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.
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Diary of a First-Year School Librarian
Can't Shelve This
What’s it really like to be a brand-new school librarian? In “Diary of a First-Year School Librarian,” Janette and Leah chat with Mary Alice Maloney (Charles J. Sahs School Librarian) as she reflects on her first year as a full-time certified school librarian. Hear about the challenges, wins, and plans for year two. 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 One Where They Get Connected
Can't Shelve This
You're not alone. School librarians have a powerful network of support behind them. In "The One Where They Get Connected," Janette and Leah are joined by Cyndi Robinson (Executive Director of the Illinois Library Association) and K.C. Boyd (District of Columbia Public Schools Librarian—AKA The Boss Librarian). Together, they unpack how to find your people, advocate for your job, and tap into perks like student discounts to help the next generation of librarians thrive. Relevant Links: Follow K.C. on and If you’re an Illinois librarian attending AASL in St....
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Back to the Stacks
Can't Shelve This
Season 2 is officially in session! Settle into back-to-school season with Janette and Leah as they unpack all the library propaganda we're not falling for. No homework—just laughs, mythbusting, and a few hot takes. Relevant Links: Have a topic idea? Want to be a guest? Let us know! Email Ola at ola.gronski@railslibraries.org or leave us a voicemail on our hotline at 630.734.5015.
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Thnks Fr Th Mmrs
Can't Shelve This
It’s a summer send-off at Can’t Shelve This! In this season finale, Leah and Janette go straight to the source for school library wisdom: Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School librarian Heather McCarthy and two of her eighth graders, Emily and Nathan! Together, they talk about what it feels like to have a school with a thriving library, and what you can do to help build one. Relevant Links:
info_outlinePlot 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:
Game Changers series by Rachel Reid
First-Time Caller by B.K. Borrison
Illinois School Library Workers Symposium
One Week to Win the Chocolate Maker by Timothy Janovsky
💭 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.