The COVID-19 pandemic allowed us to explore how our patrons engage with the library. During our library’s 2022 Strategic Planning, the Core Committee surveyed the community on how the library could better assist them. A consistent thread amongst these surveys was that patrons were seeking connections. As one patron noted, “Single parents, the elderly, and people with disabilities have been affected by the pandemic the most. These groups need to be reconnected with the community.” Our podcast provides an avenue to meet patrons where they are: in their car, living rooms, or between chores. Here, we can connect with listeners who may feel isolated as they care for their children. In addition to providing emotional support and validation, as well as valuable, topical library and community resources, this podcast provides opportunities for spreading library awareness, as we utilize ad spots to promote upcoming library events and services.

Many libraries have created podcasts since the pandemic; however, our podcast is a departure from the book discussions that we have come to expect from library-hosted podcasts. While most of our connections with caregivers remain in-person, whether through reader’s advisory, programming, or community engagement, our podcast reaches a new audience that can engage with the library on their own terms. Our podcast has resonated with audiences because of the emotional bravery and professionalism Katie and Caitlin exhibit.

Our episodes are 35-50 minutes long. During each episode, Caitlin and Katie explore a topic that affects children and caregivers, like returning to school, sibling dynamics, and climate anxiety. The hosts create reading lists for listeners to learn more about the topic. The podcast team is responsible for researching topics, promoting each episode, editing the episode, and transcribing.

Our initial goal was to see measurable growth over the first 6 months.

“Your Family, Your Library'' celebrated its first anniversary in April 2024. In one year of production, we have noted immediate success. The podcast currently has 1,664 all-time downloads and averages 50 listens per episode. We have reached listeners in the United States, Iraq, Germany, and more. A patron reached out via email and shared, “You guys just made me ugly cry while prepping dinner. I had to stop everything and tell you how much I appreciate what you're doing. All my life I've never heard anyone say that being quiet or shy or introverted (as I am) is not a problem to be fixed. I will definitely be checking out the books you recommended and sharing them with my introverted daughter. Thank you so, so much for putting yourselves out there. From one introvert to another I recognize how difficult that might be, but my goodness, thank you for sharing your stories and offering support and resources!!”