This extra-long episode is a celebration of fantasy, strategy, and storytelling as your Harris County Public Library librarians roll initiative on a journey through their favorite RPG passions! We start with RPG and turn-based combat video games that first opened the portal to imaginative realms. From there, we dig deep into the immersive world of tabletop role-playing games, Dungeons & Dragons, and the strategic thrill of trading card games like Magic: The Gathering . Finally, we swap our d...
Jul 09, 2025•1 hr 34 min
Houston has a lively theater scene and for this episode we talk with Mary at Spring Branch Memorial Branch Library and 3 other actors in Houston about auditioning and the Houston Theatre scene. Learn more about Acting and Theater in Houston with our Resources for Actors available on our website blog here Actors Aaron Garrett, Dano Colón, and Destiny Duhon join us in this episode. Check out the live shows at our libraries this Summer as part of our Summer Reading Program! ARTS AND CULTURE EVENTS ...
Jun 27, 2025•45 min•Season 5Ep. 6
This episode is bursting with creativity! In honor of this year’s Summer Reading Program theme, Color Our World , we team up with our artsy neighbors at the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts. Discover how this hidden gem next to the Barbara Bush Library brings color, culture, and kid-friendly exhibits to our community. Join Rebecca Burns and Samantha Aguilar from the Pearl as we dive into the vibrant world of color—its culture, its politics, and yes, its drama. PLUS: Hear shoutouts from your fav...
May 21, 2025•43 min
Get ready for a jam-packed episode with two epic segments you won't want to miss! 💥 Segment One: Ticketmaster Thunderdome We're diving headfirst into the wild world of snagging K-Pop concert tickets — it's chaos, strategy, and pure adrenaline. From waitlists to war stories, we’ve got the lowdown on how to survive the ticketing frenzy and prep like a pro for the ultimate fan experience. 🎭 Segment Two: Convention Survival Guide Planning your next big con? We’ve got your back. Tune in for essenti...
May 20, 2025•58 min
In this interview, John Schaffer interviews Space City Weather founder Eric Berger discusses Hurricane Beryl's impact on Houston, which caused extensive damage with 97 mph winds. He advises Houston residents to understand their location-specific vulnerabilities while maintaining perspective. Berger highlights climate trends affecting Houston, including longer summers and earlier heat, and emphasizes the urgent need for the "Ike Dike" coastal barrier and comprehensive flood planning to ensure Hou...
May 12, 2025•29 min•Season 5Ep. 2
This month, we’re talking about some of the many ways you can go green at the library. We’ll hear some voices from our most recent Repair Cafe, which took place at the Katherine Tyra Branch Library at Bear Creek this past month and we’ll also interview Laura Smith about sustainable libraries. This podcast was produced by Darla Pruitt, edited by Beth Krippel and hosted by Gisela Parker. This episode featured voices from Katelyn Helberg, Kara Ludwig, Gisela Parker, Darla Pruitt, Dylan Smith, and S...
Apr 23, 2025•40 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Join the panel of Gabbing with Librarians to discuss the representation of women in Japanese Anime. How has it changed and how is Japanese culture reflected in the way it portrays women in anime? Anime mentioned include (in no particular order) Kare Kano; Revolutionary Girl Utena; Love Hina; Tenchi Muyo (and subsequent series); Cardcaptor Sakura; Marmalade Boy; Inuyasha; Slayers; Magic Knight Rayearth; Naruto; Bleach; Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood; Jujutsu Kaisen; Attack on Titan; Trigun; You...
Mar 27, 2025•56 min
This month we talked to some of our regular programming partners who are presenting a variety of programs for families and kids. Didn't catch a program over Spring Break? No worries, all three of these presenters will be back in our libraries this summer! For older kids and adults dreaming of getting a Spring Break as a college student, take a listen to our interview with our very own FutureU Advisor, Daniel Sullivan to hear about the free workshops and support you can receive from HCPL's Future...
Mar 19, 2025•55 min•Season 5Ep. 3
Join Harris County Public librarians as they discuss the winners, losers, and snubs of this years awards season. PRODUCTION CREDITS: Episode was produced by Jennifer Finch and edited by Beth Krippel. Featured voices include Crystal Mosley , Genesis Harte-Munoz and our Host, Jennifer Finch. Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John...
