How I Library

Episode 11: Daniel Kraus

In episode 11, show host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with New York Times-bestselling author Daniel Kraus. Kraus is one of the most acclaimed and prolific writers of terrifying fiction working today. His books include "Whalefall," "The Shape of Water" with filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, "The Ghost That Ate Us: The Tragic True Story of the Burger City Poltergeist," "Rotters," "The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch," and "The Living Dead" with the late horror director George A. Romero. Kraus’ latest book, “Pay the Piper,” finds him collaborating posthumously with Romero again. It is one of two novels the director known best for zombie films like "Night of the Living Dead" and "Dawn of the Dead" left unfinished when he died in 2017. “Pay the Piper" is an altogether different type of horror from Romero, about a mythical and mystical entity that terrorizes the Louisiana bayou. In Kraus’ hands, Romero’s work is finally out in the world. Kraus joins the show to talk about "Pay the Piper" and its origins, Romero’s influence, zombie movies, and of course, how he libraries.

Episode 10: Beth Ferry

In this special Banned Books Week episode of "How I Library," Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with New York Times-bestselling writer Beth Ferry. Ferry is the author of numerous books for young readers, including the recently released "Roar for Reading," a picture book about a brave little lion who decides to speak out against book banning. Ferry joins the show to discuss her new book, the book banning crisis engulfing the U.S., and her love of libraries.

Episode Nine: Max Greenfield

In episode nine of “How I Library,” host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with actor and writer Max Greenfield. Greenfield’s acting credits include the Fox sitcom “New Girl,” for which he received nominations at the Primetime Emmy Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, and the Critics' Choice Television Awards; “The Neighborhood” on CBS, where he stars alongside Cedric the Entertainer; and the Fox animated series “Bob’s Burgers,” where he voices the character Boo Boo, the youngest member of the boy band Boyz4Now. He is also a successful author of books for kids, including “I Don’t Want to Read This Book,” “This Book is Not a Present,” “I Don’t Want to Read This Book Aloud,” and the recently released "Good Night Thoughts,” a sweetly funny bedtime book about anxiety. Greenfield joins the show to discuss his writing career, the inspirations for his latest book, and, of course, his love of libraries.

Episode Eight: Lil Rel Howery

In episode eight of “How I Library,” host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with actor and comedian Lil Rel Howery. Howery has appeared in films such as “Get Out,” “Free Guy,” and “Judas and the Black Messiah,” and in the TV shows “The Carmichael Show,” Rel,” and “Eureka!” And now he’s back on the big screen in the film version of Crockett Johnson's beloved children’s book, “Harold and the Purple Crayon,” starring as both the animated and life-action versions of Harold’s friend Moose. Morehart spoke with Howery about bringing Johnson's book to the screen, the power of imagination, the intricacies of playing a moose, growing up in Chicago, and of course, his love of libraries.

Episode Seven: John and Anni Furniss

In episode seven of the “How I Library” podcast, host Phil Morehart from the American Library Association speaks with artists and authors John and Anni Furniss. John and Anni Furniss are a married couple who live and create art from their home in Washington. John has been an accomplished woodworker for almost 20 years—he is also completely blind. A suicide survivor, John is passionate about sharing his story to help others. Anni is a mixed-media artist with a hypermobility condition who spreads awareness about using art to help with mental and physical challenges. Together, they have created an online community dedicated to mental health awareness, disability advocacy, and art with more than two million followers. In their book, "The Blind Woodsman” (Fox Chapel Publishing, 2024), John and Anni detail how they found each other and built a life and art practice together while navigating personal struggles and newfound fame. Morehart spoke with the Furnisses about their book, their art, their advocacy, and of course, how they library.