I make time every new episode to listen to Frank and Crystal. They are very good people who i could listen to for hours converse about emotions books aroused in them. I found the podcast when I was trying to become a librarian and these two make me want to be a writer so that maybe they could chat about a book written by me!

I enjoy the two hosts but can the NYPL part with a little endowment $ to get Frank some better audio equipment? It really detracts from the podcast. Unfollowing.

Crystal and Frank hosts of the podcast, highlight all aspects of top reads and more in this can’t miss podcast! The hosts and expert guests offer insightful advice and information that is helpful to anyone that listens!

Thanks for this terrific podcast!

I’m very greatful that Frank is the one constant in this show. I always love Frank’s energy and how insightful he is. However, the introduction of Crystal leaves the show lacking that same energy found between Frank and previous co-hosts. I really miss Gwen and Rhonda. I’ll continue being a loyal listener/supporter, but it’s now more about the subject matter and not the people.

First, thank you for this brilliant podcast! Listening to the passion you two have for the work you do, the patrons you serve literature as a whole. You two have expander my mind, my view of the world and you have actually inspired me to go back to school to get my Library Science degree. Second, I would like to thank you for this podcast specifically. So many people look down on this work, as I’m sure you know. Often I hear ignorant statements such as; “oh, I’d love to an easy job like yours.” or “wow! I didn’t think people still went to Libraries.” It was extremely validating to hear about your experiences of people stopping you to ask when the Library would open or the children/young adults they you’ve established a rapport with all grown up... Many people don’t realize that working at a library means so much more than shelving books, you become a crucial part of the community. Anyway, that novel was to say that I appreciated your thoughts on this podcast and I felt a special kinship with you guys! Love you guys, love this podcast!! P.S. Crystal, I HATE ASMR but I ALWAYS look forward to your segment at the end... you’re easing me into it 😉.

Crystal and Frank bring their different interests and perspectives together to create very dynamic and spontaneous book discussions. The conversation is unique, authentic and truly enjoyable. Thank you!

I love this podcast even more with Crystal. Crystal has a soothing voice and vibe. Love the extra ASMR feature, too. Frank is amazing - as always! Their rapport and book dialogue is interesting, fun and easy to listen to.

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Being a new Librarian, in a rural southeastern CT public library, we are currently weeding the entire collection for the first time in 12+ years. I need a good listen while I weed. This podcast has been excellent in helping me center myself when overwhelmed with the daunting clogged parts of the collection. You are saviors!!!!

I used to listen to this show religiously. I’ve even gone back and relistened to old episodes because I miss them. I really appreciate Rhonda and her work at NYPL, but unfortunately I don’t think she makes the best podcast co-host. The show doesn’t have the same energy as it used to with Frank and Gwen, nor does it have much energy at all, it just falls sort of flat. I miss the book banter, answering listeners questions, and overall more healthy controversial discussions that took place between Frank and Gwen. The shows feels just bland now and not much fun to listen to. I often find myself listening at the beginning and turning off after 5 mins. Frank brings the fun to the show, but Rhonda isn’t the right counterpart to balance him out. I don’t wish to be rude, but it’s just a matter of chemistry and casting the right people for the job.

I love this podcast, and always recommend it to friends who are looking for reading list ideas. The discussions are always so thoughtful and full of personality! I love hearing about the hosts’ reading journeys over the weeks and month — it’s a joy to check in with each episode and has been a particular comfort this past year.

I made a review of the show a little bit ago as I was catching up on episodes and then caught up to the transition to Rhonda being on the show. As a longtime listener, I really appreciate Rhonda’s insightfulness and energy that she brings to the show. She’s an awesome counterpart to Frank and I am enjoying the 125 reads book episodes as they’re giving me an outlet for more books to read!

Hey Rhonda and Frank, you both are so fun and remind the world how awesome librarians are! Thanks for inspiring people to read more, to diversify what one reads, and to interact with those readings. Keep it up!

