TLA's Libraries Transform Texas Podcast

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 Libra...

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. T...

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 t...

In this episode, guest host Christina Taylor sits down with Emily Hersh, workforce development consultant at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, to explore how public libraries are expanding their role as hubs for workforce and economic opportunity. Emily shares how she supports libraries across Texas through training, resources, and partnerships, helping them better serve patrons see...

In this episode, host Katie Loomis of Texas Woman’s University is joined by 2025–26 Texas Library Association President Valerie Prilop and conference planning co-chairs Kate Carter and Brandi Grant for a preview of the 2026 TLA Annual Conference in Houston. Centered on the theme of cultivating community, they share highlights from community-focused sessions, including a Sunday kickoff come-and-go...

In this episode, host Patty Nix, Lead Librarian for Bastrop ISD, is joined by author and educator Marc Tyler Nobleman for a conversation about storytelling, hidden history, and the power of speaking up. Marc shares how his curiosity led him to uncover overlooked contributors behind iconic stories, including the untold history behind the creation of Batman—work that became the basis for his book, B...

In this special episode of Libraries Transform Texas, host Mary Woodard—2023 president of the Texas Library Association—sits down with Kate Horan and Manya Shorr, candidates for president-elect on the TLA Executive Board. The conversation explores each candidate’s professional journey, the experiences that have shaped their leadership philosophies, and their perspectives on trust, accountability,...

In this special episode of Libraries Transform Texas, host Brianna Saenz, membership engagement coordinator at the Texas Library Association, sits down with six candidates running for executive board positions in the 2026 TLA elections. The conversation features Cheryl Loewen and Daniel Schwartz, candidates for treasurer; Andrea Schorr and Megan Firestone, candidates for representative-at-large fo...

In this episode, host Katie Loomis of Texas Woman’s University explores how the Denton Public Library helps patrons beat the winter blues through creative programming and community-centered services. Guests Rebecca Ivey, Kerol Harrod, and WyLaina Polk share how seasonal initiatives—from the Winter Reading Challenge to partnerships with United Way and the Tarrant Area Food Bank—support learning, co...

In this episode, host Michelia Mason, head librarian at the Southwest Research Institute, sits down with Andrea Schorr, associate director of resource management at the UT San Antonio Health Science Center Libraries, for a deep dive into transformative agreements and their growing role in scholarly publishing. Andrea breaks down how these agreements shift subscription dollars toward open access, w...

In this episode, host Regina Reed, director of the Leon Valley Public Library, sits down with Maryanna Christensen, president of the Friends of the Leon Valley Public Library and chair of the Library Advisory Board. Together, they explore how Friends groups can transform libraries into true community hubs. Maryanna shares how she stepped into leadership and built a thriving organization that fills...

In this episode, host Carrie Bresnehen, vice chair of TLA’s Public Relations and Marketing Committee, talks with Mary Woodard, retired school library director and 2022–23 TLA President. Mary reflects on her path into librarianship, the vital role school librarians play, and how to maximize impact even with limited resources. She highlights the importance of self-care, community, and aligning with...

In this episode, host Michelia Mason, head librarian at Southwest Research Institute, sits down with Bryant Moore, first-year experience librarian at Texas A&M University–San Antonio, to explore the unique world of first-year experience librarianship. Bryant shares his path from working as an undergraduate library assistant to leading initiatives that help new students thrive. He discusses the...

In this episode, guest host Christina Taylor speaks with Alexa Harrison, Library Youth Fellow at El Paso Public Libraries, about Centre Future—a dynamic program empowering disconnected youth ages 16–24 to re-engage with school or work. Alexa shares how Centre Future’s three core pillars (Job Lab, Skill Studio, and Care Corner) provide career guidance, hands-on skill development, and holistic suppo...

In this episode, guest host Christina Taylor sits down with Kelly Hoppe and Chelsea Kuehler from the Cornette Library at West Texas A&M University to discuss the power of K–16 partnerships. They explore how these collaborations ease the transition from high school to college by introducing students to academic expectations early on. The conversation also highlights the professional rewards for...

In this episode, guest host Carolyn Slavin, bilingual librarian at Reed Elementary in Leander ISD, talks with Carmen Lazo, Children’s Community Programs Administrator at the Pflugerville Public Library, about the vital role libraries play in supporting bilingual communities. Drawing from their experiences in both school and public library settings, Carolyn and Carmen discuss the unique challenges...

In this episode, guest host Shirley Robinson, executive director of the Texas Library Association (TLA), chats with Valerie Prilop, senior librarian at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and current TLA president. Together, they kick off a new leadership year by discussing opportunities for member involvement and what’s ahead for 2025–2026. Valerie reflects on her personal journey w...

In this episode, guest host Christina Taylor sits down with TLA President Elizabeth Howard and conference planning co-chairs Zinnia Bayardo and Erica Richardson to help attendees maximize their Texas Library Association (TLA) Annual Conference experience. They offer networking tips, scheduling strategies, and key insights for first-time attendees, as well as specialized sessions for small and rura...

In this episode, Regina Reed, director of the Leon Valley Public Library, chats with Angelina Corona, a library clerk whose journey into librarianship took an unexpected turn. Angelina shares how she joined the library in 2020, navigated challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and found her passion for programming and community engagement. She reflects on how leadership opportunities, like the Te...

In this episode, Regina Reed, director of the Leon Valley Public Library, sits down with Shannon Trevino, a licensed professional counselor associate, to explore strategies for managing stress and preventing burnout. They discuss the key differences between stress and burnout, their physical and emotional impacts, and practical techniques to address them. Shannon shares valuable tips, including th...

In this episode, Wendy Woodland, director of advocacy and communications at the Texas Library Association, chats with Gloria Meraz, state librarian and director of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. They dive into the proposed accreditation rules for public libraries, highlighting major changes such as updated local expenditure requirements and clarified accreditation processes, whil...

In this episode, Valerie Prilop, senior librarian at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and president-elect of the Texas Library Association, sits down with Katie Prentice, executive director of the Texas Medical Center Library, to discuss the dynamic field of medical librarianship. Katie shares insights into the unique challenges and rewards of the profession, from staying up-to-da...

Join Dianna Landes, director at Lakehills Area Library, as she chats with Johnny Compton, author of The Spite House and Devils Kill Devils , about the world of horror literature. Compton reflects on his early influences, such as Stephen King's Night Shift and Daniel Cohen's Shutters , which shaped his love for the genre. He highlights the pivotal role that libraries and librarians played in foster...

Join Warren Davis, community engagement and outreach coordinator at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, as he chats with Bertha Gomez, adult services librarian in the Brownsville Public Library system, to explore how libraries can promote digital literacy. They discuss Bertha's journey from a geography major to a digital navigator, the importance of addressing the digital divide,...

Join Katherine Counterman, a school librarian from the Houston area, as she talks with Anna Skalka, former president of the Fielder Elementary PTA in Katy, Texas, about building a strong collaboration between the PTA and the school library. They explore the key role of a library liaison and discuss how a successful partnership can promote consistency, boost community involvement, and cultivate a l...