Cadie Maas and Brenda Hough join Dan and Anna to talk about a one day conference they recently held at Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library.

A curated slice of Focus On:, our monthly interview series with Kansas librarians in school, public, and academic roles. From playful programs to serious research, these conversations show the surprising, essential ways libraries shape their communities.

School librarian, Fallon Farokhi, has worked in primary schools as librarian and teacher, and has now transitioned to running the highschool library. She joins Dan and Anna from California to chat about her path, her work with professional organizations, and a trove of resources for the school librarian.

Lisa Wells, Executive Director of the Pioneer Library System in Oklahoma, joins Anna and Dan to talk about her 35-year journey in librarianship and what it takes to lead a system recognized for innovation and community impact. Lisa shares how staff empowerment and a forward-looking mindset have shaped PLS’s approach—from 24-hour library kiosks to data-informed services and creative community partnerships.

Lissa Staley, a Library Journal Mover and Shaker joins the podcast to talk about her career path as a community connections librarian at Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. Tune to hear about her recent award and what it’s like to be a community embedded librarian.

In this episode Anna and Dan chat with Gina Millsap, retired CEO of the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. Earlier this year Gina facilitated our annual NEKLS Trustee Training for our member public libraries. Listen along as we engage in big ideas for library trustees.

In this episode, Dan and Anna reflect on the NEKLS 2024 Spring Directors Institute with expert presenter Dr. Beth Wahler. Beth explores the 3 Es of Trauma, the rise of burnout in public services, and the importance of community-based program development. A special thanks to Beth for guiding us in addressing mental wellness in public libraries.

In this episode, Anna and Dan get to catch up with Derrick Larcom. Derrick is the Technology Specialist for Ottawa Library, the public library in Ottawa, Kansas. In 2023, on behalf of the library, Derrick submitted a proposal for the NEKLS Innovation Awards, a competitive grant program designed to help fund innovative approaches to library services and programming. Tune into to hear about the robotics program Derrick conducted utilizing the NEKLS grant.