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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