Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks Episode: From Small Town Roots to Library Leadership: Defending Access and Inspiring Community
Release Date: June 12, 2025

Introduction and Guest Background

In the June 12, 2025 episode of Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks, hosts Debbie Makula and Jennifer Falcom welcome Tracy Logan Walker, the director of the Cadillac Wexford Public Library. The episode delves into Tracy's journey from her small-town roots to her current leadership role in librarianship, highlighting her dedication to defending access and fostering community engagement.

Path to Librarianship

Tracy shares her unconventional path to becoming a librarian, transitioning from a background in anthropology, sociology, and studio arts to library science. Reflecting on her career choice, she recounts:

“I was very lost, like a lot of people who end up in library science. And I just wanted to do something meaningful.” ([02:29])

Tracy credits the book What Color is Your Parachute? as a pivotal influence, which led her to discover her passion for librarianship after a transformative interview with a local information librarian.

Family Influence and Early Experiences

Growing up in the small town of Tustin, Osceola County, Tracy was surrounded by family members involved in education and administration, which subtly shaped her future career. A memorable childhood experience involved her father introducing her to the local library:

“Wednesday nights were library nights, and we shared books... he was getting me ready to be a librarian.” ([04:25])

This early exposure fostered a love for reading and community engagement, laying the foundation for her future in libraries.

Impactful Experiences in Librarianship

Tracy recounts a significant moment that reshaped her understanding of patron interactions. Initially warned about a "trouble" patron, she was pleasantly surprised by his respectful and engaged behavior during a teen program:

“That kid wasn't a problem because of who he was, but because people treated him like a problem.” ([05:59])

This experience reinforced her belief in the importance of giving back the respect and positivity she and her team offer to patrons.

Another touching story involves a parent expressing the library's role in building community:

“When we first moved here... we were so alone... we came to the library, and we made friends... that's because of the library.” ([07:45])

This moment underscored the profound emotional and community impact librarianship can have beyond mere service metrics.

Community Engagement and Leadership

As the director overseeing the construction of a new library in Manton, Tracy emphasizes the widespread community support as a testament to the library's broad impact:

“The overwhelming support from the community... shows me that we are having a broad impact because everybody's behind it.” ([08:24])

She highlights the reciprocal relationship between libraries and their communities, where mutual support fosters significant positive change.

Challenges in Modern Librarianship

Tracy addresses the erosion of trust in librarians over the past decade, attributing it to the pervasive spread of misinformation:

“People don't believe in our expertise anymore... Librarians are being mischaracterized in harmful ways.” ([14:30])

She emphasizes the critical role of libraries in combating misinformation and upholding intellectual freedom, despite facing misconceptions and challenges.

Intellectual Freedom and Advocacy

Operating in an overtly conservative area, Tracy champions the library's role in promoting diverse ideas and respecting individual beliefs:

“We trust our citizens to look at all the information and to make the right decisions.” ([16:18])

She shares an experience addressing intellectual freedom concerns at a local ministerial meeting, advocating for the library's commitment to providing unbiased information:

“You are bringing your bias to it, and we are here to provide that to you as best we can.” ([16:18])

Tracy argues that libraries must protect everyone's rights and foster an environment where diverse ideas can coexist and be critically examined.

Personal Motivation and Future Outlook

Tracy maintains a "book of joy" to remind herself of the meaningful interactions and positive impacts she has within the community:

“What makes the job worthwhile for me is helping people and building relationships with people.” ([19:08])

Looking ahead, she is excited about the increasing engagement of young people with libraries and the resurgence of reading as a cultural activity:

“I'm excited at how engaged young people are with libraries... reading as a cultural thing is coming back around.” ([21:32])

Tracy envisions libraries as vital social hubs that bridge gaps in an increasingly isolated world, fostering connections and intellectual growth.

Conclusion

Tracy Logan Walker's journey from a small-town upbringing to a leadership role in librarianship exemplifies the profound impact libraries have on individuals and communities. Her experiences underscore the importance of intellectual freedom, community engagement, and the unwavering support librarians provide in fostering inclusive and informed societies.

Notable Quotes:

• Tracy Logan Walker: “I was very lost, like a lot of people who end up in library science. And I just wanted to do something meaningful.” ([02:29])
• Tracy Logan Walker: “That kid wasn't a problem because of who he was, but because people treated him like a problem.” ([05:59])
• Tracy Logan Walker: “When we first moved here... we were so alone... we came to the library, and we made friends... that's because of the library.” ([07:45])
• Tracy Logan Walker: “People don't believe in our expertise anymore... Librarians are being mischaracterized in harmful ways.” ([14:30])
• Tracy Logan Walker: “We trust our citizens to look at all the information and to make the right decisions.” ([16:18])
• Tracy Logan Walker: “What makes the job worthwhile for me is helping people and building relationships with people.” ([19:08])
• Tracy Logan Walker: “I'm excited at how engaged young people are with libraries... reading as a cultural thing is coming back around.” ([21:32])

This summary encapsulates the essence of Tracy Logan Walker's insights and experiences, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the episode.