TLA's Libraries Transform Texas Podcast

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.