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. 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.

    23 min

  2. 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.

    31 min

  3. 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.

    23 min

  4. 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.

    26 min

  5. 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.

    17 min

  6. 11/24/2025

    Ep. 206 Unearthing CSLP Summer Program Resources

    You can now use the survey link below AND text us your feedback via Buzzsprout with this link right here!! Sunshine & Stories Episode 206: Unearthing CSLP Summer Program Resources Episode Summary:   The Collaborative Summer Library Program’s 2026 program manual is now live! So the Kates chat about all things summer from toolkits, printables and all that CSLP has to offer to fun ways to interpret this summer’s theme of “Unearth a Story” and the America 250 - Colorado 150 celebrations.   Outline  00:00 – Introduction 00:28 – What is CSLP? 01:28 – Tools   03:33 - Access 05:29 - Learning Opportunities    08:19 – Rules of Use 11:32 – The Theme and Program ideas 19:13 – Another take? 150/250 25:04 – Closing   Resources:  Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) CSLP Professional Development - Summer Symposium and other webinars CSLP Official Summer Library Programming Group (Facebook) Colorado Youth Services Library Network mailing list Where to See the Dinosaurs of Colorado  History Colorado: America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission America250  Colorado Tourism Office - Colorado Passport CO State Library's "Stories of Colorado" collection "Reimagining School Readiness: Dinosaurs" (CSL Kit)  Colorado folks, for access to CSLP's 2026 "Unearth a Story" program manual, please contact Kate Brunner at brunner_k@cde.state.co.us. For all other states and territories, please reach out to your CSLP Representative.  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.

    26 min

  7. 11/10/2025

    Ep. 205 Compassionate Makerspace Projects

    You can now use the survey link below AND text us your feedback via Buzzsprout with this link right here!! Sunshine & Stories Episode 205: Compassionate Makerspace Projects Episode Summary:  Suzi Tonini chats with Carin Barrett, Teacher Librarian at Berthoud High School, about implementing compassionate makerspace projects that connect students with their community through service. Learn how Carin's students create items like fleece blankets, stuffed animals, birthday cards, and port pillows for organizations ranging from sex trafficking victim support groups to Meals on Wheels. Discover practical strategies for funding projects through Donors Choose, recruiting student volunteers, finding community partners, and balancing makerspace activities with everyday library responsibilities while building empathy and providing meaningful volunteer opportunities for students. 00:00 - Introduction 00:44 - Carin’s inspiration for compassionate making 02:29 - Carin’s first compassionate makerspace project 03:54 - Logistics: finding funding for materials and getting students involved    09:53 - Strategies for learning about community needs/finding project ideas 15:00 - Tips for getting started with compassionate making 19:22 - Examples of student impact  Resources: Carin Barrett, Teacher Librarian at Berthoud High School: carin.barrett@tsd.org   Compassionate Making Pinterest Board  Donors Choose project examples: Don’t Just Make, Make for Good! Make More for Good! Cards From the Heart Serging Forward with Service  Student Making that Makes a Difference, CCIRA presentation by Carin Barrett   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.

    24 min

  8. 10/27/2025

    Ep. 204 “Health access should never depend on your Zip Code.”: Telehealth and Rural Communities

    You can now use the survey link below AND text us your feedback via Buzzsprout with this link right here!! Sunshine & Stories Episode 204: “Health access should never depend on your Zip Code.”:  Telehealth and Rural Communities  Episode Summary:   Kieran Hixon chats with Colorado Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera and Ashley Heathfield from the Office of eHealth Innovation (OeHI) about the "Connect to Health at Your Library" project in Colorado. This initiative establishes telehealth hubs in rural libraries to provide a private, safe, and free way for rural residents to connect with healthcare providers and other online services. Lieutenant Governor Primavera discusses the importance of health access regardless of location, and Ashley Heathfield emphasizes how this project leverages existing library infrastructure and provides critical funding to these community pillars, while also building digital literacy skills that benefit users far beyond just medical visits.  00:00 – Introduction 00:49 – Joy in Work 06:29 – The Telehealth/Library Partnership and Impact 08:19 - Visiting Julesburg and Future Hopes 10:05 - Patron Impact Stories   11:19 – Closing  Resources:  Connect to Health @Your Library (https://telehealth.cvlsites.org/)  Office of eHealth Innovation (https://oehi.colorado.gov/)  For more about the Connect to Health @Your Library project, contact Kieran Hixon, Rural and Small Library Senior Consultant - Hixon_k@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.

    13 min
See All (26)

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