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In this episode, we talk with Roland Barksdale-Hall, Branch Manager at the Stey-Nevant Branch Library in Farrell, PA and an author, activist, historian, and griot. Our conversation touches on forging deep community connections, confronting biases, being true to oneself, active listening and making people feel seen, and the huge impact we can have on others. Roland shares his own inspiring story and the active work it took to truly become “the friendly place” in his community. The episode is full of concrete advice for library workers at every point in their career. Resources discussed: 

• Roland’s blog post in Librarians with Spines 
• Books authored by Roland  

Date of interview: August 19, 2022
Hosts: LaRee Dominguez and Meredith Farkas