Sunshine & Stories from the Colorado State Library

Colorado State Library
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Education
  • Updated Biweekly

Sunshine & Stories is a Colorado State Library (CSL) podcast dedicated to all things public and school libraries. Our podcast aims to offer fresh insights, as well as spark creative and practical ideas for diverse public & school library settings. Whether you’re a veteran in the library world, a newbie looking for a little professional support, or someone who's considering shaking things up in your library (a little or a lot), we hope this podcast will be a valuable resource for you.    During our 2025-26 season, keep an eye out for new episodes from September to May. This season, we're expanding our scope and exploring not just summer programming, but all sorts of exciting library topics featuring interviews with our fellow library professionals around the state and lively discussions between Colorado State Library consultants.    If you want to dive into various topics further and hear even more about what other Colorado folks are up to in their libraries, check out LibrariesLearn.org for all our past and future learning opportunities.    This podcast is offered at no cost to listeners thanks to the time, effort, and dedication of  CSL Library Development consultants, as well as our State Library colleagues and all our volunteer guests from across the field.      CSL projects like this one are funded in part by the Grants to States program which is administered by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the Colorado Department of Education, the Institute of Museum and Library Services or the U.S. Government. 

  1. 2d ago

    Ep. 301 Adding Facts to the Feels with Dana Peterson

    You can now use the survey link below AND text us your feedback via Buzzsprout with this link right here!! Sunshine & Stories Episode 301: Adding Facts to the Feels with Dana Peterson Episode Summary: What do bubble charts, clawfoot bathtubs, and kids' shoe sizes have in common? Dana Peterson of the Colorado State Library's Library Research Service joins Kieran to talk about turning public library data into stories that stick. From dashboards and board report tools to why correlation isn't causation, Dana shares how "adding facts to the feels" helps libraries show their communities — and their boards — the impact they're making every day. Plus: practical encouragement for small and rural librarians who fear the spreadsheet. Outline: [01:13] What Dana does at the State Library — Turning public library annual report data into dashboards and downloadable datasets, plus board report tools built with the LRS team.[07:03] The public library annual report — Survey improvements, printable tools, and being a good steward of taxpayer dollars.[07:57] Correlation vs. causation — Why kids with bigger shoe sizes aren't actually better readers, and what that means for library data.[12:31] Facts + stories = impact — How hard numbers give anecdotes universality, and the revived library value calculator ($1 invested can return ~$15 in value).[14:53] Advice for small & rural libraries — Start simple, use the free Google-based board report templates ("you can't break it — just download a new one"), and remember: there are no dumb questions.[17:12] Closing thoughts — Gratitude for frontline library staff and a reminder to cherish the good days.Guest Bio: Dana Peterson is a self-described "nerdy taxpayer who believes libraries are awesome." A former middle and high school math and computer teacher who spent eight years working in public libraries in Mancos and Lyons, Dana joined the State Library in 2022, where she builds dashboards and data tools that help Colorado libraries tell their story. Resources:  Library Research Service dashboards & standards visualizations: LRS.orgTell us what you think! If you give us a listen, please let us know what you think by completing a short feedback survey for this episode.   CSL projects like this one are funded in part by the Grants to States program administered by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the Colorado State Library, Institute of Museum and Library Services, or the U.S. Government.

  2. Jul 16

    Ep. 213 Responding to Wildfire with Jeremy Krones

    You can now use the survey link below AND text us your feedback via Buzzsprout with this link right here!! Polly Gallagher chats with Jeremy Krones, Grand County resident, East Troublesome Wildfire victim, and trustee on the Grand County Library District public library board. Together, they go through the immediate experience of a devastating wildfire in Grand County from October 2020 through the lens of resident and library leadership. Starting with the fateful day of the pre-evacuation order through to the final rebuilding of a home and celebration of community. Get prepared and stay safe. Content Notes: This episode discusses loosing a home to wildfire. Outline: 00:20 – October 21, 2020, pre-evac to evac order in minutes 6:48 – The days that followed, from the eyes of an evacuee  8:55 – The days that followed, from the eyes of the library response  11:05 – Be aware of vocational awe  12:35 – Ducks in a row  16:02 - Moving forward  20:55 – Collectors of Memories  22:10 – Final thoughts  24:19 – Closing   Resources: Local Emergency Alert Systems InciWeb Watch Duty – Wildfire Maps and Alerts Colorado Cultural & Historic Resources Task Force Vocational Awe

  3. Apr 6

    Ep. 212 Exactly What or Who is "State Pubs"? -- Introducing the CO State Publications Library!

