Podcast Summary:

Library Leadership in Action: What’s Shaping Michigan Libraries
Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks | November 18, 2025
Host: Dylan Geschel (A), Interim Executive Director, Michigan Library Association
Guests: Jenny Marr (C), Executive Director, Capital Area District Libraries & MLA Board President
Steve Bowers (B), Executive Director, The Library Network; Past Chair, Library Cooperatives of Michigan

Episode Overview

This episode brings together two leading voices in Michigan's library landscape—Jenny Marr and Steve Bowers—to discuss the evolving role of libraries, the impact they have on communities, and the challenges and opportunities ahead. The conversation explores the heart of library service, the importance of equitable access, how libraries connect and empower underserved populations, and the ways Michigan’s library ecosystem is future-proofing itself for coming decades.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Guests’ Backgrounds and Roots in Libraries

• Steve Bowers shares his serendipitous entry into librarianship, working across public, academic, K-12, special libraries, and through consortia and cooperatives.
  "I've spent most of my time with consortia... helping them work together." [01:42]
• Jenny Marr reflects on her 22-year public library career, emphasizing community service and her personal journey from a “career change” to library leadership.
  "I've worked at all sizes of libraries, rural up to urban... really enjoyed the working with the public and feeling like community service." [03:30]

The Value and Impact of Libraries

• Libraries see increased use during economic downturns as community members seek free resources and belonging.
  "The harder economic times become the busier libraries get... People get a sense of community when they're feeling isolated." – Jenny [04:58]
• Immediate gratification from helping patrons is deeply fulfilling for staff.
  "You can just see a weight lifted off them as they exit." – Jenny [04:58]
• Libraries play an essential social role connecting people to themselves and others, especially in divisive times.
  "We're playing a big role in helping people connect to themselves and connect to others to see others." – Steve [05:58]

Reaching Underserved and New Audiences

• Meeting people “where they’re at” is increasingly critical:
  • Mobile libraries and partnerships with nonprofits expand reach.
  • Libraries as connectors, not just providers. "We can't be everything to everyone, but we can help connect people with other groups." – Jenny [07:26]
• Representation matters:
  • Library Network’s billboards: “Something for everyone.”
  • Resources and materials must reflect all communities, including marginalized groups. "Hopefully everyone can see themselves in one of those pictures." – Steve [08:30]

Technology, Innovation, and Adaptability

• Technology’s Evolving Role:
  • Digital access (eBooks, streaming, mobile catalogs) continues to level the playing field.
  • "If you get your free library card... you can get to the library in your pocket." – Steve [10:49]
  • Parents appreciate non-screen experiences; libraries offer interactive, engaging non-digital spaces for youth.
• Pandemic-prompted Innovation:
  • Remote services became vital, and many adaptations are now permanent.
  • Libraries are crucial in battling the digital divide, offering WiFi hotspots and public technology access. "When we in an emergency had to. We were able to pare things down... A lot of those things we're going to keep." – Jenny [12:39]

Optimism and Resilience in Michigan Libraries

• Michigan Public Support:
  • State poll shows broad public opposition to censorship and strong belief that libraries should offer “books for everybody.”
    "There's some really loud voices out there... but I felt better knowing that's not a majority of people in Michigan." – Jenny [15:09]
• Statewide Collaboration:
  • Michigan’s “ecosystem” of partners (MLA, cooperatives, campaigns like My Right to Read) works together to defend access and respond to challenges. "That ecosystem of everybody working together... is one of the really optimistic things." – Steve [15:54]

Defending Intellectual Freedom and Civic Engagement

• Libraries as “Line in the Sand”:
  • Standing firm against censorship, fostering civic discussion, and promoting freedom of choice. "We're the line in the sand... It's really important that we hold that line." – Jenny [16:55]
• Values and Humanity:
  • Libraries advocate for the freedom of all individuals and groups to see themselves represented.
    "Celebrating each individual's humanity... is a part of letting everyone know that we all should be valued as part of the community." – Steve [18:11]

Challenges Ahead

• Staff Recruitment and Burnout:
  • Empathy fatigue and turnover, plus the high cost of library science degrees, are concerning.
    "I worry about recruitment... Especially with college being so expensive." – Jenny [20:11]
• Need for Diversity:
  • Broader recruitment and accessible pathways into librarianship are priorities.
• Adaptive Strategies:
  • New services like cooperative “Subshift” (a substitute pool for libraries) and cross-library employment programs are in development. "We have two library schools... to help connect employment from one library to another." – Steve [21:08]

Amplifying Key Areas of Library Work

• Early Literacy:
  • Public libraries’ role in pre-K literacy is foundational but often overlooked. "Those first few years after birth, until they get into the school system, those belong to public libraries." – Jenny [22:31]
• Fiscal Stewardship:
  • Libraries make the most out of limited taxpayer funding, maximizing community impact. "We are a good use of taxpayer dollar... libraries sure get a lot done." – Steve [23:31]

Sustaining Positive Momentum

• Strategic Planning & Visibility:
  • Deliberateness in upholding and communicating values is key. "You need to be deliberate... come up with a strategy... put out there what our beliefs are." – Jenny [24:07]
• Belonging & Inclusion:
  • Fostering spaces where all feel welcome keeps momentum strong. "Continue to be a place of belonging for everybody." – Steve [24:56]

Library Experimentation and the “Library of Things”

• Libraries are experimenting with lending non-traditional items (metal detectors, crafts, fishing poles), surprising and delighting community members. "Our innovation comes from trying to figure out what people have a need before they realize they have it." – Jenny [25:56]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Community Impact:
  "You can just see a weight lifted off them as they exit." — Jenny Marr [04:58]
• On Belonging:
  "There's something to excite everyone... everyone can get excited about something." — Steve Bowers [08:30]
• On Censorship:
  "If we didn't serve every person and every idea, we cease to be public libraries. That's who we are." — Dylan Geschel [19:47]
• On Staff Burnout:
  "We tend to be very empathetic people and you can get empathy fatigue." — Jenny Marr [20:11]
• On Innovation:
  "We're willing to try things. If they don't work, we try something else." — Jenny Marr [25:56]
• On Stewardship:
  "Libraries sure get a lot of stuff done with the dollars that we are steward." — Steve Bowers [23:31]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------------------------- |-----------:| | Guest Introductions, Backgrounds | [01:42–04:04] | | The Role and Value of Libraries | [04:36–07:09] | | Reaching the Underserved, Partnerships | [07:26–09:24] | | Technology & Digital Services | [09:44–11:59] | | Adaptability & Pandemic Response | [11:59–14:09] | | Public Support, Poll Results | [15:09–16:41] | | Information Access, Censorship, Intellectual Freedom | [16:41–19:47] | | Workforce Challenges, Recruitment, Diversity | [20:11–22:22] | | Early Literacy, Fiscal Stewardship | [22:31–24:00] | | Strategic Planning, Momentum | [24:07–24:56] | | Library Experimentation & Library of Things | [25:56–26:49] |

Tone & Style

The conversation is candid, passionate, and hopeful, acknowledging both hardships and the inspirational capacity of libraries to adapt, innovate, and provide for all. The leaders’ perspectives underscore both a commitment to core democratic values and a willingness to experiment boldly in service of the public good.

For Further Listening

Catch more stories of Michigan library innovation throughout the Chapter & Verse archive, and watch for upcoming episodes in 2026.