BPL Podcast Borrowed Takes Bronze in Audio
Brooklyn, NY—Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) was honored today with two Anthem Awards. The Books Unbanned initiative, a program to provide young people free and easy access to books amid an alarming rise in censorship, won top honors in the national awareness campaign category. In addition, Borrowed, the Library’s flagship podcast, won bronze in the audio category. The award recognizes individuals and organizations who are sparking social good. The Library was selected from nearly 2,000 entries in 43 countries worldwide.
“We are thrilled to accept the Anthem Award for two of our most beloved programs. Since 2019, Borrowed, the Library’s flagship podcast, has produced powerful audio stories which start at the Library and are designed to uplift, educate, and inspire the listeners wherever they sit,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO, Brooklyn Public Library. “And, our Books Unbanned initiative is leading the way across the nation, fighting back against book bans and for the very democratic ideals on which our nation was founded, the right of every Individual to seek information from all points of view.”
The Anthem Awards was launched in response to the prevalence social good has taken within the national conversation in recent years. By amplifying voices that spark global change, the awards are defining a new benchmark for meaningful work that inspires others to take action in their communities.
In 2022, Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) launched Books Unbanned to help teens combat an increasingly coordinated and political effort to ban books in school and public libraries across the nation.
Indeed, the American Library Association reported a record number of challenges in 2021, targeting 1600 books, including classics like Toni Morrison’s Bluest Eye.
Books Unbanned opens BPL’s entire electronic catalog, with about 500,000 items, to anyone in the United States, ages 13 to 21, making books freely available at any point in time in any community in the country. Nearly 6000 teens, from every state in the nation, have applied for the card.
“Since launching this platform in June of 2021, we have seen that social change has emerged as a dominant force in mainstream culture,” said Anthem Awards Managing Director Jessica Lauretti. “The sheer number, breadth and overall quality of the entries shared with us in the 2nd Annual Awards is a testament to the strength of this growing movement and demonstrates an enduring commitment to the work that is both humbling and inspiring to see. From the war in Ukraine, to protests in Iran and the ongoing battle for equality here at home in the States, the call for change not only perseveres but is a growing global chorus.”
Borrowed, the Library’s flagship podcast, won bronze in the audio category for a series that aims to raise awareness for an education, art, or culture cause. The episodes cover a wide range of stories from the secret lives of librarians to the ongoing challenges of racial inequality in Brooklyn and beyond. The podcast team also collected dozens of oral histories during the pandemic to help understand the community’s collective experience of resilience and loss.
Winners for the 2nd Annual Anthem Awards will be celebrated at the Winners Celebration on February 27 in NYC.
ABOUT BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. As a leader in developing modern 21st century libraries, we provide resources to support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.7 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. We provide nearly 60,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book.
ABOUT THE ANTHEM AWARDS
Launched in 2021 by The Webby Awards, The Anthem Awards honors the purpose & mission-driven work of people, companies and organizations worldwide. By amplifying the voices that spark global change, we’re defining a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their own communities. The Anthem Awards honors work across seven core causes: Diversity; Equity & Inclusion; Education; Art & Culture; Health; Human & Civil Rights; Humanitarian Action & Services; Responsible Technology; and Sustainability, Environment & Climate. Founded in partnership with the Ad Council, Born This Way Foundation, Feeding America, Glaad, Mozilla, NAACP, NRDC, WWF, and XQ.
ABOUT THE WEBBY AWARDS
Hailed as the “Internet’s highest honor” by The New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international awards organization honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites; Video; Advertising, Media & PR; Apps, Mobile, and Voice; Social; Podcasts; and Games. Established in 1996, The Webby Awards received more than 13,500 entries from all 50 states and 70 countries worldwide this year. The Webby Awards are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS). Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include Verizon, WP Engine, YouGov, Brandlive, Canva, NAACP, KPMG, Fast Company, Wall Street Journal, MediaPost, Podcast Movement, and AIGA.