Reading Public Library: Down The Block and Around The World

Listen as the Reading Public Library Staff reacts to winning the National IMLS Medal. They share what this award means to them and also to their community! Congratulations!!!

Toni Reece interviews Bronwen Gamble about Reading Public Library becoming 1 of 29 Finalists vying for the Institute for Museum and Library Service Award. Did you know that there are 16,500 libraries in the U.S. and The Reading Public Library is one of 29 Finalists!!!! Bronwen shares the reasons why and the journey of becoming a nominee! There are 10 winners announced on May 1, 2018!!! Stay tuned!

Bronwen talks to Daniel Egusquiza about how important a gathering space or Plaza is to a community. The Reading Public Library is using their beautiful front steps as a gathering space. What's the point of this? We need to see where the people are and meet them there. Learn more from Daniel and Bronwen in this next episode!

Bronwen talks about the excitement around their Global Representative Daniel Egusquiza's global adventure and what it means to our local hometown library! Not to be missed!

Bronwen talks to Leslie King, Senior Outreach Coordinator, about how she brings the Library to Seniors. Whether it is coloring books or novels and DVDs, Leslie makes sure Seniors have access to this important resource - our Library.

Bronwen talks to Ineavelle Ruiz, Librarian at the South East Reading Branch about the activities and programs that happen at her branch. Ineavelle shares how they meet the community where they live to find out what their needs are so their library can become part of the solution.

How do best sellers get from a best seller's list into a library? It's a very cool process and one that very few people know. Listen as Bronwen talks to Pam Hehr, Cataloger, and find out the secrets behind you having access through your library of the many past, present and future best selling books!

Bronwen asks Carl to describe his adventures at the reference desk. He has been asked questions you would never believe! It's always interesting!

Bronwen talks to Mike about how the library has grown with the internet. From 1992 - 2017 everything in the library was done by hand and face to face service was key. Presently, the Library offers have grown to not only face to face but also helps to bridge the digital divide for people who do not have computers at home and use the Library's computer resources to help them do homework, research, resumes and more! Mike also gives great advice on the do's and don'ts of using a public computer! Check it out!

Where does the money come from to support the Reading Public Library? The woman with all of those answers is the Library's Director of Advancement, Linda Capozello! It's not just fines and fees, Linda calls it "Fun Funding"! Find out more by listening to this very informative episode!

Bronwen talks to Rachel McCullough, Manager of the Northwest Branch of the Reading Public Library. Bronwen has known Rachel for 15 years and has had the privilege of watching her growth into the superstar that she is today. Rachel talks about the history of her branch and what's in the future for this community built branch!

Daniel Egusquiza helps recreate the space at the Reading Public Library. He spends time in the community supporting people and events. He brings it all back to the library providing an opportunity for more people to take part and connect with others in this community.

It's vibrant, alive and noisy, it's the Children's Library! There are play centers, summer reading games with prizes and free books and an urban garden. Come play with your kids at the Reading Public Library.

She's A Book Matchmaker! Ashly Roman heads up the Teen Library at the Reading Public Library with Teen Novels, Hoopla, Comic Books, Graphic Books, DVDs, Laptops, Comic Con and more. Oh my!

Bronwen Gamble is the Executive Director of the Reading Public Library and host of this new podcast series: RPL, Down The Block and Around The World. She sparkles as she talks about the creative and innovative ways the RPL comes alive everyday. The library is much more than a book exchange, its a people exchange! Join for free and you can meet new people, create, play, read, research, stream video, use free wifi, dance, learn, travel and so much more!