FYI: The Public Libraries Podcast

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) will serve as a comprehensive guide for library staff on addressing trauma and mental health issues among patrons. Here we explore key concepts from her book, such as trauma-informed care, the escalation cycle, and effective de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe environment for everyone in the library. We also discuss how library staff can recognize and manage burnout and compassion fatigue, and much more.

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 crime genre, and much more

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 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.

On this episode, we discuss the history of library segregation in the Jim Crow south and the fight for desegregation. Our guests, Suzanne LaPierre and Chris Babuschak are librarians at the Fairfax County Library in Virginia and the authors of "Desegregation in Northern Virginia Libraries," Their book sheds light on the libraries in Northern Virginia during the era of segregation and the civil rights activists who fought for change. Join us as we gain valuable insights into this important part of library history.

In this episode, we chat with Jenn McKague, an Outreach Services Librarian at the Salt Lake County Library, who is dedicated to serving persons who are incarcerated and those who have been incarcerated. Jenn shares her background, the services she provides, the challenges she faces, and more in a candid and informative conversation. Tune in to learn about Jenn's work and the impact she's making in the lives of these often overlooked communities.

In this episode are joined by Dr. Maria Taesil Hudson McCauley, the current president of the Public Library Association for the 2022-2023 term. Dr. McCauley is also the director of the Cambridge Public Library in Massachusetts. In this episode, we ask Dr. McCauley about her background and involvement with the Public Library Association, her experience as President-Elect and President of the PLA, and her thoughts on the increasing role of libraries in their communities. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities for public libraries in this moment, as well as Dr. McCauley's priorities during her presidential year. Finally, we dive into the recent update of the PLA strategic plan and what Dr. McCauley is most excited about as both the PLA President and a public library director.

In this episode we discuss Public Libraries and Digital Literacy, including PLA's DigitalLearn and how a recent grant from AT & T of over one million dollars, has enabled PLA to empower more libraries to reach more people around the country with Digital Literacy training. Our guests are: Samantha Lopez, Manager, Marketing & Membership, PLA Joy Osuna Benfante, Senior Program Manager, AT &T Mary Clare Bietila, Program Manager, Programming Initiatives, PLA

In this episode our guests, Larra Clark, Deputy Director Public Library Association & ALA Public Policy & Advocacy and Natalie Ruppert, Manager, Career & Job Services Division at Kenton County (KY) Public Library, discuss PLA initiatives around workforce development including the concept of career navigators and new research examining the role U.S. public libraries play in supporting workforce and small business development. The research, conducted by Measures that Matter, an initiative of COSLA in cooperation with IMLS, provides an increased understanding of current library practices and how they intersect with existing workforce systems and identifies challenges to data collection and outcome measurement.

In this episode we are talking about the Cultural Proficiencies for Racial Equity Framework, which was approved by the boards of directors of the four partner organizations, the American Library Association (ALA), Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL), Association of Research Libraries (ARL), and Public Library Association (PLA), during summer of 2022. Our guests for this episode are Christina Fuller Gregory, Assistant Director of Libraries South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts & Humanities and Kristin Lahurd, Deputy Director, Conference Content and Engagement. American Library Association.

Today our guest is Lindsay Trammell, Youth Services Librarian at the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library in Florida. We talk about how to start a book subscription box for teens: including finding resources for it, building the framework, and putting it all together. Book subscription boxes can Discover the impact this program can have—particularly on book desert communities—and imagine a new way to cultivate relationships with underserved populations. Lindsay also provides scaled options for how to institute a book subscription box, tips on how to design materials for the program, and points to consider when tailoring the program to your library's unique situation and resources.

In this episode we discuss the results of the Public Library Association's 2021 Public Library Staff and Diversity Survey and the current 2022 Public Library Services for Strong Communities Survey. Our guests are: Sara Goek: Project Manager, Data and Research, at PLA; Dan Hensley: Co-chair of PLA's Measurement, Evaluation, and Assessment Committee (aka MEAC) and Coordinator of Adult Learning at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh; and Katina Jones: Program Manager, Evaluation and Assessment, at PLA and former member of MEAC

Job seekers with a criminal record face an enormous barrier to employment. While legal service providers can assist with the expungement process, often at little or no cost, they are predominantly located in urban centers, making access difficult for those in rural areas. In this episode Elena Coelho, Adult Program Manager, Worcester County (MD) Library; and Marshall Shord, Assistant Branch Manager, Worcester County (MD) Library will share their experience starting and running a bi-monthly expungement clinic in an area with few pro bono legal resources. The hybrid model they use, in partnership with the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, allows participants to virtually connect with lawyers in other parts of the state through library-provided laptops in a semi-private meeting room. Welcome Elena and Marshall

