“I think books change lives, and change minds, and teach us empathy,” says Roanoke County Director of Library Services Shari Henry.
Identity and Action: Season one of the BOOK CITY ★ Roanoke podcast continues with Roanoke County Director of Library Services Shari Henry. This season we’re looking at our engagement with the written word—how it shapes our identity and how we put that into action in the world around us. Libraries are a center of this engagement for individuals and for communities and they play a variety of roles.
Shari Henry has been in the Roanoke region for more than two years. In her role, she’s thoughtfully exploring the role of the library as the “marketplace of ideas” to better understand how we access good information, how technology works in our lives, and how a community responds to the needs of its residents in a timely and coordinated fashion. In an era of divisive public conversations, false news stories, and overwhelming access to information, libraries and their stewards are more important than ever.
Libraries are also places for important conversations. “I’m really starting to think through more how I’m engaging to make sure I”m responsible–as we talk about books and ideas–am I living what I believe, and am I really engaging in a way that creates more space for people and for more more ways for people to have conversations that feel safe.”
Hear more from Shari Henry in the podcast below or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Books and authors mentioned in the episode:
★ Normal People by Sally Rooney
★ Leadership in Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin
★ Where the Crawdad Sings by Delia Owens
And..
★ Subscribe to the BOOK CITY ★ Roanoke podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.
★ Watch Shari Henry in the Poetry by Heart project
★ Read the BOOK CITY Q&A – Shari Henry
Production assistance is provided by Agape Podcasts. The BOOK CITY Roanoke Podcast is sponsored by Book No Further,Puttin’ Ideas in Your Head since 2017.
BOOK CITY ★ Roanoke 