Fyi: The Public Libraries Podcast

Job searching can be daunting, especially when it comes to crafting the perfect résumé. Many of us were never formally taught how to write one, and best practices seem to change constantly. In the January/February 2025 issue of Public Libraries, Alison King of King Career Services, provided a practical guide to creating an interview-winning résumé tailored specifically for public library workers. The article highlights common mistakes, shares strategies for standing out, and offers insights into what hiring managers are really looking for. In this episode, we chat with Alison about their advice for job seekers and how public library professionals can position themselves for success.

Public libraries often serve as a first stop for people seeking legal information, but assisting patrons with legal reference questions presents unique challenges. How can librarians provide useful guidance without crossing into legal advice? What resources are available to support pro se litigants? In this episode, we're joined by Anthony Aycock, Legislative Librarian at the North Carolina General Assembly, to explore these challenges and solutions. Anthony is the author of the article "Navigating Legal Reference: How Public Libraries Can Empower Pro Se Litigants," which appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of Public Libraries magazine.

In this episode of FYI: The Public Libraries Podcast, host Kathleen Hughes speaks with Julius Harper, Emmy-nominated executive producer, and Nicole Velez, senior producer at GBH KIDS, about Acoustic Rooster—a joyful new PBS KIDS series based on the beloved book by Newbery Medalist Kwame Alexander. Learn how the series introduces young viewers to the world of jazz, encourages creativity and collaboration, and supports social-emotional learning. Plus, discover how libraries can get involved with resources, programming ideas, and more—just in time for Jazz Appreciation Month!

In this episode, we explore Be MediaWise: The Misinformation Resilience Toolkit for Libraries, a powerful new resource helping librarians teach digital media literacy to adults. Our guest, Heath Umbreit, an Adult Services Librarian and Be MediaWise Advisory Board member, shares insights on combating misinformation and empowering communities with critical information skills. Tune in at the link. #BeMediaWise #DigitalLiteracy #PublicLibraries

Join us as we explore the world of children’s educational media with Marisa Wolsky, Emmy and Peabody Award-winning producer and Executive Producer for GBH Kids. Marisa shares the magic behind Work It Out Wombats!, the new PBS KIDS animated series that introduces preschoolers to computational thinking through engaging stories, lovable characters, and a vibrant community setting. Learn how this innovative show uses storytelling and problem-solving to inspire young audiences while blending entertainment with impactful learning.

This episode explores how Arlington (VA) Public Library’s (APL) Holiday Gift Nook redefines holiday giving and promotes sustainability. Join APL's Programs & Partnerships Librarians Katherine Chiriboga and Jennifer Odlum as they share the story behind this unique initiative. Entirely fueled by community donations, the Gift Nook transforms donated items into a curated shopping experience where families can select giftable items at no cost. In 2023, this effort provided 758 attendees with over 2,200 free gifts, alleviating holiday stress and fostering a spirit of sustainability and generosity.

In this episode of FYI: The Public Libraries Podcast, we share inspiring stories of Library Joy. Ten stories in under twenty minutes! Inspired by Mychal Threets' focus on celebrating joy in libraries, this episode highlights moments from library workers across the country that capture the magic, connection, and transformation that happen in libraries every day.

In this episode, we look into a crucial topic that intersects social work and library services—how libraries can navigate crises and ensure the safety of both staff and patrons through trauma-informed de-escalation techniques. Joining us is Dr. Margaret Ann Paauw, an assistant professor at Eastern Michigan University and a licensed clinical social worker with over a decade of experience. Dr. Paauw has a rich background in working with individuals experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, and serious mental illness. She served as a library social worker for the Chicago Public Library for several years and was a founding member of the PLA Social Work Task Force. She co-authored the bestselling PLA publication “A Trauma-Informed Framework for Supporting Patrons” and also delivers crucial training and support to library staff across the country. Dr. Paauw’s new book, “Navigating Difficult Situations in Public Libraries: The PLA Guide to Trauma-Informed De-Escalation,” (available in late 2024/early 2025) wi

In this episode we are talking about workplace burnout. It's a growing issue in many professions, including our own, and it can have serious consequences for both individuals and organizations. Our guests are Ris Labib and Amber Salmon, both Adult Services Librarians from the Akron-Summit County Public Library in Ohio. They've been looking into workplace burnout, particularly as it relates to the library workplace and presented a How-To program on the topic at the PLA 2024 conference. We discuss the predictors and contributors to burnout and, most importantly, finding effective solutions to combat it. We also look at common causes, such as work overload, role ambiguity, and challenging interactions.

True crime podcasts have captured the fascination of audiences worldwide, with their gripping narratives and captivating storytelling. According to a 2023 Pew Research study of the U.S. podcast market, nearly a quarter of top-ranked titles in America focused on true crime stories. The same study also showed that true crime topics make up nearly a quarter of all the top-ranked podcasts and had the highest average daily rankings on Apple’s and Spotify’s lists of podcasts, over a period of six months in 2022. Of all the U.S. adults who listened to a podcast in the past year, 34% reported regularly listening to podcasts about true crime. In this episode, we welcome Amy Carmichael, the driving force behind the True Crime Podcast Discussion Group at Lane Public Library in Ohio. Join us as we delve into the group's origins, glean advice on selecting top-tier podcasts, explore effective engagement strategies, uncover discussion preparation techniques, tackle the nuanced handling of sensitive topics within the true

In this episode of FYI, the Public Libraries Podcast, we delve into the potentially transformative impact of AI on public libraries. Our guest is  Juan Rubio, Digital Media and Learning Expert at the Seattle Public Library. Juan provides insights from his article, "The Role of Libraries in Navigating an AI-Empowered Future," which was featured in the May/June 2024 issue of Public Libraries magazine. Our discussion explores how AI can revolutionize library services, tackles ethical considerations, and explores the importance of AI literacy among both library workers and patrons. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation on the future of AI in libraries and its potential to enhance community engagement and services.

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 emplo

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 authenti

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 episo