From leadership and management matters to current public library hot topics to strategic planning, capital projects, collection development, program planning, and so much more, the Directors Dialogue episodes aim to share ideas, best practices, and lessons learned. For this inaugural effort, our guests are: Doug Crane, Director of the Palm Beach County (FL) Public Library And Kent Oliver, Director of the Nashville (TN) Public Library Both are also members of the PLA Leadership Development Committee and the idea for the Library Directors Conversation series came out of their committee discussions.

Want to learn how more public libraries in your state can participate in National Voter Registration Day? NVRD is a nonpartisan civic holiday celebrating democracy, planned for Tuesday, September 20, 2022. In this episode we talk with Lynda Reynolds, Public Library Management Consultant, State Library of North Carolina; and Lauren Clossey, Continuing Education Consultant, State Library of North Carolina, about their experience hosting a statewide initiative inviting all North Carolina libraries to participate in NVRD.

In this episode our guest is Lecia Michelle. Lecia is a long-time librarian, activist, and author. Her forthcoming book “THE WHITE ALLIES HANDBOOK: 4 Weeks to Join the Racial Justice Fight for Black Women” (published by Kensington Books) will be on sale July 26, 2022). The book is a practical, actionable, explicit guide for people looking to not just "start a conversation" but to take concrete steps toward equality.

In this episode we talk with Debra Keane and Margaret Ann Paauw, members of the Public Library Association Social Work Task Force (SWTF), about the emerging field of public library social work and the SWTF's new book (available from ALA in April of 2021) "A Trauma-Informed Framework for Supporting Patrons."

We talk with Cindy Khatri, Public Relations Manager, and Van McGary, Adult and Teen Services Assistant Manager, Downers Grove (IL) Public Library (DGPL) about the Anti-Hate Statements that the library releases in response to current events. The library believes that through the use of Anti-Hate Statements they are openly condemning hate and violence against historically marginalized groups. So Far, DGPL has released the following Anti-Hate Statements: 12/20/2021: From the Board of Library Trustees and Director: A Statement in Solidarity of the LGBTQ+ Community 6/10/2021: From the Board of Library Trustees and Director: A Message Against Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia 4/16/2021: From the Director: An Updated Message in Support of Black and Brown Lives 3/24/2021: From the Board of Library Trustees: A Message on Anti-Asian Racism 6/2/2020: From the Director: A Message on Anti-Racism and Free Speech You can see the statements and read more about the library's EDISJ efforts at https://dglibrary.org/edi/. Khatri and McGary will also present a program at the upcoming PLA conference (PLA 2022) on this topic. More info at www.placonference.org.

Sara Goek, Program Manager at the Public Library Association and Linda Hofschire, Director of the Research Institute for Public Libraries (RIPL) discuss the 2021 Public Library Staff & Diversity Survey and "Benchmark: Library Metrics and Trends," the latest evolution in PLA's data-driven initiatives and tools for libraries.

In this episode, Stesha Brandon, Literature and Humanities Program Manager at the Seattle Public Library (SPL) shares how the library successfully moved author programming to a digital format during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tune in for tips on hosting robust digital author events.

This episode is about misinformation. Whether it is lies about the election, or COVID-19, or conspiracy theories, we have seen just how insidious the spread of misinformation can be. Our guest is Suzanne LaPierre, the Virginiana Librarian at Fairfax County Public Library in Virginia. Suzanne has researched and written on misinformation and disinformation. You can find her work over at Public Libraries Online (www.publiclibrariesonline.org) and be sure to check out her article (along with co-author Vanessa Kitzie) "Lots of Questions about Fake News: How Public Libraries Have Addressed Media Literacy 2016-2018" which appeared in the Oct/Dec 2019 issue of Public Library Quarterly

How often do you catch yourself feeling like you are in ‘over your head’ at work? Imposter syndrome – the sense that you are inadequate for the task in front of you despite past proof of your ability – can wreak havoc on your career and keep you from taking on new challenges. It can also prevent you from sharing your unique talents and skills in ways that benefit you and your organization. But imposter syndrome need not derail your career. Those feelings of being a "fraud" can be turned into a springboard to propel you forward in your career and in your life. Join Public Libraries magazine editor, Kathleen Hughes and Youth Services Librarian Erin Collier Plummer, Seminole County (FL) Public Library, in a discussion of this phenomenon.

