This is a very special episode of the podcast. Chris traveled to the Roosevelt Public Library to speak to a panel of library professionals about their passion and what it is like today to be a librarian of color on Long Island. We spoke to Dr. Lambert Shell, the Director of the Roosevelt Public Library, Stacey Smith-Brown, Assistant Director of the Roosevelt Free Library, Kaysha Watson-Phillips, who at the time of this recording was a Youth Services Librarian and Supervisor of Circulation at the Freeport Library but has now transitioned to Assistant Director at the Baldwin Public Library, Carol Gilliam, Black Heritage Librarian at the Roosevelt Public Library, Michelle Samuel, Librarian and Head of the Children’s Department at the Oceanside Public Library, Salamah Mullen, School Media Specialist and part time Librarian at the Uniondale Public Library and my “on the spot” co-host for the day Syntychia Kendrick-Samuel, Head of Teen Services/New Adult Program Coordinator at the Uniondale Public Library and Library Journal Mover and Shaker.

In Part I, we talk learn about our guests and what their passions are that drive them in the profession.

Remember, Part 2 is a separate episode, so don’t forget to listen to our group speak about what it is like to be a librarian of color her on Long Island.