Utah Libraries Have You Covered

Listen in as Rob Ence, the executive director of the Utah Commission on Aging , explains the role of the commission and how it works to connect research, public policy, and community resources on behalf of older adults. He details the partners and programs available to every Utah resident whether a senior adult or a caregiver for a senior. The commission also has many resources that benefit people...

Join our inspiring conversation with Macy Lewis, a Utah-based author and University of Utah graduate. She is known for writing children's books and romantic suspense novels, such as the “Hidden Hearts” series. She often focuses on themes of friendship, adventure, and faith. Macy has been blind since birth and works as a braille proofreader. Macy Lewis - Guest Jeri Openshaw - Host Jason Powers - Au...

In this edition of the Utah Libraries Have You Covered podcast, we introduce you to Art Access Executive Director Gabriella Huggins and discuss services offered through Art Access and how you can get involved. Gabriella is a multi-media arts practitioner and student of social work from Salt Lake City, Utah. For more than a decade, she has worked as youth mentor and teaching artist with a number of...

Join the Utah Libraries Have You Covered podcast as we welcome Kat Potter, deputy director of the Department of Culture and Community Engagement (CCE). Kat provides a comprehensive overview of the nine divisions within CCE, discusses upcoming special events, and details her role and aspirations for the Department's future. Kat Potter - Guest Jeri Openshaw - Host Jason Powers - Audio Recording Mana...

In this edition of the Utah Libraries Have You Covered podcast, Steven, Sarah, and their 11-year- old daughter, Mave Erb, explain why and how they came up with the idea of tactile, multi-sensory games for the blind and disabled. They introduce us to their company, Unicorn Soda Design , and detail how you can get your hands on these games. You’ll be amazed! Steven, Sarah, and Mave Erb - Guests Jeri...

In this Utah Libraries Have You Covered Episode, Department of Culture and Community Engagement (CCE) Executive Director Donna Law details her journey to this position and her hopes for its future. Law talks about having worked with CCE Divisions in her previous role as communications and marketing director for the Utah Shakespeare Festival and at Southern Utah University. The conversation details...

In this Utah Libraries Have You Covered episode, Jason Broughton, director of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) , talks with us about his background and the services provided by the NLS and the Utah State Library for the Blind and Disabled . If you’re not familiar with the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), the name can be a little confus...

James Toledo is the deputy director for the Utah Division of Indian Affairs/Cultural and Community Engagement. Toledo also served as a program manager for the division where he has been instrumental in fostering relationships between the state government and Utah’s eight sovereign Tribal nations. Toledo oversees division programs aimed at improving communication, cooperation, and collaboration bet...

If you or someone you know is blind or disabled the last thing you may think of tackling is woodworking. Think again—a woodshop for the blind and disabled can be a valuable resource for individuals with visual impairments or other disabilities, providing a space for woodworking and other creative endeavors. These workshops can offer adapted tools, techniques, and guidance to make woodworking acces...

In this episode we chat with David Wicai, the Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement (CCE) . CCE and its divisions are the heart and soul of Utah government. David talks about his role in CCE, CCE's nine divisions, and how we serve Utah residents. Utah Arts & Museums Utah State Library Division UServeUtah: Utah Commission on Service and...

In this episode we chat with Cara Rothman, the Utah State Librarian and Division Director at the Utah State Library . Cara talks about the Utah State Library and Utah's public libraries. Originally Recorded: December 2024. Cara Rothman - Guest Jeri Openshaw - Host Jason Powers - Audio Recording Manager

In this episode we chat with Lisa Nelson, Program Manager with the Utah State Library Program for the Blind and Disabled and the library services provided to the blind and visually impaired. The Library houses the world's largest braille collection and the largest audiobook collection for the blind.  Individuals who cannot read or use conventional printed materials as a result of visual or physica...

In this episode we chat with Merrily Cannon, Library Development Program Manager with the Utah State Library (USL). Merrily chats about what the Library Development Program provides to Utah’s libraries and hygge, the Danish art of coziness. Originally Recorded: November 2024. Merrily Cannon – Guest Jeri Openshaw – Host Jason Powers – Audio Recording Manager

In this episode we chat with Adam Rushforth, Training & Adjustment Services Coordinator with the  Utah Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the services provided to the blind and visually impaired. Originally Recorded: October 2024. Adam Rushforth – Guest Jeri Openshaw – Host Jason Powers – Audio Recording Manager

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Utah Libraries Have You Covered Podcast!  In this episode we chat with local author Julia Lyon about her children’s book A Dinosaur Named Ruth: How Ruth Mason Discovered Fossils in Her Own Backyard . Her book is available in our KLAS catalog . It will soon be available in braille. Please visit the https://blindlibrary.utah.gov for more information about the...