    You can now use the survey link below AND text us your feedback via Buzzsprout with this link right here!! Episode Summary:  Join Kate Compton as she talks with Samantha Hager and Miranda Doran-Myers from the Colorado State Publications Library, who share the library’s mission of providing free, permanent access to Colorado state government documents. They highlight surprising and valuable resources—from historical collections to issue briefs, research guides, and kid-friendly materials—and offer tips for navigating government information. Get inspired to share the hidden gems the “State Pubs” have with your community.    Outline: 01:06 - Meet the Team  05:38 - What is the State Publications Library?  08:45 - Not to miss tools and collections    12:43 – Mindset for searching  15:11 – Trends in document searches  18:29 – New initiatives and ways to collaborate     Resources:  State Publications Website   State Publications Catalog  State Publications Blog  State Publications Topic Guides   Phone: 720-955-5230  Address: 180 Sheridan Blvd, Denver, CO 80226-8101  Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 4:00 pm  Email: spl@cde.state.co.us

  4. Feb 2

    Ep. 211 The Beginner's Mindset: Finding Clarity in Library Values

    You can now use the survey link below AND text us your feedback via Buzzsprout with this link right here!! Sunshine and Stories Episode 211: The Beginner's Mindset: Finding Clarity in Library Values  Episode Summary:  Kieran Hixon, CSL's Small and Rural Library Senior Consultant, has a conversation with Sharon Morris focusing on the concept of the "beginner's mindset" and how core library values are learned and sometimes conflict.  Outline: 00:19 Who is Sharon Morris?   01:21 The Beginner’s Mindset & "Aha" Moments  03:32 Learning Core Values: Privacy vs. Service  06:37 Structure and Responsibility  07:37 Defining Moments & Conflicting Values  10:20 Values Conflict: Consistency vs. Service  14:39 Practicing the Beginner's Mindset  17:25 Déjà Vu and Library Excellence  19:15 Growth from Frustration ("Fertilizer")  21:48 Closing  Tell us what you think! If you give us a listen, please let us know what you think by completing a short feedback survey for this episode.   CSL projects like this one are funded in part by the Grants to States program administered by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the Colorado State Library, Institute of Museum and Library Services, or the U.S. Government.

  5. Jan 19

    Ep. 210 Weeding Together: The Collection Crew Approach with Len Bryan 

    You can now use the survey link below AND text us your feedback via Buzzsprout with this link right here!! Sunshine and Stories Episode 210: Weeding Together: The Collection Crew Approach with Len Bryan  Episode Summary:  Join Suzi Tonini as she talks with Len Bryan, Partner of Library Services at Cherry Creek Schools, about transforming weeding from a dreaded solo task into an empowering collaborative experience. Len shares his innovative "collection crew" model, the "ugly weed" method for visual weeding, and why building relationships should come before touching a single book in a new library.    Outline:  00:56 - Why weeding creates "The Great Library Divide"  06:23 - The collection crew concept: collaborative weeding   10:01 - The "ugly weed" method: visual scanning techniques   14:20 - Logistics that matter  21:03 - Communication strategies  25:20 - Why new librarians should focus on relationships first   28:18 - Weeding wins  Resources: Collection Crew Invitation for Principals (Cherry Creek Schools Library Services)  Collection Crew Process (Cherry Creek Schools Library Services)  Curate Shared Foundations Book (book available from ALA)  FAQs for Weeding Libraries (Cherry Creek Schools Library Services)  Weeding: Essential Library Collection Maintenance (slide deck presentation)  Weeding: Essential Library Best Practices (Cherry Creek Schools slide deck presentation)   "Weeding: The Great Library Divide, Embracing Collection Maintenance with Enthusiasm"  (Knowledge Quest blog post)  The Weeding Handbook: A Shelf-by-Shelf Guide, Second Edition (book available from ALA)  Contact Len Bryan: librarianlen@gmail.com  Follow Len on Bluesky  Tell us what you think! If you give us a listen, please let us know what you think by completing a short feedback survey for this episode.   CSL projects like this one are funded in part by the Grants to States program administered by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the Colorado State Library, Institute of Museum and Library Services, or the U.S. Government.

  6. Jan 5

    Ep. 209 Nursery Rhymes and Reasons

    You can now use the survey link below AND text us your feedback via Buzzsprout with this link right here!! Sunshine and Stories Episode 209 Nursery Rhymes and Reason with Mary Lanni  Episode Summary:  Kate Compton chats with Mary Lanni, the Youth Literacy and Outreach Specialist from Douglas County Libraries. Mary shares insights from her upcoming book on nursery rhymes in storytime, exploring their historical roots, cultural implications, and why they matter for early literacy. They dive into questions about inclusivity, evolving trends, and practical tips for creating welcoming storytimes in today’s diverse communities. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation as a way to reflect on your own storytime offerings.   Outline:   00:19 - Meet Mary 01:22 - Why we need a closer look 02:51 - Common themes 07:25 - Why we sing nursery rhymes   09:28 – New trends 14:25 – Resources   14:14 - What's next? 21:54 - Closing   Resources:   CLEL Everychildreadytoread.org www.imaginationlibrarycolorado.org www.maryrlanni.com YouTube and Spotify (@MaryLanniReads) Storytime Solidarity  Tell us what you think! If you give us a listen, please let us know what you think by completing a short feedback survey for this episode.   CSL projects like this one are funded in part by the Grants to States program administered by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the Colorado State Library, Institute of Museum and Library Services, or the U.S. Government.

