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In this episode, we chat with Cindy Texeira, Librarian at Windward Community College, and Sarah Gilman Sur, Head Librarian at Windward Community College in Kāneʻohe, Hawaiʻi, part of the University of Hawaiʻi system.

Together, they have been working to make the library a space where Native Hawaiian students feel a true sense of belonging. This work includes collaboration with Cindy’s daughters, Kainani and ʻAulani Wagner, both students in the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Library and Information Science program, to develop a plan for indigenizing the library space at Hale Laʻakea Library at Windward Community College.

Listen as they share how this work began, the wins and challenges along the way, and what the future holds for the Hale Laʻakea Library at WCC. It’s an inspiring conversation, and we hope it resonates with you as much as it did with us.

Hosts: Joan Vigil & LaRee Dominguez

Date of recording: January 9, 2026

Mentioned in this episode:

Ice Breaker Books...

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
• Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Articles...

• Ea in the stacks: Indigenizing library spaces at Hale Laʻakea | University of Hawaiʻi System News
• E Naʻauao Pū, E Noiʻi Pū, E Noelo Pū: Research Support for Hawaiian Studies

Indigenizing Spaces via…

• Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea and Ka Malu 'Ulu o Lele Activation Exhibits
• Keiki Reading Day
• Kānaka O Ke Kai Author/Speaker Series
• Lumi ‘Ohana

Language, Dictionaries & Classifications...

• ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
• Wehe Wiki Hawaiian Language Dictionaries
• S3, E4: Maawn Doobiigeng Classification System w/Anne Heidemann & Melissa Isaac

Clubs & Organizations...

• Ko‘olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club
• Kanaeokana
• Harold K.L. Castle Foundation

Historical Figures...

• Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani

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In this episode, part 2 of 2, our hosts welcome ILLUMINATION collection team members Irene Rasheed and Megan England about their unique roles on their project teams. They explore how shared community identity and relationships, built on trust, impacted their work and the stories that were shared and what influence this has on how communities interact with libraries and museums.

Listen to Part 1 here.

ILLUMINATION is a history and story collection project started by Madeline McGraw and Mindy Linder to actively work to address representation in its collection, recognizing that museum institutions have historically used gatekeeping and erasure in collection practices.

Through ILLUMINATION, the museum’s intention is to lead with transparency and accountability, to build relationships and trust with members of the community who have been left out of the historical narrative. The goal is for the Springfield History Museum to offer a more inclusive representation of all the people who have both shaped and been shaped by Springfield and rural east Lane County. For these people to be empowered as stewards of their own stories, and to entrust the Springfield History Museum with the preservation, documentation, interpretation and display of their stories through exhibits, archives and digital collections.

The culminating works from this project will all become part of the Springfield History Museum archive, available to the public. Selected images and narratives will also become part of the permanent heritage exhibit on display at the museum.

Hosts: Kristen Curé & Mindy Linder (guest host)

Date of recording: December 11, 2025

Mentioned in this episode:

ILLUMINATION virtual exhibit

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In this episode, part 1 of 2, our hosts welcome ILLUMINATION collection team members Ofelia Guzman and Thomas Hiura to discuss their experiences with the project, the impact they’ve seen from this work and what they’d like to see in the future.

ILLUMINATION is a history and story collection project started by Madeline McGraw and Mindy Linder to actively work to address representation in its collection, recognizing that museum institutions have historically used gatekeeping and erasure in collection practices.

Through ILLUMINATION, the museum’s intention is to lead with transparency and accountability, to build relationships and trust with members of the community who have been left out of the historical narrative. The goal is for the Springfield History Museum to offer a more inclusive representation of all the people who have both shaped and been shaped by Springfield and rural east Lane County. For these people to be empowered as stewards of their own stories, and to entrust the Springfield History Museum with the preservation, documentation, interpretation and display of their stories through exhibits, archives and digital collections.

The culminating works from this project will all become part of the Springfield History Museum archive, available to the public. Selected images and narratives will also become part of the permanent heritage exhibit on display at the museum.

Hosts: Kristen Curé & Mindy Linder (guest host)

Date of recording: October 27, 2025

Mentioned in this episode:

ILLUMINATION virtual exhibit

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This episode originally aired on December 31, 2024 and is being re-released.

In this episode we welcome We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) board members and authors Caroline Richmond (Executive Director) and Dhonielle Clayton (COO) to discuss why it is more important than ever to ensure diverse books are available and accessible to youth.

Since its creation in 2014, WNDB has championed diverse publishing and diverse creators, and has pushed back against the lack of diverse representation in youth literature, publishing and collections. Their advocacy efforts include, but are not limited to: mentoring marginalized creators, donating diverse books to schools and libraries across the nation, providing resources to diverse publishing professionals, and supporting educators and creators facing censorship attempts.