In this episode our guest is Jessica Bratt, Youth Services Manager at the Grand Rapids (Michigan) Public Library. Jessica began the DigiBridge partnership with Grand Rapids Public Schools, and received national recognition as a Library Journal Mover & Shaker. She writes reviews for library trade publications, serves on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Library Association, and on the ALA 2019 Coretta Scott King Book Award Jury Committee. She presents nationwide on “Let’s Talk About Race in Storytimes.” She was interviewed for MTV’s article “In Trump’s America, Activist Librarians Who Won’t Be Shushed.” Jessica is also currently a presenter with PLA's traveling workshop, "Social Justice and Public Libraries: Equity Starts with Us." Her newest adventure revolves around trying to balance her gaming life with motherhood.

In this episode, Larra Clark, PLA and ALA Washington Office Public Policy and Advocacy Deputy Director, and Michelle Perera, Director of the Pasadena (California) Public Library discuss the 2020 census. With billions in federal funding at stake over the next ten years, it is crucial for libraries that an accurate count is taken. Clark and Perera detail how to help your community participate, how to partner with local organizations to reach sections of the community at risk of being undercounted, and more.

PLA/ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Deputy Director Larra Clark and Emily Wagner, Public Policy and Advocacy Deputy Director discuss the publisher changes to library ebooks and the publisher embargo which led to ALA's 'eBooks for All Campaign.' Clark and Wagner further discuss how libraries are taking action, the online petition, and also detail how you can get involved.

Our guest is Cordelia Anderson, a marketing and communications consultant who works primarily with libraries and nonprofits. She is the former director of marketing and communications at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Library in North Carolina.

We talk with Oralia Garza de Cortés, Coordinator for REFORMA's Children in Crisis and Patrick Sullivan, Emeritus Librarian at San Diego State University, about the organization's efforts to provide books and storytime materials to children detained at the southern border.

We talk with Kate Coleman, Outreach Coordinator at the Hennepin County (MN) Library about the library's social services offerings, outreach, and more.

We talk with Rachelle Brandel, Adult Services Librarian at the Ferguson (MO) Public Library about PLA's 'Libraries Connecting You to Coverage' initiative and the Ferguson Library's efforts to help their community members enroll in health insurance during the Affordable Care Act's open enrollment period.

Our guest is Sarah Garbis, Service Manager Community Embedded Library Service (CELS) at Hennepin County Library. This program pairs librarians with Community Liaisons to shape library practices and extend programs and services for communities that experience the greatest barriers to library access. The collaborative staffing approach—librarians and local liaisons working together with community—draws on the expertise of each. Librarians bring program and service development skills as well as expertise navigating systems. Community Liaisons have deep knowledge of a community, its people, culture, and language as well as expertise in community engagement and development.

Our guest for this episode is Sara Zettervall. Sara is the founding consultant and trainer for Whole Person Librarianship, which applies social work concepts to library practice. She also works at Hennepin County Library as the community engagement librarian for East African refugees in Minneapolis.

Our guest is social worker Jean Badalamenti, the Health and Human Services Assistant Manager at the Washington, D.C. Public Library. In her role with the library, she leads system-wide initiatives in a variety of areas. Since 2014, she has been developing programs, creating partnerships, and training DCPL staff to support customers experiencing homelessness. She also manages DCPL’s library at the DC jail in partnership with the DC Department of Corrections.

PLA's Brendan Dowling hosts a conversation with Lainey Mays and Christopher Connelley of the HarperCollins Library LoveFest team, and an interview with Juliet Grames, whose first novel, "The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna," will be released in the Spring.

The United States has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the western industrialized world and studies show that children of teen parents are less prepared for school, perform less well, and have a higher dropout rate than other children. As many librarians know, it is challenging enough to get teens into the library for teen-specific programming, add a baby to the mix and it becomes nearly impossible. So how do you reach this group with crucial early literacy information? Go where they are! In this episode we talk with Clair Larkin, author of "Teaching Early Literacy to Teen Parents" the latest release in PLA's Quick Reads series. Larkin details how, just like all parents, teen parents want their children to succeed, and also how the library can support them in this mission by bringing early literacy programming into local schools. Using Every Child Ready to Read principles and programming tips from San Antonio Public Library’s “Little Read Wagon,” we discuss how you can create a similar program that meets the needs of your community’s teen parents.