Feb 25, 2025•43 min
Hi! It's a SPECIAL episode! We are doing a deep dive into the many different cooking programs that we offer here at the Harris County Public Library. Come along as we visit the Kingwood, Evelyn Meador, Octavia Fields, and Northwest Libraries and hear about all the delicious foods that they've cook up. Just make sure you've eaten before listening as this episode is sure to stir up your appetite. If you are interesting in trying your hand at some delicious new recipies check out this link to view ...
Feb 19, 2025•53 min
Houston is known for many things, but one thing that may surprise people to find out is the variety of birds that can be found in our area. Since February is National Bird Feeding Month, the team at Using Out Library Voices decided to explore birding as a hobby, talk to an expert, and learn about one very famous type of bird which you can spot here in Houston. Learn more about our local birds at your local library www.hcpl.net Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www....
Feb 14, 2025•37 min•Season 5Ep. 2
To kick off our first episode of 2025, This month's host, Kara takes us through the different components of the library's citizenship program. In 2024, Harris County Public Library was awarded a grant to expand our citizenship program to meet the community needs. We'll be hearing from some citizenship students about why they started their citizenship journey at the library and our Adult Services Program Coordinator, Sarah O. who oversees the program to learn about the different components and wh...
Jan 22, 2025•29 min•Season 5Ep. 1
As both the end of the year and chilly weather approach, we all have our ways to seek comfort. Some of us relish the extended darkness and contemplate what may be hiding in the shadows. Others enjoy getting cozy and rewatching their favorite movies and TV series. This month, join us with our host Gisela for an exploration of cryptids and a rewatch of the series Roswell. Also, some of our fellow HCPL staff members share their own favorite comfort shows... And one big miss. Are the eerie and spook...
Dec 13, 2024•1 hr 17 min
The latest Gabbing with the Librarians discusses the latest in Superhero movie news and whether Marvel and DC find themselves in a downward spiral or are just hitting a new stride. Find Superhero movies, books and graphic novels at your local library or online at www.hcpl.net Voices include Jennifer Finch, Tony Goodwin, and Eric Ray. Produced by Jennifer Finch. Edited by Beth Krippel. Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Beth...
Dec 09, 2024•57 min
If you've ever seen that map of every state's favorite Thanksgiving food and wondered what the rest of the county Is doing, we're here to say you can find folks with head-scratching Thanksgiving meal traditions much closer to home! This month the whole HCPL podcast team met for a four-course meal debating the finer points of Turkey Day foodstuffs. Then stick around for a tour across a variety of food and cooking programming you can find at libraries across Harris County. Registration landing pag...
Nov 20, 2024•59 min•Season 4Ep. 12
Join us for the spooky month edition of Using Our Library Voices hosted by Sadina. Katelyn invites you to read some space horror in the Reading Room segment, while Sadina shares some kitchen magic an a real life supernatural story. Harris County Public Library is home to Houston, AKA Space City- we thought it would be fitting this month to share with you a list of books that place emphasis on that special feeling of horror that only the dark vacuum of space and unknown can give. And for emphasis...
Oct 24, 2024•18 min•Season 4Ep. 10
In this episode, hosted by Mary, we learn more about the Gulf Coast Reads community event from John and the "I'm With the Banned" event from Kara. Also, Sadina and Nikki sit down to talk with Tatiana Schlote-Bonne, author of the novel "Such Lovely Skin." Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn H...
Sep 18, 2024•49 min
August is Read a Romance month! If you don't know where to begin, listen in for Nikki and Delaney's recommendations on the HCPL Reading Room Radio! Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu...
Aug 16, 2024•5 min
Hosted by John Schaffer, this episode is a deep dive into the problem’s libraries are facing in the aftermath of storms like Hurricane Beryl. John discusses the “mold” and the new in an extended interview with Amber Seely, Division Director of Collections & Technical Services at HCPL. Please visit the Blog page for more information on the ways HCPL is dealing with humidity damage to our collection in the article, “Libraries – Dealing with the fungus among us.” Read the blog on our website: h...
Aug 14, 2024•17 min
This episode, hosted by Delaney, we take a look into perspectives and experiences related to tech and cybersecurity. Ty touches on tips and strategies to safeguard your personal information and deter cyberattacks. Katelyn interviews Jessamyn West to discuss modern tech literacy and its implications. We also have insights from John on the CyberPatriot program, which engages students and Civil Air Patrol Cadets in cybersecurity. Notes: The Latest Digital Divide: Systems Thinking vs. Misinformation...
