Libraries Transform Texas Podcast

In this episode, guest host Carolyn Slavin, bilingual librarian at Reed Elementary in Leander ISD, talks with Carmen Lazo, Children's Community Programs Administrator at the Pflugerville Public Library, about the vital role libraries play in supporting bilingual communities. Drawing from their experiences in both school and public library settings, Carolyn and Carmen discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of serving Spanish-speaking patrons. They share creative program ideas, trusted resources, and some of their favorite bilingual books, offering practical inspiration for librarians looking to create more inclusive, accessible spaces for all readers.Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, guest host Shirley Robinson, executive director of the Texas Library Association (TLA), chats with Valerie Prilop, senior librarian at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and current TLA president. Together, they kick off a new leadership year by discussing opportunities for member involvement and what's ahead for 2025–2026. Valerie reflects on her personal journey within TLA—from joining round tables to stepping into leadership—and shares how those experiences shaped her deep appreciation for the community and connection that TLA offers. The conversation also highlights key initiatives, including member advocacy, exciting updates to the Tall Texans Leadership Institute, and plans for upcoming conferences in Houston and beyond. They also provide insights on TLA's refreshed strategic plan and how it positions the organization for a stronger, more adaptable future.Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, guest host Christina Taylor sits down with TLA President Elizabeth Howard and conference planning co-chairs Zinnia Bayardo and Erica Richardson to help attendees maximize their Texas Library Association (TLA) Annual Conference experience. They offer networking tips, scheduling strategies, and key insights for first-time attendees, as well as specialized sessions for small and rural libraries like community roundtables and journey maps. Plus, they highlight the value of after-hours events and unique networking opportunities for seasoned attendees. Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Regina Reed, director of the Leon Valley Public Library, chats with Angelina Corona, a library clerk whose journey into librarianship took an unexpected turn. Angelina shares how she joined the library in 2020, navigated challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and found her passion for programming and community engagement. She reflects on how leadership opportunities, like the Texas Stars Leadership course and the TLA conference, helped her grow in confidence and expertise. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about career growth, overcoming challenges, and the impact of libraries on both staff and community.Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Regina Reed, director of the Leon Valley Public Library, sits down with Shannon Trevino, a licensed professional counselor associate, to explore strategies for managing stress and preventing burnout. They discuss the key differences between stress and burnout, their physical and emotional impacts, and practical techniques to address them. Shannon shares valuable tips, including the importance of quality sleep, regular exercise, balanced nutrition, goal-setting, and mindfulness practices. The conversation also highlights how employers can foster supportive environments to help staff avoid burnout. Together, they emphasize the importance of self-care, building resilience, and seeking professional support when necessary. Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Wendy Woodland, director of advocacy and communications at the Texas Library Association, chats with Gloria Meraz, state librarian and director of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. They dive into the proposed accreditation rules for public libraries, highlighting major changes such as updated local expenditure requirements and clarified accreditation processes, while emphasizing the importance of stakeholder feedback. The discussion also explores TSLAC's 2025-2029 strategic plan, which focuses on education, economic development, community engagement, and open government. Gloria shares insights into budget priorities, including IT support, cybersecurity training, and broadband expansion, with a particular focus on improving digital literacy and rural broadband access. Throughout the episode, Gloria underscores the transformative role of libraries in fostering education, economic growth, and community connections in the digital age. Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Valerie Prilop, senior librarian at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and president-elect of the Texas Library Association, sits down with Katie Prentice, executive director of the Texas Medical Center Library, to discuss the dynamic field of medical librarianship. Katie shares insights into the unique challenges and rewards of the profession, from staying up-to-date with ever-evolving resources and technologies to fostering strong communication and active listening skills. She offers valuable advice for aspiring medical librarians, emphasizing the importance of specialized training, including the benefits of exploring PubMed resources to enhance expertise and improve services. Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

Join Dianna Landes, director at Lakehills Area Library, as she chats with Johnny Compton, author of The Spite House and Devils Kill Devils, about the world of horror literature. Compton reflects on his early influences, such as Stephen King's Night Shift and Daniel Cohen's Shutters, which shaped his love for the genre. He highlights the pivotal role that libraries and librarians played in fostering his writing career, emphasizing how essential they are in nurturing both readers and aspiring writers. Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

