218. Banned Books

218. Banned Books

From The Allusionist by Helen Zaltzman

October 7, 2025 · 40 min

About this episode

The episode discusses Banned Books Week with guests Iris Mogul and Sam Helmick, highlighting its significance and ways to get involved.

It's Banned Books Week. Honorary youth chair Iris Mogul and Sam Helmick, president of the American Library Association, talk about what it is, why it matters so much, and how you can get involved. Visit theallusionist.org/bannedbooks for more information and many links about today's topics, plus a transcript of the episode. Support the show at theallusionist.org/donate and as well as keeping this independent podcast going, you also get behind-the-scenes info about every episode; livestreams with me, Martin and my ever-growing collection of dictionaries, and the charming and nurturing Allusioverse Discord community, where we're watching the current season of Great British Bake Off - donors also get a weekly work of flanfic about the show. This episode was produced by me, Helen Zaltzman. Thanks to Thanks to Charisse Barnachea, and to Liv for the Judy Blume books circa 1989. Martin Austwick sings and composed the music. Download his own songs at palebirdmusic.com and on Bandcamp, and listen to his podcasts Song By Song and Neutrino Watch. Find the Allusionist at youtube.com/allusionistshow, instagram.com/allusionistshow, facebook.com/allusionistshow…

People in this episode

Host: Helen Zaltzman

Guests: Iris Mogul, Sam Helmick

Topics covered

  • Banned Books
  • Literature
  • Library Advocacy
  • Youth Engagement
  • Censorship

Keywords

  • Banned Books
  • American Library Association
  • Censorship
  • Youth Chair
  • Literature

Sponsors

Squarespace

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: American Library Association, Multitude

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