Podcast Summary:

Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks
Episode: Literacy and Leadership: Building Community Through Librarianship
Date: September 11, 2025
Host: Dylan Geschel & Co-host Christine Peel
Guest: Susan Taylor, Branch Manager, Edison Branch Library, Detroit Public Library

Overview

This episode features an in-depth conversation with Susan Taylor, a seasoned library professional and current branch manager at the Edison Branch Library in Detroit. The discussion centers on the transformative power of librarianship in fostering literacy, leadership, and a resilient, connected community. Susan shares personal stories from her 20-year library career, her philosophy of service, and her vision for the future of libraries in a rapidly changing world.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Susan Taylor’s Background & Early Inspiration

• Susan has worked at Detroit Public Library (DPL) for 20 years, fulfilling several roles.
• Her passion for libraries began with childhood experiences in Jamaica, where she played “library” with neighborhood kids.
  • Quote:
    “When I get them home, I would open a library of my own outdoors and have friends in the neighborhood come and check out those books, of course, for a fee.” — Susan Taylor (01:48)
• Early work experiences as a business information specialist and Wall Street firm librarian influenced her understanding of the power and value of information.
  • Quote:
    “My inspiration really sets in to become a librarian when I worked at a library in an investment firm on Wall Street... I knew then that I wanted to join the gatekeepers of information.” — Susan Taylor (03:18)

Making a Difference: Teaching Literacy & Life Skills

• As a former literacy specialist with the Detroit Reads program, Susan assisted adult learners with reading, writing, and math.
  • She paired learners with tutors, helping them regain confidence and vital life skills.
  • Quote:
    “In that setting, it allows them to demonstrate their intelligence without judgment and still get the help that they need to learn to read.” — Susan Taylor (05:47)
• She recalls a profound impact working for six years with an adult learner:
  • The patron progressed to reading at a 2nd/3rd-grade level, empowering him to participate more fully in daily life.
    • Quote:
      “To see someone grow in confidence and now able to go to the supermarket, to shop, to eat at a restaurant because he's able to read the menu and to read road signs...” — Susan Taylor (07:34)

Surprises & Challenges in Library Work

• Transitioning from literacy specialist to branch manager required learning to make quick, broad-reaching decisions, from facility maintenance to customer service.
• Public libraries involve serving everyone equally—a culture shock coming from the private sector.
  • Quote:
    “Everyone who comes through the door is entitled to the same service, same level of service.” — Susan Taylor (10:34)
• The role has shifted towards curating digital resources, managing electronic databases, and embracing social media.

Essential Skills Learned

• The importance of active listening:
  • Quote:
    “There is a difference between what I think a patron wants and listening to what they are telling me that they want... The lesson I learned over time is to receive the message as it is intended.” — Susan Taylor (11:54)

Advocating for Libraries & Community Engagement

• Susan regularly promotes library resources—beyond just books—to her family and the community, including databases, laptops, hotspots, and educational programs.
  • She often fields research questions from family members at all levels, including graduate students.
• She is an active member of a book club and encourages participation in library events.

Advice to Her Younger Self & to Others

• Susan would reassure her younger self to embrace and enjoy the path of librarianship.
  • Quote:
    “Working as a librarian has given me the window to look at the world and explore whatever I like to do.” — Susan Taylor (15:35)

Misconceptions About Librarianship

• The public often underestimates the scope:
  • Collection curation is intentional and based on community needs.
  • Librarians are at the forefront of adapting to digital technologies and diverse formats.
  • Quote:
    “Librarians in the 21st century are very adaptable.” — Susan Taylor (17:28)

The Future of Libraries

• The next 10 years bring challenges and opportunities:
  • Libraries must respond to increasing digital demands—AI, mobile services, QR codes, virtual references.
  • The ongoing importance of demonstrating safe and effective use of technology.
  • Quote:
    “AI is here whether we are aware of it or we use it or not. And it is our job as librarians to show patrons how to effectively and safely use AI.” — Susan Taylor (18:43)

Motivation & Hope

• Engaging with customers and offering new resources keep Susan motivated.
  • She is excited by the ever-changing library landscape and the chance to introduce patrons to new materials and technologies.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Libraries as Lifelong Community Anchors:
  “Detroiters, they really trust the Detroit Public Library. So once we opened this [Detroit Reads] program, we saw patrons who were coming to us and asking for help in reading.” — Susan Taylor (04:39)
• On the Role of a Book in Life:
  “Whichever book I’m having a conversation with, it would say to me to savor the words, do not rush, to enjoy the journey and do not skip to the end, even if I don’t like it, because I will learn something from it. And that’s very much like life.” — Susan Taylor (16:49)

Key Timestamps

• 00:02 — Introduction and host greetings
• 01:09 — Susan Taylor’s background & childhood library memories
• 03:18 — Inspiration for becoming a librarian
• 04:39 — Impactful stories from Detroit Reads literacy program
• 07:04 — A patron’s lasting impact on Susan
• 09:30 — Surprising responsibilities as a branch manager
• 10:34 — Changes in public service and the evolving role of libraries
• 11:54 — The value of active listening in librarianship
• 13:45 — Approaches to community engagement and advocacy
• 15:35 — Advice for her younger self and others considering librarianship
• 17:28 — Misconceptions about the librarian’s role
• 18:43 — Challenges and opportunities for libraries in the next decade

Tone & Language

Susan speaks with warmth, humility, and clarity, offering practical wisdom and stories rich in empathy and perspective. The tone is conversational and encouraging, reflecting the deep community-centric values at the core of librarianship.

This episode is an inspiring look at the ongoing evolution of libraries and librarians as critical anchors in their communities, empowering individuals through information, empathy, and innovative service.