I absolutely love the books that Frank mentions. He talks about current reads as well as a great plethora of backlist reads. I have added way too many books my TBR because of him. When he referred to walking around in a dirty bathroom with a martini during quarantine I completely related! I have added a trip to the Jefferson Library to my next NY trip. Can we PLEASE bring back Gwen???? They both worked so well together even though they had completely different reading tastes (ie. Harry Potter:)) I still loved when she made Frank read things that she was obsessed with and you could tell Frank was no impressed. I am honestly not feeling this new duo with Rhonda. It is almost cringe-worthy to listen to, because there is no flow.

I’m noticing that Frank speaks over Rhonda at every turn, to the point that it feels like I’m listening to a monologue. It unfortunately kills any opportunity to construct meaning together, which is the best part in listening to a conversation. Does anyone else find this distracting?

I’ve been listening to this podcast since the very beginning, and I’ve enjoyed every minute. I have feel Frank is a kindred spirit, I too have felt that I want “my lovers dead.” (I also love Wuthering Heights and breaking into song). I truly enjoy how he uses books as a spring board to dive into his own psyche. It’s always hilarious, interesting, and surprisingly heart warming. Love you Frank! Keep singing!

I very much enjoyed the episode where they discussed An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole. Rhonda did research that supported the plot, they acknowledged that the novel is well written, and IMO it was very moving to hear Frank say, “and why should we make fun about romance?” The romance genre is very often put down, so it is genuinely refreshing to hear librarians admit that, even though this is not their genre of choice, they are able to praise it in an honest way. Love the podcast, always have, and we are here listening.

I love books and I love podcast but I don’t love every book podcast. This podcast is pure perfection and personality. Frank and Gwen were magic to listen to and I wondered if Gwen leaving would alter my favorite podcast. Enter Rhonda. Different voice, but the magic is still there. Frank once explained not understanding Gatsby as a kid then finally understanding and enjoying it as an adult and I felt SO SEEN! Ha. Can’t get enough.

Frank & Rhonda have the rollicking rants of the couple in the coffee shop you really like, but never get the chance to know. Literati style banter, library level conversations. These two present a pregame to the party you didn’t know you wanted to attend

I love listening to Frank and Rhonda! I love their book club style episodes too.

The old hosts had such chemistry. They were a delight. But Gwen left and the new host just isn’t vibing for me. Perhaps NYPL should look into another co broadcaster for Frank.

What are your Instagram accounts

This has been one of my favorite podcasts over the past year. I really enjoyed Frank and Gwen’s rhythm, but I continue to listen and value Rhonda’s contributions. She has a wonderful voice as well as a broad range of interests and knowledge. It must be a challenge to develop each episode while working remotely. Thanks to Frank and Rhonda and the NYPL for staying with us through COVID 19.

I usually don’t write reviews, but after seeing the previous negative comment, I felt the need. :) I started listening almost a year ago and really loved Frank and Gwen’s banter. I do miss Gwen, but so far I have really enjoyed listening to Rhonda. I love her calming voice (intonations and all!), and she reads such a wide range of genres and sounds truly interested in so many things. It’s very refreshing.

This used to be my favorite podcast. . And then Gwen left. Frank remains the funny, charismatic, and entertaining host he always was, but Rhonda just doesn’t do anything for me. She is not interesting, painfully bland, and has a way of ending every single thing she says with an upwards intonation, as if everything is a question. I had to pull the plug after 3 or 4 episodes because the conversations and chemistry between them are DOA. The strong balance, humor, and genuine affection between Frank and Gwen is just as equally absent with Rhonda’s presence. It’s just depressing to think of how much I used to love this show, and now can’t even bare listening to it.

I listened when the show was hosted by Frank and Gwen and now by Frank and Rhonda. I very much enjoy the close readings and more general information. Gwen and Rhonda each brought and bring their own contribution and Frank is simply awesome—thought provoking without pretension. I always learn something about books, the library and/or culture and it’s a delightful mix.

I love listening to this podcast! It’s such a wonderful opportunity witness an intimate thoughtful review/conversation about books. Frank and Rhonda are each funny & engaging in their own way and have a very good “book marriage” (yes, I made that up). Rhonda’s melodious voice is soothing. I particularly love how they willingly reveal parts of themselves, it makes me want to count them as friends. I’m hooked!

This is such an approachable, engaging podcast, but with real gravitas in the selections and discussion.

I’m thrilled to have found this podcast. I want to be best friends w Frank & Gwen and look forward to hearing from Rhonda.