Learn more about WNDB's programs, resources and successes.

Hosts: Gene Iparraguirre and LaRee Dominguez
Date of recording: November 8, 2024

Mentioned in this episode:
Indigenous Reads Rising
Books Save Lives Campaign
Walter Grant
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan

Caroline Richmond's Author Website
Dhonielle Clayton's Author Website

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This episode originally aired on August 31, 2023 and is being re-released to celebrate Native American Heritage Month (November).

In this episode we talk with Dr. Sandy Littletree (Navajo/Eastern Shoshone), Assistant Professor at the Information School at the University of Washington, whose work focuses on Native North American Indigenous Knowledge.

Dr. Littletree shares background about Indigenous systems of knowledge, and practical application as it pertains to Indigenous information science, Indigenous librarianship and the intersections of tribal sovereignty, technology, knowledge, and information in Native North America. The discussion also shines a light on the importance of cultivating cultural humility as an ongoing practice, and as a foundation of establishing meaningful, authentic and compassionate connections.

Hosts: LaRee Dominguez & Kristen Curé
Date of Interview: August 16, 2023

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In this episode, we chat with the magical Nisha Mody, a Liberatory Life Coach, facilitator, and former librarian, about how library workers can navigate, survive, and heal from toxic work environments.

Nisha shares insights on trauma-informed care, values alignment, and relational liberation, offering practical tools for self-compassion, boundary-setting, and fostering more supportive and inclusive library cultures.

From identifying red flags in job interviews to re-centering personal values, this conversation highlights the importance of healing, community, and showing up authentically in library spaces.

Date of interview: September 24, 2025
Host(s): Ericka Brunson-Rochette & Brittany Young

Mentioned in this episode:

• Nisha Mody l Website (www.nishaland.com)
• Nisha Mody I Notes from Nisha (Newsletter)
• Nisha Mody I Values Workbook
• Nisha Mody | Instagram (@healinghypegirl)

Upcoming learning:

• Wednesday, October 1st @ 4:00-5:30 PST: How to Break Up with Codependency (and finally figure out who YOU are) - Free (Recording Available)
• Trauma-Informed and Relational Care for Libraries (Self-Paced Course)*

*Oregon Library Association's Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Antiracism (EDIA) Committee's Professional Development Scholarship Application form

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This episode originally aired on July 31, 2024 as Season 3, Episode 5, and is being re-released in light of Fobazi's recent health challenges. Listeners who wish to support Fobazi, can access the Go Fund Me by clicking on the hyperlink.

In this episode we are joined in conversation by scholar, academic consultant, librarian and educational game designer, Fobzi Ettarh, who notably coined the concept of "vocational awe" in 2018. Ettarh shares how vocational awe operates at both the micro and macro levels, contributing to problematic hiring, onboarding, and retention practices in the library profession, and illustrates how this concept directly ties to workplace inequities and burnout.

Additionally, Ettarh provides actionable ways to escape the trap of vocational awe by prioritizing mental health and rest, achieving work-life balance, reframing how we are showing up for community, and urging administrators to lead by example.

Date of interview: July 17, 2024
Host(s): Ericka Brunson-Rochette & Rodrigo Gaspar-Barajas


Additional Info. & Links:

Vocational Awe- “the set of ideas, values, and assumptions librarians have about themselves and the profession that result in beliefs that libraries as institutions are inherently good and sacred, and therefore beyond critique.” (Ettarh, 2018)

• "Vocational Awe and Librarianship: The Lies We Tell Ourselves" (January 2018 article from, In the Library With the Lead Pipe)
• Ettarh's Webpage/Blog
• Follow Ettarh on Twitter @Fobettarh
• Latanya Jenkins' story
• ALA Memorial Resolution Honoring Latanya N. Jenkins

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In this episode, we are joined by Angelica Novoa de Cordeiro and Maria Aguilar, Adult Services Librarian and Library Director at the Cornelius Public Library. The duo discusses the importance of collective effort, authentic relationship building and establishing a foundation of trust when serving not only Spanish-speakers, but the community at large.

Whether it is offering a Zumba class or providing tailored Makerspace programs, Cornelius Public Library has seen great success engaging community members from diverse cultural backgrounds in informing on what they need and want from the library. Angelica and Maria share how the values of the library and the staff are fundamental in creating trusting spaces, collaborative partnerships, inclusive approaches, and responsive services that are welcoming to all people, regardless of their background.

Hosts: Gene Iparraguirre & Kristen Curé

Date of recording: May 15, 2025

Related links:

Drake Learning Center & Makerspace

Access to Public Library Services for Spanish-Speakers | OLA Quarterly

Libros for Oregon