Join Warren Davis, community engagement and outreach coordinator at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, as he chats with Bertha Gomez, adult services librarian in the Brownsville Public Library system, to explore how libraries can promote digital literacy. They discuss Bertha's journey from a geography major to a digital navigator, the importance of addressing the digital divide, and the challenges and successes of teaching computer skills to adults. Bertha shares her teaching philosophy, the collaborative efforts of the library staff, and the joy of seeing community members gain confidence in using technology. Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

Join Katherine Counterman, a school librarian from the Houston area, as she talks with Anna Skalka, former president of the Fielder Elementary PTA in Katy, Texas, about building a strong collaboration between the PTA and the school library. They explore the key role of a library liaison and discuss how a successful partnership can promote consistency, boost community involvement, and cultivate a lifelong love of reading and learning. Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

Join Jean Darnell, a librarian at Dessau Middle School in Pflugerville ISD, as she chats with Da'Taeveyon Daniels, partnership director at Students Engaged in Advancing Texas, about student advocacy and activism. Da'Taeveyon shares how the lack of representation in his high school library inspired his activism. He discusses the significance of representation, his involvement with the National Coalition Against Censorship, and his work with SEAT. The conversation also explores how his heritage, particularly the influence of his grandmother, shaped his leadership qualities. Da'Taeveyon talks about collaborating with librarians to combat book bans and censorship and outlines SEAT's future goals to ensure intellectual freedom. Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

Join Kendra Harrell, library director at the Atlanta, Texas, Public Library, as she chats with Maggie Dumont, librarian at Bown Crossing Library in Boise, Idaho, about the flavorful world of spice kits and spice programming. They share ideas on creating spice kits, selecting the best spices, and offering innovative food programs in libraries. Tune in for a tasty discussion on how to add some zest to your library's offerings!

Join former Texas Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List Chair Christina Taylor in conversation with Moni Barrette from the American Library Association's Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table. Discover creative ways for library workers to integrate comics and graphic novels into their programs and teaching. From interactive workshops to engaging activities, this episode explores strategies beyond traditional collection development and passive programming. Tune in for fresh insights into leveraging the power of graphic storytelling in libraries!

Join host Jeannette Davies from the San Antonio Public Library as she engages in a candid conversation with John Trischitti, executive director of the Literacy Coalition of the Permian Basin, delving into the landscape of literacy in Texas. Exploring the hurdles in addressing this issue, they dissect Trischitti's TED Talk on librarians and literacy, emphasize the value of forging partnerships, debunk misconceptions surrounding non-literate individuals, and propose strategies for fostering inclusivity in public and school libraries.

Step into the world of literature with host Beatrice Saba, Library Director of the Bryan College Station Public Library System, as she engages in a captivating conversation with New York Times bestselling author Tomi Adeyemi. Known for her acclaimed novel "Children of Blood and Bone," the first installment in the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy, Adeyemi shares insights into her sources of inspiration and her meticulous historical research process, intertwining her narratives with the past. Explore the evolution of Adeyemi's trilogy, particularly delving into the distinctive elements of the third book, "Children of Anguish and Anarchy." Discover the exciting journey of translating a beloved book series into a cinematic experience and reminisce with Adeyemi about her cherished memories of libraries from her formative years. This episode is sponsored by Alexandria. Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

Join host Michele Santos in a conversation with Marianne DeLeon, the newly appointed CEO of the Texas Book Festival. Delve into Marianne's motivations for taking on this exciting role, exploring what drew her to this opportunity and what she anticipates most in her new position. The discussion unfolds to encompass Marianne's vision for fundraising, the pivotal role of libraries in communities, and reflections on the Texas Book Festival's notable achievements to date. Together, they candidly address the challenges that lie ahead for the festival. This episode is sponsored by Texas Woman's University, School of Library and Information Studies. Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

In our season 6 premier, host Michele Santos talks to Howard Marks and Angela Gaule of the Ector County Library in Odessa about the Gale Excel Adult High School Program at their library. The program gives people aged 21 and over the ability to earn their high school diploma online. The three discuss how to start the program at your public library, challenges, and success stories. 

In this short-but-sweet episode (less than 10 minutes) Emily Warwas of the Cedar Park Public Library talks with Caleb Kraft, Senior Editor of Make: Magazine, about craft and science projects at the library.

