effects it had on students, teachers, and the library itself. Relevant Links: Follow Nina on , , and
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Last Times at Normal U-High
Can't Shelve This
Last times, new beginnings, and everything in between. Janette and Leah visit University High School for a behind-the-scenes look at a standout school library and the people who bring it to life: librarian Amy Brokaw and students Suhn and Anuraag. Podcast's out for summer! We'll be back in August 🎙️✨ Relevant Links:
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The Secret Lives of Library Parapros
Can't Shelve This
They keep the books moving, the doors open, and the students supported—often without any recognition. They're paraprofessionals, and their invisible labor makes a visible impact. Janette and Leah are joined by Kellie Treece (Longfellow Elementary) and LuAnn Grimm (Oakwood Middle School) to pull back the curtain on the day-to-day realities of running a school library as a paraprofessional. Relevant Links:
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Get Your Head in the Game
Can't Shelve This
Reading doesn't have to be solitary. It can be a team sport! Janette and Leah are joined by school librarian Lisa Marcum (Plainfield Central High School) to unpack what gamified reading looks like: what works, what flops, and how competition can build connection. Plus, Lisa shares step-by-step how she created a thriving district-wide Book Battle that gets teens (and teachers!) excited to read and talk about books together. Relevant Links:
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Not Lost in Translation
Can't Shelve This
When students walk into school carrying the weight of language barriers, uncertainty, and fear on their shoulders, the right welcome can mean everything. Janette and Leah are joined by Veronica Ramos (¡WEPA! líbros) and Rosie Camargo (South Holland Public Library) to share how small actions can turn a library into a place where multilingual students feel safe, seen, and valued. Relevant Links:
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If We Build It, They Will Read
Can't Shelve This
Plot twist: reading culture isn’t built with rewards, levels, or quizzes. Janette and Leah are joined by Pernille Ripp and Dr. Sarah Sansbury to explore reading identity, student choice, and how we can create the conditions that invite kids into reading. Relevant Links: 💭 Have a topic idea? Want to be a guest? Email Ola at ola.gronski@railslibraries.org or leave us a voicemail on our hotline at 630.734.5015.
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Sitting Down with That Librarian
Can't Shelve This
School librarian, author, and activist Amanda Jones joins Can't Shelve This to share her story in a candid conversation about censorship, courage, and hope for the future of libraries. Note: This episode includes discussions of harassment and threats against educators. Relevant Links: 💭 Have a topic idea? Want to be a guest? Email Ola at ola.gronski@railslibraries.org or leave us a voicemail on our hotline at 630.734.5015.
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Live from AISLE, it's Can't Shelve This!
Can't Shelve This
The Can't Shelve This crew hosted their first-ever live show at the Association of Illinois School Library Educators (AISLE) Conference in Champaign, IL on October 6, 2025. We asked our audience members "what is one thing your school library has that you wish every school library could have?" Together, we built a school library utopia. Relevant Links: 💭 Have a topic idea? Want to be a guest? Email Ola at ola.gronski@railslibraries.org or leave us a voicemail on our hotline at 630.734.5015.
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The Tea on Teaching, Budgets, & Burnout
Can't Shelve This
It's time for some real talk. ☕️ Janette and Leah dive into the realities of school librarianship today—unpacking the numbers, staffing shortages, and loopholes schools use to sidestep library standards. This one is a must-listen for administrators. Relevant Links: 💭 Have a topic idea? Want to be a guest? Email Ola at ola.gronski@railslibraries.org or leave us a voicemail on our hotline at 630.734.5015.
info_outlineSchool librarian, author, and activist Amanda Jones joins Can't Shelve This to share her story in a candid conversation about censorship, courage, and hope for the future of libraries.
Note: This episode includes discussions of harassment and threats against educators.
Relevant Links:
This is For Everyone by Tim Berners-Lee
That Librarian by Amanda Jones
Journeying with Jones: Amanda Jones, 2021 School Librarian of the Year
MLK Jr What Is Your Life’s Blueprint Speech
Human Rights Coalition 2023 Youth Report for Librarians/Media Specialists
SLJ Article: Amanda Jones Creates Lesson about Navigating Social Media
Defending the Freedom to Read 101 from PEN America
K.C. Boyd on Can't Shelve This
Louisiana Citizens Against Censorship
💭 Have a topic idea? Want to be a guest? Email Ola at ola.gronski@railslibraries.org or leave us a voicemail on our hotline at 630.734.5015.