Search Interviews

Colleagues Kristine Olsen (39) and Dara Schmidt (41) talk about their work at the Cedar Rapids Public Library, what their experiences of the library were like as young people, and the fulfillment they feel in their work as librarians.

Ken Behringer (66) talks with Valerie Horton (59) about their work as librarians over several decades--changes they've seen, what makes the Minnesota library system unique, and what they think makes libraries successful.

Lynn Ratzmann (age 57) interviews her library colleague, Cathy T (age 51) about her decision to become a librarian and her career path.

Seasonal park rangers Megan Mcfarland (62) and Tony Esper (63) discuss what it's like to work at Mount Rushmore during the summer and winter months, talking about the behind-the-scenes of park maintenance as well as some of their favorite aspects...

Carlissia, 21, interviews Sylverna, 57, about growing up in Virginia and Baltimore during the Civil Rights Movement, her interest in libraries, becoming Dean of Libraries at the University of Memphis, and the problems facing African Americans today.

Best friends, Mary Margaret Wagner (62) and Carol Watt (66), reminisce about their 40 year friendship that began when they were coworkers at Peter White Public Library in Marquette, MI.

interview of my uncle Mark answering questions

Coworkers and friends Flory Gessner (33) and Benjamin "Ben" Egerman (35) reflect on specific moments in their lives that led to their decision to become librarians. They discuss gay history and queer culture and the inclusive community that can be...

Who was Sebastian Tellez. What he was before. What he was now. What he wants to be

Richelet Jean (42) speaks with librarian Hasina Islam (27), as well as his daughter Abigail (no last name given) (7), about how Hasina's work with families at the public library has made a huge impact on Abigail's learning, curiosity, and...

Laura Beth Walker (48) shares a conversation with her colleague Dorothy Fitts (77) about the meaning of the Oxford Library to their community and the importance of the services it provides.

Mary Beth Hollenbach (59) talks with friend and Rebecca Ray (47) about her unexpected, but incredibly fulfilling job as librarian. She recalls some of the most memorable moments she's had as a librarian and explains why she loves her job.

Colleagues Karen Johnson Slaton (59) and Selena Martinez (24) share a conversation about their work as librarians, the value of libraries, their library’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and where they see libraries headed in the future.

Recording February 27, 2018 – The Leavitt sisters grew up in St. George, Utah and have many memories of the library. Ann Leavitt Jacob’s first vivid memories of the library are of attending 2nd grade there, though she admitted “the...

One Small Step partners Aimee [No Name Given] (44) and Stan Burke (66) discuss government size and the importance of social programs, gender identity, raising children with and without special needs, the state of democracy and our electoral system. and...

One Small Step partners Brian Baker (65) and Lola Adeyemo (38) talk about education, religion, and their political beliefs.

Library patron Ani Crane (80) talks to children's librarian Cailey Klasson (33) about moving to Gulfport, FL from New York City. They talk about some of their favorite books. Ani describes the joy of being in "act three" of her...

Recorded April 30, 2018 – Ann talks about her Aunt Helen Starr Harris, a children’s librarian at the St. George, Utah Carnegie Library circa 1940. Helen worked for approximately seven years until she married Dr. Parley Harris and became a...

Recording March 27, 2018 – To Billie Bleak [pronounced Blake] Frei, the St. George Library basement was a wonderful way to spend a hot summer afternoon in the cool of the children’s section. She grew up in St. George, Utah,...

Etta Gold interviews her AJL BFF Heidi Rabinowitz.

Coworkers Silvia Bunn (67) and Deborah Clark (60) gather to honor and appreciate Deborah's years of service at the Mildred L. Terry Public Library, the first public library for African Americans in Columbus, GA. Deborah reminisces about coming to the...

Basically I asked my mom questions about her beliefs, lessons, and experiences throughout her life. She does her best to give full and thorough answers; I try to read her mood with each question to decide what to ask next.

Congressman Elijah Cummings (64) talks to Roswell Encina (45) about the impact the Enoch Pratt Library has had on his life since being in Special Education as a child, and his gratitude to the librarians who encouraged him to excel.

Recording March 27, 2018 – The earliest memory of a library for Winona Crosby Stanley was dropping by the Judd’s Store to spend a nickel on a candy bar and crossing the street to the St. George Library for story...

Entrepreneur and current nursing student, Denise Johnson was my choice of interviewee because of her inspiring story. Her determination to explore and achieve all the things that she wants out of life is beautiful to see. It shows people that...