Elsie Purcell, Library Director of Hondo Public Library, shares the joys and challenges of rural librarianship in Hondo, population 8400.

Cynthia Rodriguez, Director of Library Services at Laredo College Libraries, and chair-elect of the Texas Council of Academic Libraries, is our guest for this episode. She shares all the reasons we're excited for the upcoming TCAL annual conference, Sept 18-19 in College Station, from networking with other academic library leaders to the keynote address from Dr. Michelle Cantu-Wilson.

In this special "Banned Books Week" episode, Jeannette Davies of the San Antonio Public Library interviews Leila Green Little and Diane Moster, two of the plaintiffs in the Little vs. Llano County civil lawsuit. Little and Moster are two of the seven plaintiffs in the lawsuit; all seven received the Sam G. Whitten Intellectual Freedom Award from the Texas Library Association for their outstanding work for intellectual freedom.

Jessica Silva, Faculty Librarian at Austin Community College, interviews #FReadom Fighters Becky Calzada and Carolyn Foote about founding this grassroots movement for intellectual freedom. Calzada and Foote talk about how the #FReadom movement started, who inspires them and how they gained experience as advocates.

Last year, Danielle Brigati, Library Director of the Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library in Kerrville, found herself at the center of a controversy after the public library's Banned Books Week display was challenged by community members. In this episode, Dianna Landes, Director of the Lakehills Area Library, interviews Danielle about what happened, how the library stood up for the right to read, and her advice on making sure your public library has a strong collection development policy.

Christy Reynolds, TLA's Membership Engagement Manager, gives us the scoop on the new Members-Only area and how best to use our online community, TLA Engage.

TLA Education and Programs Manager Kelly Mantay shares keys to success when submitting a proposal for TLA 2024, the Texas Library Association's annual conference that will be held next spring in San Antonio. From mistakes to avoid to what kind of sessions librarians are looking for, you can learn it in this short podcast!

Whether you are middle grade or middle-aged, this episode has a book recommendation for you! Join us for a laugh and a chat with Austin area humor writer Wendi Aarons. In the last year she has written two books with funny leads. The first is, "Ginger Mancino, Kid Comedian," about a funny adolescent girl that is trying to find a new voice in her stand-up comedian career, all while she navigates the sometimes funny, sometimes not, world of middle-school friendships. The second, humorous memoir "I'm Wearing Tunics Now" chronicles Aarons' personal experience navigating professional pursuits, friendships, and fashion in middle age. Beyond book talks, hear the role libraries played in Aarons' writing over the years as well as ideas on how libraries can support local authors! Hosted by librarian Cate Sweeney.

Passive programming ideas are something every librarian needs. Passive programming encompasses a variety of types of programs that allow students to participate on their own, at any time. It might mean an array of board games or giant Jenga or checkers at the library, or make and take kits students can bring home.  In this episode, Katherine Counterman, an elementary school librarian in Katy ISD and a member of TLA's PR and Marketing Committee, interviews Melinda Lanham, lead librarian of Belton ISD and librarian at Belton New Tech High School. We'll also hear from Noel Hill, a teacher and librarian at Calhoun Middle School in Denton ISD. We're excited for you to hear their ideas.

Today's episode focuses on two innovative ways to do Story Walks. A Story Walk is a fun activity where pages from a children's book are printed and placed in displays along a walkable path at a park, school, or neighborhood. In today's episode, Katherine Counterman of TLA's PR and Marketing Committee, interviews Haley Nye Phillips, outreach librarian at Denton Public Library and Megan Farve, Outreach Librarian at McKinney Public Library. Haley discusses the Story Walk program she brought to Denton Square, the downtown courthouse square in Denton and Megan talks about the “Choose Your Own Adventure” Storywalk she created in McKinney.

Dianna Landes, Director of the Lakehills Area Library, is our guest host for this podcast. She interviews Cindy Fisher, Senior Program Coordinator, Texas Broadband Development Office, and the former Digital Inclusion Coordinator of TSLAC. They talk about the Texas Digital Navigators grant program, run through TSLAC, which awarded grants to help libraries close the digital divide in their area in a measurable way. Digital Navigators are individuals who address the whole digital inclusion process — home connectivity, devices, and digital skills — with community members through repeated interactions. Dianna discusses the Digital Navigator program at her library and they talk about the ways libraries can help people connect.

