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: Kate McDowell Sora Audiobooks/eBooks SWANK K-12 (check your system's discounts fi...

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) t o pull back the curtain on the day-to-day realities of running a school library as a paraprofessional.   R...

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...

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:...

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: Game Changers series by Rachel Reid First-Time Caller by B.K. Borrison The Global Read Aloud Dr. Margaret Merga Expectancy-Value...

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: This is For Everyone by Tim Berners-Lee That Librarian by Amanda Jones ALA One Voice Ecosystem Journeying with Jon...

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: Feed Your Need Grant Illinois State Library Pe...

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: SLATE School Library Census SLATE Data Dashboard Evidence-Based Funding Formula IASB Conference (11/21-11/23) Statewide Comprehensive...

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: Dominican University MLIS Program UIUC MLIS Program "The Measure"...

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...

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: AISLE Conference 10/5-10/7 Extra Credit! 8/20 Illinois School Library Workers Symposium 9/17 Public Act 103-0100 American Library Association Book Ban Data ILA Annual C...

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: Leah's Mover...

Instead of feeling sad, let's get mad. In the spirit of a mid-year Festivus, co-hosts Janette and Leah address the current library landscape and read listener-submitted rants. Relevant Links: Agencies of Impact Report IMLS Advocacy Pulse Page Illinois State Board of Education ELA Standards ISAIL Standards AASL Standards Books Mentioned: Yellowface by R.F. Kuanga All Fours by Miranda July John Gree...

Every student deserves to be seen in their school library. Janette and Leah are joined by "A" (local school librarian) and Jessica Silva (RAILS Member Engagement Specialist) to discuss how to create welcoming and inclusive school libraries. Together, they share strategies for supporting EDIA in the changing educational landscape.   Relevant Links: Cooperative Center for Children's Books Statistics...

We talk about certified school librarianship all the time in Library Land, but what does that even mean? Janette and Leah break it down for you in this episode with Lauren Ochs (School Library Licensure Coordinator at University of Illinois) and Hannah Fiedler (recently-certified school librarian).  Relevant Links: Illinois School Library Workers Symposium (September 17, 2025) Association of Illin...

Janette and Leah sit down with the internet's favorite librarian, Mychal Threets! Together, they talk about how even the smallest moments of library joy help us persist—both in librarianship and in life. Plus, we read and react to your library joy stories!  Books We Discussed: Book Lovers by Emily Henry The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera The Most Won...

School librarian and administrator relationships can be tricky to navigate. Janette and Leah are joined by school librarian Beth Kovacic and principal Akemi Sessler (Dryden Elementary School) and discuss how you can foster that positive relationship to improve student, teacher, and community success.  Relevant Links: Shannon Miller  John Hattie

Janette and Leah chat with district librarian Nichole Folkman (Hartsburg-Emden CUSD #21) about the best ways to get your tots, tweens, and teens excited about visiting the school library. Plus, we read and discuss your submitted programming stories! Relevant Links: Follow Nichole on Instagram AISLE Readers' Choice Book Awards      

Help us help you…share the important work that you're doing in school libraries. Janette and Leah chat with school librarians Gail Meyer (Thornton Fractional High School) and Deb Will (Zion-Benton Township High School) about the simplest and most impactful ways that anyone can advocate for school libraries. Relevant Links: AISLE Letter Writing Campaign/Legislation Letter Template AISLE By The Numb...

Welcome to  Can't Shelve This : your new school library podcast. Co-hosts Janette Derucki ( RAILS Data Analyst) and Leah Gregory ( IHLS School Library Membership Coordinator) introduce themselves and discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly happening at Illinois school libraries. Relevant Links: Vocational Awe and Librarianship by Fobazi Ettarh   Intro/outro music produced by  Samuel Mohart . Can't...