Using our Library Voices

The World Cup is almost here, and sustainability is taking center stage. In this episode, we talk with Elizabeth Carlson, Houston’s World Cup Sustainability Chair, and Laura Smith, HCPL’s Sustainable Library lead, about how the World Cup and Harris County Public Library are teaming up to drive meaningful sustainability efforts. From big-picture goals to local impact, they share how these initiatives are helping create a more sustainable future for our community.

https://oca.harriscountytx.gov/Divisions/Sustainability

https://www.sustainablelibrariesinitiative.org/

https://hcpl.net/sustainability-policy/

https://www.fwc26houston.com

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu. 


In memory of Darcy Casavant. 

This month we take a look into the first amendment and try to clear up any confusion around it. We also talk about some of our favorite banned books and the Librotraficante movement. So take a listen and learn why your freedom to speak and read are so important. 

Books mentioned in this episode: Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, The Giver by Lois Lowry, No David by David Shannon, Last Night At The Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo. 

Learn more about our library at www.hcpl.net

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu. 


In memory of Darcy Casavant. 

This month, we speak with some expats about their experiences living outside the United States and the different processes they went through when becoming citizens/residents of their home away from home. 

We also learned about some famous expat authors and digital nomads!

Learn more about our library at www.hcpl.net

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu. 


In memory of Darcy Casavant. 

How did we all get started in libraries? For our 5th year anniversary episode, we talk to all current cast members of our podcast about their personal journeys into the library world.

Listen to our back catalog for more Using Our Library Voices at www.hcpl.net/podcast

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu. 


In memory of Darcy Casavant. 

This month we talk about how the invention of air conditioning has forever changed the future of Houston! 

Learn how the humidity and other challenges of our environment affects all aspects of life and the library.

Listen to our Fungus Among Us episode here

Learn more about our library at www.hcpl.net

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu. 


In memory of Darcy Casavant. 

Join us this month as we explore inside our brains. John recounts how he learned lines for a Shakespearean role, and Sadina talks with UT Health Neurologist, Dr. Rajesh Gupta about the different ways brains process information. 

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu. 


In memory of Darcy Casavant. 

This extra-long episode is a celebration of fantasy, strategy, and storytelling as your Harris County Public Library librarians roll initiative on a journey through their favorite RPG passions! We start with RPG and turn-based combat video games that first opened the portal to imaginative realms. From there, we dig deep into the immersive world of tabletop role-playing games, Dungeons & Dragons, and the strategic thrill of trading card games like Magic: The Gathering. Finally, we swap our dice for doublets as we dive into Renaissance Faires—where the fantasy comes to life. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or just starting your quest, join us for a fun, geeky deep dive filled with nostalgia, laughter, and more than a few critical hits. 

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu. 


In memory of Darcy Casavant. 

Houston has a lively theater scene and for this episode we talk with Mary at Spring Branch Memorial Branch Library and  3 other actors in Houston about auditioning and the Houston Theatre scene.

Learn more about Acting and Theater in Houston with our Resources for Actors available on our website blog here

Actors Aaron Garrett, Dano Colón, and Destiny Duhon join us in this episode.

Check out the live shows at our libraries this Summer as part of our Summer Reading Program! ARTS AND CULTURE EVENTS 

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu. 


In memory of Darcy Casavant. 

This episode is bursting with creativity! In honor of this year’s Summer Reading Program theme, Color Our World, we team up with our artsy neighbors at the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts. Discover how this hidden gem next to the Barbara Bush Library brings color, culture, and kid-friendly exhibits to our community.

Join Rebecca Burns and Samantha Aguilar from the Pearl as we dive into the vibrant world of color—its culture, its politics, and yes, its drama.

PLUS: Hear shoutouts from your favorite authors recorded at the Texas Library Association Conference by our own Gabbing Librarian, Jennifer Finch. From Martha Wells to Saadia Faruqi and Bob Shea, it’s a celebration of stories, art, and summer fun!

🎧 Tune in and color your world with us!

🎧 Hosted by: Sadina Shawver
 🎚️ Edited by: Katelyn Helberg
 🎤 Featuring: Rebecca Burns, Samantha Aguilar, Jennifer Finch, amazing authors at Texas Library Association 2025 Conference 

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu. 


In memory of Darcy Casavant. 

 Get ready for a jam-packed episode with two epic segments you won't want to miss! 

💥 Segment One: Ticketmaster Thunderdome
We're diving headfirst into the wild world of snagging K-Pop concert tickets — it's chaos, strategy, and pure adrenaline. From waitlists to war stories, we’ve got the lowdown on how to survive the ticketing frenzy and prep like a pro for the ultimate fan experience. 

🎭 Segment Two: Convention Survival Guide
Planning your next big con? We’ve got your back. Tune in for essential tips and clever tricks to stay safe, sane, and energized during those marathon convention days. From cosplay hacks to self-care musts, this segment is your geeky guide to thriving in the crowd. 

🎧 Produced by: Jennifer Finch
 🎚️ Edited by: Beth Krippel
 🎤 Featuring: Sadina Shawver, Davonna Cartright, Tasha Storfer, Laurel Roseborrough, and Darla Pruitt 

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu. 


In memory of Darcy Casavant.