This special episode is all about the TLA 2023 Annual Conference, happening April 19-22 in Austin. We have two guests here to talk about “What to Know Before You Go.” We're delighted to have Jenni Jacobs, librarian from Texas Tech University and chair of the New Member Round Table, and Christy Reynolds, membership coordinator at TLA, as our guests for this episode.

In this special podcast series about the TALL Texans Leadership Institute, Brandi Dawson, chair of the TALL Texans Round Table, examines a different aspect of TALL Texans each week. In this episode, Brandi talks with TALL Texan alumni Judy Boone (Director of Digital and Learning Resources at Irving ISD) and Chamong Siong (Senior Librarian, Fort Worth Public Library) about their experiences at TALL Texans and what to expect from the content there. They discuss how TALL Texans can help librarians at various stages in their careers and how they keep the lessons from TALL fresh after the program ends.

Brandi Dawson, chair of the TALL Texans Round Table, talks about where to find funding (stipends from your unit, school district foundations) to help cover the cost of the TALL Texans Leadership Institute.

What are the "Hidden Gems" that you don't want to miss at the upcoming TLA Annual Conference - the education sessions that are worth your time, but might otherwise get overlooked? Here to share their wisdom is Mary Woodard, our TLA President, recently retired from Mesquite ISD; Jo Giudice, co-chair of the Conference Program Committee and the Director of the Dallas Public Library; and Emma McDonald co-chair of the Conference Program Committee and Director of Library Services at Mesquite ISD. See what sessions they recommend that might otherwise go overlooked. #txla23

Brandi Dawson, chair of the TALL Texans Round Table, interviews Donna Kearley, chair of the TALL Texans Selection Committee, about common mistakes to avoid when applying for the TALL Texans Leadership Institute and why it's worth applying again even if you applied unsuccessfully before.

Alexandra Cornejo, chair of the TLA PR & Marketing Committee, and Library Media Specialist at the Harlingen School of Health Professions, interviews Karina Quilantan-Garza, TLA's Librarian of the Year. Karina is the Library Media Specialist at Jaime Escalante Middle School in Pharr-San Juan- Alamo ISD. They discuss advocating for their students in the Rio Grande Valley, setting up a gaming club to teach creativity and connectivity through tabletop games, card games and esports, and why sharing their students' stories is so important.

Brandi Dawson, chair of the TALL Texans Round Table, talks about the new application for the TALL Texans Leadership Institute and goes over logistics of this renowned leadership program. Part 1 of a mini-series about TALL Texans, hosted by Brandi.

This episode is hosted by Jessica Silva, librarian at El Paso High School, El Paso ISD and our topic today is “How to set up high school students for success in college and beyond.” Our featured guests are Lorely Ambriz, El Paso Community College; Jackie Chetzron, Dallas ISD; David Baca, Texas A&M University -Galveston; Jennifer Ottinger, Texas Woman's University; and Bryant Moore, Texas A&M - San Antonio. Guests discuss how best to prepare high school students for the rigor of college coursework and how to help them utilize library resources while in college.

In this 12-minute episode, two Texas Library Association staff members, Membership Coordinator Christy Reynolds and Meeting and Events Manager Michelle Cruz, share their top three reasons you should renew your TLA membership (or join if you are new to our organization) and register for the annual conference.

In this episode (part 2 of our episodes for Libraries Transform Texas Week), Dianna Landes, director of the Lakehills Area Library, interviews Julie Hermonat of the Barbara Bush Library in Spring. Julie talks about the fun "Hedgie's Adventures" program at her library, where kids take home a pompon hedgehog and record their adventures with Hedgie in a special journal. This fun program would be easy to duplicate at another library, learn all about it here.

We have a special two-part episode for Libraries Transform Texas week! In part I, Dianna Landes, director of the Lake Hills Library, interviews Stacy Clopton, public relations coordinator of the Amarillo Public Library, about AMA-CON, a huge sci-fi, pop culture and anime convention in Amarillo organized by the Amarillo Public Library. They also discuss the library's "seed library" for local gardeners and how to set up a MakerSpace.