Aug 07, 2024•57 min
This month's host Katelyn, gives us a quick update on Beryl and our cooling center locations. If you've ever been curious about cosplaying and didn't know where to get started, this episode will help you get started— or at least what not to use on your face. Darla interviews some seasoned cosplayers about the resources and inspirations that keep them creative and cosplaying! We also drop in at Comicpalooza this year we asked cosplayers what their characters would recommend for you to read! If yo...
Jul 24, 2024•30 min•Season 4Ep. 9
Summer is in full swing at the library and this month's podcast is aimed at supporting YOUR adventures! We'll chat with a friend who's out living their life on the road and RVing across the U.S.A., then we'll chat about the variety of sports that Texans just don't understand! Find more information about our Summer Reading Program at https://hcpl.net/summer-reading-program/ and find books about sports and Rving in our catalog, at www.hcpl.net/ Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Publ...
Jun 18, 2024•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 8
Join John Harbaugh for this special episode of Using Our Library Voices as he talks to the prolific local SciFi/Fantasy author of the Murderbot Diaries, Martha Wells, before her appearance at Comicpalooza. Find more SciFi and Fantasy books at your local library www.hcpl.net/ Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jenn...
Jun 05, 2024•38 min•Season 4Ep. 7
We recently were announced to be a 2024 recipients of the IMLS National Medal for Library Service. In this episode we'll learn what the medal means and hear from some patrons on how much our library means to them. Learn more about the medal here and as always, check out our library's website for more resources, books and news! Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Sha...
Jun 01, 2024•14 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Using Our Library Voices was given the opportunity to sit down with horror novelist and comic book author Clay McLeod Chapman ahead of his Comicpalooza appearance this Memorial Day Weekend. Join host Jennifer Finch as they discuss his upcoming book Wake Up and Open Your Eyes, his comic book influences, and the research and inspiration he uses to write his books. Clay McLeod Chapman has written numerous award winning horror novels, graphic novels and comics including the Origin series and Venomve...
May 18, 2024•26 min
In this podcast episode, we visit memories of bookstores in honor of Independent Bookstore Day, April 27. Let's not forget Earth Day, April 22, with notes about our seed libraries and Earth Day book recommendations. Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt an...
Apr 15, 2024•14 min
In this episode of "Gabbing with Librarians", Jennifer, Jasmine, Jessica, and Dedra touch on the cultural phenomenon that is Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter" and explore the concept of gatekeeping in media. The discussion begins with an exploration of Beyoncé's artistic evolution and her ability to challenge traditional boundaries within the music industry. They confront the issue of gatekeeping in media and its impact on diverse voices and perspectives. In addition, they examine how gatekeepers, often...
Apr 15, 2024•46 min
We're celebrating Women's History Month by recognizing five ladies whose names grace a few Harris County Public Library locations. These women led extraordinary lives and are forever synonymous with literacy, access and their communities. So let's meet our library patron saints, Barbara Bush, Maud Smith Marks , Edith Fae Cook Cole, Octavia Fields, and Evelyn Meador. This episode features voices from: Janet Castanon, Shane Harris, Sara West, Akhila Bhat, Charlotte Brooks , Gabrielle Vogel, and Mi...
Mar 18, 2024•26 min•Season 4Ep. 3
It's a jam packed episode! Where we're expresses our passion in all sorts of ways in this episode, first with "Heart" book recommendations from our library staff, books that travel with you and definitely worth checking out. We extend our passion for democracy with an interview with Harris County Clerk, Teneshia Hudspeth, and learn about the unique voting landscape that is Harris County. And we end on a chat with Librarians Delaney and Katelyn about Novelist and our Book Hunters program which al...
Feb 13, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 4Ep. 2
It’s a new year, and re-cap episodes are so 2023. Are we going to talk about resolutions? No, instead, we’re so excited about things coming in 2024. Topics include HCPL getting sanctuary status, as well as interviews with staff from Baldwin Boettcher and Atascocita as they discuss their journeys to getting their branches up and running and so much more! Visit www.hcpl.net to learn about all 27 of our branches. Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast ...
Jan 17, 2024•37 min