When it first came out, I loved this podcast, but now it’s just taken an awful turn. The new host has a pleasant voice, but the whole sound of the show is redundant, not thematic, sometimes funny...most of the time, sounds forced. I think most organizations like NYPL that have a podcast have shows with little personality. NYPL once had something with personality, but the show, overall production, leaves much to be desired as of now. It was a good run NYPL. But I’ll just be looking forward to borrowing books from you.

So glad you are back. I missed this podcast so much. Let the reading begin.

Welcome Rhonda. Good luck Gwen. So glad the podcast is back.

Rhonda is amazing! Can’t wait to see how she and Frank develop the next phase of the podcast. Today was a great start!

I have to admit I may have cried when I heard Gwen was leaving the podcast. I loved the banter between Gwen and Frank. I discovered today that Rhonda is amazing! I am excited for more episodes with her. Frank is also the best. I think these two are going to be great together!

First podcast was very exciting. Baldwin and Russian literature-here we come!

2019 was a better year for having this podcast in my ears! So sad to have Gwen leave- but good luck in your new job. Frank you can’t leave! We need you n 2020.

I enjoying listening to this podcast and I am sad to hear Gwen is leaving 😔

I have loved listening to The Librarian Is In! The chemistry between the hosts is sweet and dynamic and stimulating. So I am especially sad today to have learned that this duo is breaking up. Goodbye Gwen! Thank you to Gwen and Frank!

These conversations are substantive and personal, and worth listening to. Frank and Gwen provide equal shares of depth and levity. At times the discussions are skewed toward parenting, which can feel discouraging to members of the childless-not-by-choice community. But part of the appeal of the podcast is its intimacy; and since Gwen, as a mother, naturally views everything she reads through a parenting lens, it would be difficult to excise this without upending the structure of the podcast. Such a move would not benefit the majority of listeners able to join Gwen in parenting children, should they so choose; and, it would probably disappoint those who have children already, and who look forward, every other week, to hearing from a fellow parent.

My absolute favorite! I love the banter, the book talk, and the things that Gwen and Frank get me to think about. I look forward to each episode. Smart and so hilarious!

Love the show but WHAT is up with Gwen’s audio? Can’t hear her well but Frank is loud and clear. Thanks!

Frank Read. Critique. Stop Whining. It’s about the authors work not your mood or wardrobe or angst.

The perfect duo and my absolute favorite podcast. I love listening to Gwen and Frank. As a librarian myself, I hope to be even half as eloquent, thoughtful, and well read as these two!

I cannot get enough of Gwen and Frank. These two!!! I just want to invite them over to my house for snacks and neverending book conversations. I adore you both and the way you do thoughtfully examine your reading habits, your thoughts, and how books connect in weird and wonderful ways. Highly recommend this fab podcast to all book lovers and librarians in my life.

I have been enjoying this podcast for several months, and I just listened to the episode about Cozy Intellectualism and Baby Marginalia. Love the mix of humor, thoughtful book reviews (Grammarians and The Other’s Gold) are both on my plan to read list), and the chat about the Oxford comma (I am “for” that comma if you couldn’t already tell.) Thank you for always sharing a fun discussion that also makes me think. You are a great team!

I had the opportunity to work in the bronx for a year, during which I discovered this pod cast. I adore the content the humor the relationship between Gwen and Frank. Thank you all. I was so disappointed when I didn’t make to Jefferson Market to run into them. Thank you for making me laugh during the many long Delta flights back to Washington State.

If you appreciate smart, funny conversation, and you love books, this is your podcast. Gwen and Frank are just wonderful... The rapport is warm and lovely, and the discussions about books and related culture are superb. Each podcast feels like a delicious conversation over brunch with your two funniest and smartest friends. Superb!

I listen to my library related podcasts when I am working on weeding carts or technical work in the catalog (I am the collection development librarian for a library system in Virginia). This is at the top of my list-they obviously enjoy their work and enjoy working with each other.

I love the repor and chemistry between these two! I love the books they discuss. They usually aren’t the new buzzy books but they sound sound so good and send me to the library. ...and Frank..he sounds so uncommonly lovely and beautiful....