In this episode, Kathleen Hughes, PLA, talks with Amy Mikel, Director of Customer Experience at the Brooklyn Public Library. Amy shares the catalyst for the Cardholder Signup Practices study—the Books Unbanned initiative—and how it spurred their curiosity to examine library access and then walks us through the study's objectives and key findings, shedding light on the challenges of ensuring equitable access, particularly for marginalized communities. Amy also shares actionable recommendations for libraries based on their research, offering valuable insights for enhancing inclusivity and accessibility in library systems nationwide. Join us as we uncover the complexities of library access and explore ways to create more equitable opportunities for all.

In this episode we're tackling a topic close to the hearts of many public librarians: navigating the Public Library Association Conference. But we're taking a unique angle – focusing on the perspective of attendees from small and rural libraries. Joining host Kathleen Hughes, PLA, is Jennie Garner, Library Director, at the North Liberty (IOWA) Public Library, and immediate past president of the Association for Small and Rural Libraries.

In this episode, we delve into the realm of federal government student loan repayment programs with our expert guest, Kyra Hahn, a librarian at the Denver Public Library. Kyra has successfully navigated the public service student loan forgiveness process and is here to shed light on recent changes introduced by the Biden Administration. Kyra will also be featured in a session on the How-To Stage at the upcoming PLA 2024 conference. Her presentation, titled “How To Achieve Student Loan Forgiveness: Navigating Changes and Advocating for Systemic Reform,” is scheduled for Friday, April 5, at 10 am in the Exhibits Hall. This session explores the reality of student loan forgiveness, providing practical resources for navigating recent process changes in Public Service Loan Forgiveness and Income-Driven Repayment forgiveness programs. Kyra will also touch on the impact of advocacy and research in raising awareness about the challenges of lifelong debt and influencing systemic change in educational funding and employment benefits.

In this episode of FYI, The Public Libraries Podcast, Kathleen Hughes, PLA, hosts Lori Leiberman, a Teacher/Librarian from Lincoln High School in Portland, Oregon, as they explore the intricate dynamics of the romance genre, and Lieberman's upcoming PLA conference program, "Read Romance/Fight Patriarchy." The conversation navigates the popularity and enduring stigma surrounding romance literature, discussing the genre's paradoxical position as both a billion-dollar industry and a source of unwarranted shame for readers. Lori sheds light on the feminist essence embedded in romance narratives and their potential to challenge patriarchal norms. Drawing from her experiences at Lincoln High School, she shares insights into the positive impact of romance literature in educational settings, highlighting the genre's capacity to engage students and foster cultural awareness. The episode concludes with practical tips for launching a Romance Book Club in libraries and building inclusive romance collections that authentically represent diverse voices and experiences. Don't miss this candid exploration of the genre's complexities and its profound impact on readers and education.

Today we are talking with Researchers at the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research who have received a grant to study Black History Month Programming in Public Libraries. This three year project is the first national study to assess the content, scope, and factors influencing Black History Month offerings at public libraries in the United States. Our guests are Dr. Grace Jackson-Brown, Ph.D., M.L.S. Professor, Library Science, Research & Instructional Services Unit; Chairperson, Springfield African American Read-In, Duane G. Meyer Library, Missouri State University and Dr. Deborah Robinson MBA (Concentration: International Organizations) The University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Ph.D. Social Psychology The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Dive into the buzzworthy world of library beekeeping with our latest episode featuring Amber Lawvor, Librarian at the Salt Lake City Public Library. Discover the ins and outs of their successful beekeeping program, from beginner tips to creative programming and community engagement ideas. Whether you're contemplating introducing bees to your library or simply curious about the benefits of pollinator programs for your community, this episode has something for everyone. Join us to explore the resources needed to start a bee colony and learn how to connect with community partners for programming that will leave a lasting impact.

Discover the ever-evolving landscape of library technology as we explore insights from the PLA Public Library Technology Survey. Our guests, Sara Goek, Project Manager for Data and Research at the Public Library Association (PLA); Dan Hensley, Co-chair of PLA's Measurement, Evaluation, and Assessment Committee (MEAC) and Coordinator of Staff Training and Development at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh; and Heidi Fendrick, a member of MEAC and State Data Coordinator at the Utah State Library Division, break down key findings from the 2020 survey, reveal how this data shapes library funding and advances digital equity, and share the significance of your library's participation in PLA’s 2023 technology survey.

In this episode we'll hear about a successful project to revitalize the Spanish Beginning Readers Collection at the Multnomah County (Portland) Library System. The project, “Bienvenidos a la lectura” which included developing a culturally responsive collection and themed "bolsitas" (bags) of books for patrons, was designed to better serve the needs of the Latine community. In this interview, we discuss the project's development, implementation, and impact on the community, as well as strategies for creating culturally specific programs and services in libraries

"Let’s Talk Race" emerged from the Richland (SC) Public Library as a response to the tragic events of 2015, including the murders of Walter Scott and the Charleston Emmanuel AME Church shooting. In the aftermath of these incidents, many South Carolinians were left grappling with a mix of emotions—anger, confusion, and fear. As the community sought ways to process and heal, the library took a proactive approach. The library's response was to initiate small dialogue circles, providing a safe haven for conversations about race. These circles aimed to foster understanding and empathy in the face of challenging circumstances. Over time, this grassroots effort grew into a movement. Since then, the Richland Library has organized over 250 events and community discussions, engaging more than 4,000 participants. The impact of these conversations extended beyond the library's walls, prompting the library team to create a free curriculum, designed to be utilized by libraries and groups across the country. In this episode, we talk with Tamara King, Chief Equity and Engagement Officer, and Heather McCue, Children's and Teens Services Manager at RPL. Join us as we delve into the roots and evolution of "Let’s Talk Race," exploring how it has transformed into a platform for change—nurturing empathy and unity through candid conversations about race.

This podcast is sponsored by Craft & Hobby. Visit https://go .CraftandHobby.com/ALA to access over 4,000 hours of content across 20 different creative disciplines. Unlock the Creative Potential at Your Library with Craft and Hobby. On this episode we are talking about STORIES BEYOND BORDERS, a booklist created by the Chinese American Librarians Association to commemorate their 50th anniversary. Stories Beyond Borders features children's, middle grade, and young adult books centering Chinese American and diasporic voices. This celebratory reading list was formed through a collaboration between the Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA) and the Young Adult Services Association (YALSA) in consultation with the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC). Our guests Crystal Chen and Melody Leung were both members of the task force to create the list.

The latest edition of “The Black Librarian in America” the seminal Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) publication, published by Rowman & Littlefield, is the first to be wholly edited by Black women, including Shauntee Burns-Simpson, Nichelle M. Hayes, Dr. Ana Ndumu, and Dr.Shaundra Walker—and it also features a foreword by the Librarianof Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden. This reflective and celebratory edition marks the 50th anniversary of both the first edition, edited by Dr. E. J. Josey, and the founding of the BCALA. The editors have gathered a wealth of wisdom and lived experience from the stories represented in this volume, which are invaluable to understanding the challenges, opportunities, and ongoing work of Black librarians in America. Inthis episode of FYI: The Public Libraries Podcast, we have the privilege of speaking with one of the editors of this important and timely book—Shauntee Burns- Simpson, Associate Director, Center for Educators and Schools, The New York Public Library.