TLA's Libraries Transform Texas Podcast

This monthly podcast is a production of the Texas Library Association. It’s designed to showcase the amazing work of Texas librarians and the influence of Texas libraries. #librariestransformtx

TLA's Libraries Transform Texas Podcast is a arts podcast hosted by Texas Library Association, with 84 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Texas Library Association hosts TLA's Libraries Transform Texas Podcast, a arts show with 84 episodes published.

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  Episode #8

  Celebrating 250 Years Through Texas Stories

  Sep 28, 202614 minS8

  In this episode, host Michelle Chan Santos, coordinator for the Texas Center for the Book, welcomes Susan Floyd of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission to explore how Texas is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary through reading, history, and community engagement. Floyd shares details about the Texas America 250 Project, a statewide initiative bringing traveling exhibits, digital resources, videos, and a yearlong reading challenge to libraries, schools, and communities across Texas. The conversation also highlights the 2026 Texas Great Reads, honoring beloved Texas author John Erickson. This year’s selections include The Case of the Poison Toad for young readers and Erickson’s autobiography, Small-Town Author, for adults. Together, the initiatives offer Texans of all ages new ways to connect with the stories, people, and history that have shaped the state and nation. Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings .

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  Episode #7

  Two Decades of Expanding Access to Knowledge

  Jul 23, 202627 minS8

  In this episode, host Michelia Mason, head librarian at the Southwest Research Institute, welcomes Kristi Park, executive director of the Texas Digital Library, to celebrate the organization's 20th anniversary and explore its impact on scholarly communication. Kristi discusses how the Texas Digital Library helps academic institutions expand access to research, digital collections, educational resources, and research data through shared infrastructure and collaboration. The conversation also examines the evolving role of libraries in an era of open access, federal data-sharing requirements, and artificial intelligence, while highlighting the importance of ethical innovation, digital preservation, and member-driven partnerships. Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

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  Episode #6

  Library Joy and the Power of Belonging with Mychal the Librarian

  Jun 23, 202632 minS8

  In this episode, host Regina Reed, director of the Leon Valley Public Library, welcomes Mychal Threets, known to many as “Mychal the Librarian,” a TIME100 Creator, and the new host of Reading Rainbow , for a conversation about library joy, belonging, and the power of kindness. Mychal shares how his love for libraries inspired his debut picture book, I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy , and why creating spaces where everyone feels they belong is at the heart of his mission. He reflects on the collaborative process with illustrator Lorraine Nam, discusses how he uses social media to promote mental health, neurodivergent advocacy, and hope, and explains why he strives to remind people that the world is better with them in it. The conversation also explores what it means to be recognized as a TIME100 Creator, the honor of carrying forward the legacy of Reading Rainbow , and his ongoing commitment to literacy, libraries, and helping others find joy. This episode is sponsored by Cherry Lake Publishing Group . Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings .

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  Episode #5

  Beyond the Book Fair: Strategies to Stretch Your Library Budget

  May 28, 202619 minS8

  <p>In this episode, host Carrie Bresnehen, district library specialist with Austin ISD, is joined by Katie Adams, Heather Stephens, and Sarah Ruttan for a conversation inspired by their TLA session, “Beyond the Book Fair: Strategies to Stretch Your Library Budget.” Together, they share creative and practical approaches for making limited library funds go further across a variety of campus settings. The discussion explores fundraising ideas tied to campus culture, including T-shirts, coffee sales, and social media campaigns to encourage donations, as well as partnership opportunities like sister library collaborations and local bookstore fairs. The guests also highlight ways to expa...

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  Episode #4

  How School Libraries Are Powering STEM Learning

  Apr 23, 202629 minS8

  <p>In this episode, host Patty Nix, Lead Librarian for Bastrop ISD, is joined by Stephanie Deskin, K–12 digital learning specialist, and Heather Augustine, elementary librarian at Camino Real Elementary, for a conversation on how school libraries can bring STEM to life in meaningful, accessible ways. They explore how elementary libraries serve as unique spaces for hands-on learning—supporting Texas technology application standards like computational thinking, creativity, collaboration, and digital citizenship—while giving every student a chance to explore in a low-pressure environment. Deskin shares how early STEM exposure helps build confidence, resilience through trial and error, teamwork, and awareness of fut...

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