For Season Five of the podcast, we’re going behind the book to talk to people whose livelihood and careers depend on the free flowing circulation of books in society.

On episode 50, our guest is Emely Rumble, LCSW. Emely is a distinguished licensed clinical social worker, school social worker, and a bibliotherapist. Committed to making mental health services more accessible, Emely specializes in the transformative practice of bibliotherapy. Emely is also the author of the exciting new book, Bibliotherapy in the Bronx.

During our conversation, Emely explains:

• What is bibliotherapy?
• Why bibliotherapy works for people struggling with mental health issues.
• Who is the African-American ‘Hidden Figure’ of bibliotherapy.
• Why she wants more BIPOC authors to be aware of this powerful modality.
• How her experience as an Afro-Puerto Rican child who spent time in the foster care system influenced her decision to become a bibliotherapist.

I hope listening to Emely’s story and her fascinating explanations about the intersections of racial identity, literature, and mental health, leave you lit.

Buy a copy of Emely’s book, Bibliotherapy in the Bronx at the Reed, Write, & Create Online bookstore. Support Emily and the Podcast at the same time!

Follow Emely on Instagram at Literapy_NYC

If you’re interested in getting credentialed as a bibliotherapist, visit the International Federation for Biblio/Poetry Therapy.

Please feel free to show your love and support for this podcast by making a small donation via Buy Me A Coffee.

If you're looking for more creative writing inspiration, and useful resources for your literary life, check out the Reed, Write, & Create website at ReedWriteandCreate.com.

Sign up for the Reed, Write, & Create monthly newsletter.

Join the Tell Me More email list to get your invite to join the Reed, Write, & Create Sanctuary at the end of May, 2025.

Follow Lori on YouTube at LiteraryLori

Welcome to Season 5 of the Podcast! On this brief episode, Loril will provide a quick recap about her time living in a library in Ghana, followed by a sneak peek into what we have planned for this special season of the podcast.

For Season 5, we’re going Behind the Book, bringing you interviews and stories about people who depend on the free circulation of books in the world. From librarians, to agents, to activists and entrepreneurs, this season we're pulling back the curtain on the people who keep the book business flowing and growing.

To learn more about the Library of African and the African Diaspora, visit their website.

If you want to read more about Lori’s experience in Ghana, read this blog post about her experience.

If you're looking for more creative writing inspiration, and useful resources for your literary life, check out the Reed, Write, & Create website at ReedWriteandCreate.com.

Sign up for the Reed, Write, & Create monthly newsletter.

Join the Tell Me More email list to find out when we start taking new applicants to the Reed, Write, & Create Sanctuary.

Follow Lori on YouTube at LiteraryLori

Please feel free to show your love and support for this podcast by making a small donation via Buy Me A Coffee.

Tune in to this brief episode for updates about the Reed, Write, and Create podcast, and some exciting news from host, Lori L. Tharps.

Links for more resources and information.

The Reed, Write, and Create Website

Find Out More about The Reed, Write, & Create Sanctuary for BIPOC women writers.

Apply to The Sanctuary HERE

The Blog Post About Lori's Upcoming Trip to Ghana

The Literary Lori YouTube Channel. Don't forget to subscribe by February 13.