Libraries as Lifelines: Reducing Loneliness Through Community and Culture with Sarah Skinner

Hello Wise Women! My guest is Sarah Skinner, Director of the Bridgman Public Library (BPL). She completed her undergraduate degree in Behavioral Psychology at Western Michigan University in 2009. She went on to attain her Master's degree in Library and Information Science from Valdosta State University in Valdosta, GA. Before joining the BPL team, Sarah was the Adult Services Team Leader at Niles District Library. After almost a decade in libraries, she looks forward to continuing to support life-long learners in Southwest Michigan.Sarah is a lifelong Michigander currently living in rural Galien with her two daughters, four cats, and two dogs. She enjoys reading (obviously!), gardening, and crochet in her spare time.In this episode, we talked about:📚 The library's role in community health and engagement. 📚 The library's role in bringing generations together. 📚 Why the library's more than just books.📚 Why the library is a place providing real information.📚 The library's mission to address loneliness by providing a safe space by hosting fun events.📚 The library staff's dedication to inclusion.🎙️ Original Podcast Music by Nadine Kelly (drums and vocals) and Tim Buell; Produced by Tim Buell☕️ Sponsored by Infusco Coffee Roasters.