In this episode of Beyond the Stacks, Mark Williams, Chief Librarian at MPL, is joined by guest co-host Adam van Koeverden, Former Olympian, Local MP, and newly appointed MPL Community Ambassador. Together they interview Maddie Schizas, 2022 Figure Skating Olympian and MPL Community Ambassador. In this special interview, Maddie shares her recent experience competing at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, an Olympian’s mindset, and the importance of youth being able to access sports. The panel further discusses the impact of libraries on their lives and their essential role in building strong communities.

Hosted by: Mark Williams, Chief Librarian and Adam van Koeverden

Edited by: Lloyd Tran

Music: Side Steppin’ by Otis McDonald

In this episode of Beyond the Stacks, we are joined by Taylor and Whitney, coordinators of Pflag Halton and Mark Williams, Chief Librarian at MPL. With more people in the Milton and Halton community identifying as part of the LGBTQ2S+ community, members need inclusive spaces to be themselves that create a large sense of belonging and reduce stigmas. In this episode, listeners will learn how Milton Public Library and Pflag’s partnership continues to make the library a safe and inclusive space for all.

Hosted by: Selina Long, Community-Led Librarian

Edited by: Lloyd Tran

Music: Side Steppin’ by Otis McDonald

In this episode of Beyond the Stacks, we are joined by Chris Freeland, Director of Open Libraries at Internet Archive, Jennie Halperin, Executive Director of Library Futures and Mark Williams, Chief Librarian at MPL to discuss our newest partnership with the Internet Archive. 

With the rise in popularity of digital resources, Milton Public Library often grappled with how to deliver accessible digital resources to the community. The answer came with a new partnership with the Internet Archive, where the library was able to offer millions of digitized resources to patrons in accessible formats. In this episode, listeners will learn how this partnership was made possible.

Hosted by: Selina Long, Community-Led Librarian

Edited by: Lloyd Tran

Music: Side Steppin’ by Otis McDonald

In this episode of Beyond the Stacks, we are joined by Amy Leask, a writer, educator, and interactive media producer. Amy is the founder of Milton’s own Red T Media and co-founder of Enable Education. In this episode, we discuss what it means to dream and think BIG! This is the third episode in our miniseries on leadership, answering questions developed by MPL’s Teen Advisory Group.

In this episode, we are joined by Adejisola Atiba, founder and president of the African Caribbean Council of Halton and Manager, Financial Planning Associates, Greater Toronto Region with RBC and Kim Jenkinson, Executive Director of HMC Connections. Meet your Miltonians as we discuss what it means to be a creative, goal-setting, successful leader.

Hosted by Emily Thompson, Community-Led Librarian

Edited by Lloyd Tran, Marketing and Communications Assistant

Music: Side Steppin' by Otis McDonald

In this episode, our hosts, Lisa and Emily, sit down with Hassaan Basit, President and CEO, Conservation Halton, and Adam van Koeverden, Member of Parliament for Milton, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Youth, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage (Sport). They join us today to talk all things leadership, and to answer questions that are on the minds of our Teen Advisory Group. 

Hosted by Lisa Portelli, Teen Services Librarian, and Emily Thompson, Community-Led Librarian

Edited by Lloyd Tran, Marketing and Communications Assistant

Music: Side Steppin' by Otis McDonald

In this episode, our hosts, Lisa and Emily, sit down with local artist, JR Marr. Their recent mural at 16 Hugh Street in Milton explores identity, humanity in relation to LGBTQ2S+ communities, and represents an incredible piece of public art celebrating diversity in Milton. JR joins us to day to discuss their inspiration, creative process, and the importance of community art.

Hosted by Lisa Portelli, Teen Services Librarian, and Emily Thompson, Community-Led Librarian

Edited by Lloyd Tran, Marketing and Communications Assistant

Music: Side Steppin' by Otis McDonald

In this episode, our host, Lisa, sits down with an amazing youth from our community, Vikki Pike. Vikki is a grade 12 student here in Milton, and community advocate for people with learning disabilities. Today she’s visiting MPL to discuss her experiences in learning to read at 16, her advocacy work, and her love of new experiences.

Hosted by Lisa Portelli,  Teen Services Librarian.

Edited by Lloyd Tran, Marketing and Communications Assistant

Music: Side Steppin' by Otis McDonald

In this episode, our hosts, Lisa and Mary, sit down with two amazing youth from our community, Tithi and Aditi. As members of MPL's Teen Advisory Group, they practice advocacy for their teen communities and help guide our staff to ensure we support our youth to the best of our ability. Today they're visiting MPL to discuss the unique experiences of growing up as a teen today, how they stay involved in their community and their favourite snacks.

Hosted by Lisa Portelli,  Teen Services Librarian, and Mary O'Connor, Adult Services Librarian

Edited by Lloyd Tran, Marketing and Communications Assistant

Music: Side Steppin' by Otis McDonald

The Milton Public Library's brand new podcast series, Beyond the Stacks, goes behind the scenes of your local library to bring you community-led content that matters, programming that surprises you, and buzz-worthy topics that entertain you.

In this episode, our hosts, Ashley and Mary, sit down with CEO and Chief Librarian Mark Williams. Mark has 20 years' experience from public libraries in England, Toronto and Milton Public Library. He’s won numerous awards for his innovative approach to public library service and has been with MPL since 2014. He joins us in the studio to discuss his vision for Milton Public Library, where he sees libraries in the future and teaches us some Welsh.

Credits:

Hosted by Ashley Directo, Marketing and Communications Manager, and Mary O'Connor, Adult Services Librarian

Edited by Lloyd Tran, Marketing and Communications Assistant

Music: Side Steppin' by Otis McDonald