  7. 12/22/2025

    Ep. 208 I'm on the Library's Board, Now What!?

    You can now use the survey link below AND text us your feedback via Buzzsprout with this link right here!! Sunshine and Stories Episode 208: I'm on the Library's Board, Now What!? Episode Summary:   Polly Gallagher sits down with trustees Scarlett Ponton, President of Nederland Community Library Board & recipient of the 2025 CAL Outstanding Library Trustee Award, and Jennifer Tibbets, Grand County Library District Trustee, as they reflect on what the role of a library trustee is in a Colorado public library. They reflect on what that first board meeting is like, how to prepare, and what the role of a trustee is and projects to oversee.    Outline  00:00 – Introduction 03:13 – Role of the board 03:58 – Key concerns of the board 07:39 – Board projects 09:22 – Everyone is not an expert 11:34 – Meeting preparation 13:09 – Preparing to be a trustee 15:43 – Asking questions 18:27 – Ongoing professional development 20:21 – Beyond the local 22:24 – Why volunteer for your library board 24:17 – Closing   Resources:  Public Library Leadership  (CSL) resource page  Colorado Public Library Board & Trustee Handbook  Colorado Public Library Standards:            Administration & Governance            Budget & Finance           Community Engagement           Evaluation & Planning  Is your library board of trustees seeking in-person trustee training on Governance & Administration, strategic planning support, or other support? The Colorado State Library Leadership Team provides these services and more at no cost to your library! Find out more today.   Contact Polly at gallagher_p@cde.state.co.us or (720) 879-1549  Tell us what you think! If you give us a listen, please let us know what you think by completing a short feedback survey for this episode.   CSL projects like this one are funded in part by the Grants to States program administered by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the Colorado State Library, Institute of Museum and Library Services, or the U.S. Government.

  8. 12/08/2025

    Ep. 207 Library Joy at the Colorado Talking Book Library

    You can now use the survey link below AND text us your feedback via Buzzsprout with this link right here!! Sunshine and Stories Episode 207: Library Joy at the Colorado Talking Book Library  Episode Summary:   Kate Compton chats with Lorrie Spoering, the wonderfully passionate Reader Advisor Librarian from the Colorado Talking Book Library (CTBL). Lorrie shares how CTBL keeps the joy of reading alive for folks who can’t access traditional print—whether due to vision loss, dyslexia, or even paper allergies (yes, that’s a thing!). With a national connection and a treasure trove of audiobooks, players, Braille, and large print, CTBL is like a magical book genie—minus the lamp. And the best part? It’s all free!  Outline:   00:18 - Meet Lorrie Spoering   01:43 - What is CTBL?   03:57 - Helping someone get signed up 06:15 - What do patrons receive?   07:23 - What are patrons looking for? 10:27 - What else should we know?   14:14 - Outreach   15:30 - Closing   Resources:   Colorado Talking Book Library  CTBL Application  To reach Lorrie Spoering with any questions about CTBL’s services, please email spoering_l@cde.state.co.us.  Tell us what you think! If you give us a listen, please let us know what you think by completing a short feedback survey for this episode.   CSL projects like this one are funded in part by the Grants to States program administered by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the Colorado State Library, Institute of Museum and Library Services, or the U.S. Government.

See All (29)

Trailer

About

Sunshine & Stories is a Colorado State Library (CSL) podcast dedicated to all things public and school libraries. Our podcast aims to offer fresh insights, as well as spark creative and practical ideas for diverse public & school library settings. Whether you’re a veteran in the library world, a newbie looking for a little professional support, or someone who's considering shaking things up in your library (a little or a lot), we hope this podcast will be a valuable resource for you.    During our 2025-26 season, keep an eye out for new episodes from September to May. This season, we're expanding our scope and exploring not just summer programming, but all sorts of exciting library topics featuring interviews with our fellow library professionals around the state and lively discussions between Colorado State Library consultants.    If you want to dive into various topics further and hear even more about what other Colorado folks are up to in their libraries, check out LibrariesLearn.org for all our past and future learning opportunities.    This podcast is offered at no cost to listeners thanks to the time, effort, and dedication of  CSL Library Development consultants, as well as our State Library colleagues and all our volunteer guests from across the field.      CSL projects like this one are funded in part by the Grants to States program which is administered by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the Colorado Department of Education, the Institute of Museum and Library Services or the U.S. Government. 

Information