This is part 2 of 2. Our featured guest for this podcast is Dorcas Hand, school library advocate and coordinator of the Intellectual Freedom Helpline for the Texas Library Association. Cate Sweeney, vice-chair of TLA's PR and Marketing Committee, interviews Dorcas. In this section, we hear about how the Intellectual Freedom Helpline was developed and how it's different from (and complements) the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom.

Let's celebrate Banned Books Week! Our featured guest for this podcast is Dorcas Hand, school library advocate and coordinator of the Intellectual Freedom Helpline for the Texas Library Association. Cate Sweeney, vice-chair of TLA's PR and Marketing Committee, hosts this episode. In Part I, we'll hear from Dorcas about three different book challenges she faced as a school librarian; as well as what the Helpline does and how it can help you.

Librarians have a tremendous number of skills, but sometimes we lack confidence in promoting those skills to the world. Kendra Harrell, director of the Atlanta, TX Public Library, talks with Kelly Hoppe, Head of Outreach and Instruction at Cornette Library, West Texas A&M University, and Carol Seiler of EBSCO Information Services about library skill sets and how to market your true capabilities to other libraries and the non-library world.

In this episode, Jeannette Davies of the San Antonio Public Library interviews Pat Bjornson, a longtime volunteer with the Friends of the San Antonio Public Library, to talk about Friends of the Library groups and everything they do to help public libraries at the branch level. From holding book sales to raising money for remodels to hosting appreciation dinners for library staff, public libraries could not do what they do without support from Friends volunteers.

Traditionally, we think of summer reading programs at public libraries. But what about a summer program at your school library? In today's episode, Katherine Counterman, an elementary librarian in Katy ISD, interviews Sean Heller, librarian at Stockdick Junior High School in Katy ISD. For the last five years, Sean kept his school library open one day a week in the summer. He saw great turnout from students and families and any student, from any school, was welcome. He talks about story times for younger siblings, parents using WiFi and keeping books available in a book desert while school is out.

Brandi Dawson, Supervisor of Library Media Services for Lewisville ISD, hosts this panel discussion about the TALL Texans leadership program -- applying, attending, and what happens after the week of learning. Guests on the panel are Heather Hornor, Library & Information Tech Specialist at Richardson Independent School District; Dawn Wilbert, Director of the Decatur Public Library; LaMoya Burks, Head Librarian at Texarkana College and Valerie Prilop, Senior Librarian at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

In honor of National Library Week (April 3-9), Jeannette Davies of the San Antonio Public Library interviews staff from the Patrick Heath Public Library in Boerne about their creative programs. Guests are Natalie Morgan, Robin Stauber, Alison Topper and Erica Metz, all of Patrick Heath PL. They have a rollicking conversation about food, cookbooks, foods popular during the 1950s and other creative programs. Bon appetit!

With more than 250 education sessions to pick from at the TLA 2022 Annual Conference in Fort Worth this April, it's hard to know what to attend! Here to recommend sessions that are "hidden gems" are Dan Burgard, TLA President, and Curren McLane and Stacy Cameron, co-chairs of the Conference Program Committee. They all have recommendations for sessions that might get overlooked, but are well worth your time.

This episode is about switching library careers from one track to another -- and sometimes to another after that. From school to public, from public to vendor, public to academic, and more; hear some real-life experiences from TLA members. This episode is hosted by library director Kendra Harrell, and features interviews with Priscilla Delgado, Jackie Kruzie, and Martha Lopez Coleman. This is part 2 of 2; part 1 is season 2, episode 7.

This episode is about switching library careers from one track to another -- and sometimes to another after that. From school to public, from public to vendor, public to academic, and more; hear some real-life experiences from TLA members. This episode is hosted by library director Kendra Harrell, and features interviews with Morgan Brickey-Jones, Lisa Zinkie, and Kelly Hoppe. This is part 1 of 2; part 2 is season 2, episode 8.

Alexandra Cornejo of the Harlingen School of Health Professions interviews Margarita Longoria, author and editor of the anthology Living Beyond Borders: Growing Up Mexican in America, which has received starred reviews from Kirkus, Booklist, School Library Journal and more. Twenty stand-alone short stories, essays, poems, and more from celebrated and award-winning authors make up this YA anthology that explores the Mexican American experience. Both active Texas Library Association members, Alexandra and Margarita talk about how the book came together, volunteer experiences with TLA and why being a librarian is the best job in the world.