Jeff Scott on Washoe County’s Libraries

Libraries are one of the most important and consistent elements of any community. There are more libraries than Starbucks or McDonalds, and they are increasingly one of the few indoor public spaces that all people can access for free. They also continually adapt to the needs of the community, to include computer access and digital downloads, story time and children's reading programs, craft and maker space, a community court program, and much more. Jeff Scott is the Library Director for the Washoe County Library System and joins Conor on the podcast this week to talk all about various library services, how to get back into reading if you haven't in a while, the value of easy and fun books over the challenging books we are "supposed to" read, how library budgets have affected services and facility improvements, the politicization of libraries over events like drag queen story hours, the inherently inclusive nature of public libraries, and much more! 77% of Washoe County residents have a library card, but if you don't, you can get one easily online or at any branch! Learn more about that and everything else at their website http://washoecountylibrary.us If you enjoy Renoites and would like to see it continue to exist, please spread the word and tell your friends, and if you'd like the show to be financially sustainable and independent, consider becoming a patron of the show with a small one-time or monthly donation. You can do that at http://www.patreon.com/renoites This episode was produced by Conor McQuivey, Lynn Lazaro, and Ember Braun and recorded at the Downtown Reno Library in Reno, Nevada. Thank you so much for listening!