We LOVE the Library

9: North County Libraries and a Local Author for Black History Month

- We travel the “quail trail” to visit two small but mighty libraries in North County: Shandon Library and Creston Library. Learn more about the unique Tool Library in Shandon from Joey and hear from Cookie in Creston about what it’s been like to run the public library for over 48 years.
- Also, for Black History Month part 1, we speak with local author John King about his background, his writing process, and his love for the public library. 

8: SLO MakerSpace and LGBTQ+ Art & Literature at the Library

- Learn more about the SLO MakerSpace and its collaboration with the SLO County Library System.
- Meet local writer Alicia Gael and learn about her books, her background, and her writing process. She writes what she calls “Sapphic mysteries” and deploys identity as a crucial tool in solving the mystery. We'll also discuss LGBTQ+ art and literature more generally.

7: Graphic Novels and George Takei's Graphic Memoir _They Called Us Enemy_

Learn more about graphic novels from the San Luis Obispo County library system’s Adult Services Coordinating Librarian Monique Matta. Also, hear from Joy Yamaguchi of the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles about George Takei’s graphic novel-style memoir They Called Us Enemy. Mr. Takei’s book takes us into camps where he and his family were incarcerated by the United States government after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

6: Branch Out Mobile Library and Library Foundation News

We learn about the Branch Out program for the SLO County library system, we introduce our newest Library Foundation board member, and we learn about a unique Library Foundation project honoring SLO Library's first librarian.

5: Poetry Night at the Los Osos Library

We speak to poetry fan Christine Ahern as well as Beverly Boyd, curator and organizer of Poetry Night, to learn about the origins and story of this special free community event at the Los Osos Library. We also check in with librarian Rosalind Willis, the library staff member who helps make Poetry Night happen. Finally, we hear from poet Lisa Coffman who graciously agreed to read a poem for our podcast that she read at the November 2025 Poetry Night. 

4: Library Power User #1 and Explorer Backpacks

Introducing a new feature: profiles of Library Power Users! Our first guest is Sammy, a 12-year old reading enthusiast and someone who, like us, LOVES the library.
We’ll also learn more about the well-stocked Explorer Backpacks from the “Library of Things” and other ways the public library helps connect us with nature. Susie Reddy of the Morro Coast Audubon Society joins us at Sweet Springs Nature Preserve to talk birds, libraries, and more.

3: Festival Mozaic's Young Musicians in the Library & Summer Reading Program

We climb into a Time Machine with folks from Festival Mozaic to learn about the Young Musicians performances that took place in several libraries in SLO County during this annual summer festival. We also speak with Susana Lewis, the Coordinating Librarian for Youth Services, to learn more about the 2025 Summer Reading Program and how to keep kids and families engaged in reading throughout the year. 

2: PAWS to Read and Memory Kits

Meet therapy dog Berkeley and her friend Kathy Baker, who explains the PAWS to Read program that helps young people develop more reading confidence. Los Osos Library Branch Manager Bonnie Richan tells us more.
Learn about what library items are included in Memory Kits  and then hear from Laura DeLoye from the Alzheimer’s Association about how caregivers use these kits to engage with people with dementia and other memory issues.

1: Library Director - Dia de Los Muertos ofrendas - Library Foundation

Meet Chris Barnickel, Library Director of the SLO County library system
Learn about how to make an ofrenda from artist & educator María Belén Luzuriaga Abad for Dia de Los Muertos. 
Hear from Juliane McAdam, the president of the SLO County Library Foundation. 
SLOLibraryFoundation.org/podcast/