From Writing to Storytelling: How One Group Found Their Voice

I’ve been doing a lot of research on intergenerational literacy and oral history and researching ideas like Gentelligence and exploring how different generations communicate, preserve stories, and pass on traditions lately. Along the way, memories of my own experiences keep bubbling up, reminding me why understanding intergenerational literacy and keeping storytelling alive is so important.

One memory in particular that came back to me was from about a year ago. It was a difficult time for me because my writing group that I had been hosting at the library for several years fell apart. I was saddened by the ending of this group because it had been so magical. Well, in true Compassionate Librarian form, I wanted to keep the magic going, so I found myself starting something new: a storytelling circle. I am someone who loves stories. I am surrounded by books all day, every day, I find myself drawn to stories in every form. 

So I leaned into what I know best: talking to groups and sharing stories.

Our very first gathering centered around banned books. I wheeled in a full cart of titles from the Top 10 Challenged list, and what unfolded was magical. Each person had a personal connection to a book on that cart. I read this in high school. I found this during a difficult time in my life and it comforted me. This was my favorite story growing up. What began as a discussion of censorship quickly became a circle of memories, reflections, and laughter.

As we talked, connections emerged. I could see it wasn't just between people and books, it was clearly between multiple generations sharing stories that are valuable and meaningful. We found ourselves reflecting on how stories shape identity, comfort us in hard times, and offer perspectives that sometimes scare the world enough to be challenged. We realized that among all of our collective memories there are many stories worth telling.

That day, this new group bonded. We decided to meet monthly and share stories, memories, and carry on oral traditions. Family, holidays, ghosts, places we grew up, the conversations all just flowed naturally, weaving together threads of lived experience that transcended beyond anyone's age or background. The ages spanned from teens to seasoned adults. 

Looking back now, I see that what began as the end of one group became the beginning of a new kind of community. Just like Djo’s song End of Beginning, we found our group in another version and we were in it. We were definitely in it. All we needed was a space to talk, to listen, and to honor the stories that connect us across generations. It was so amazing!

Sometimes, when writing fades, storytelling finds its voice and I want to give tribute to this group for bringing back the art of storytelling and preservation the tradition of oral history. 

Until next time,

the Compassionate Librarian

What Library Outreach Means — And Why Equity Must Lead the Way

The New Era of Outreach

Outreach has always been important in library work, but since the pandemic it has taken on an even more critical role. The challenges of COVID-19 exposed inequities that were always there: the digital divide, the lack of access to reliable health information, the isolation of seniors, the struggles of unhoused community members, and the barriers faced by immigrants and refugees.

Libraries stepped up in new ways by offering Wi-Fi in parking lots, creating curbside services, helping people sign up for vaccines, and providing phone check-ins for seniors who couldn’t come in. These weren’t extras. These were and still are essential resources. Outreach has become the heartbeat of library service, and if we are truly committed to equity, we can’t treat it as optional.

What Outreach Really Means

When many people hear the word outreach, they picture taking programs outside the library walls — a storytime in the park, a table at a school fair. And yes, those are important. But outreach goes deeper.

At its core, outreach is about meeting people where they are. It’s about listening to communities, learning what barriers they face, and connecting them with resources that make a difference. It’s not about what we think people should want — it’s about asking, What do you need? How can we help?

Outreach is, at its heart, relationship-building. It’s not transactional. It’s about trust, compassion, and consistency.

Equity Must Be at the Center

Outreach without equity risks overlooking the very people who need us most. If we only plan programs for the people who are already comfortable walking into our buildings, we’re missing entire communities.

Equity-driven outreach asks harder questions:

• Who is excluded?

• Who feels invisible?

• Who can’t access our services — and why?

When we place equity at the center, our focus shifts to vulnerable and underserved groups: unhoused patrons, seniors, LGBTQ+ teens, English language learners, immigrants and refugees, people with disabilities, rural communities, and families living in food deserts and many more vulnerable or invisible community members.

Equity-driven outreach means rethinking not just what we do, but who we design for — and whether our services are reaching those who need them most.

                                         Contra Costa County Library's Rolling Reader


Equity in Action

Examples of equity-driven outreach are everywhere if you know where to look:

• A seed library or community garden project in a food desert.

• Partnering with social service agencies to help unhoused patrons apply for housing or access healthcare.

• Creating bilingual storytimes and programs co-designed with immigrant families.

• Hosting resource fairs in neighborhoods far from the nearest library branch.

At Concord Library, one of the ways we live this out is by providing outreach at the local warming shelter. During the coldest months of the year, our staff bring library resources, conversation, and connection directly to unhoused patrons who are seeking warmth and safety. It’s not just about handing out books — it’s about showing up, being present, and reminding people that the library sees them, values them, and is part of their support network.

The Role of Relationships and Trust

Equity-driven outreach something we do to engage with our community members that aren't always visible. We have to step outside of the library walls and this work many times requires cultural humility: listening first, respecting lived experiences, and being willing to learn.

It also requires partnerships. Schools, nonprofits, shelters, faith-based groups, advocacy organizations, and healthcare providers are often already serving vulnerable populations. When libraries join forces with them, we amplify our collective impact. Outreach succeeds not through one-off programs, but through relationships, trust, and collaboration.

Shifts in the Profession: Outreach Roles Are Growing

The profession is catching up to this reality. More and more libraries are creating positions like Outreach Librarian, Community Engagement Specialist, and Equity Coordinator. These roles reflect the understanding that outreach isn’t a side project — it’s specialized, intentional work that requires creativity, empathy, and strategy.

For those entering the profession or looking to grow in their careers, these roles signal a shift: libraries are investing in outreach as a core part of what we do, not an optional add-on.

The Bigger Picture: Outreach as Transformation

Outreach is not “one and done.” It’s not a single program or a single season. It’s long-term change work.

When libraries commit to equity-driven outreach, we transform ourselves as much as our communities. We become spaces of belonging. We become places where compassion isn’t just a value on a poster but something people experience in action. We become connectors, advocates, and allies.

Outreach Matters

Outreach has always mattered, but in our post-pandemic world it has become more urgent and more powerful than ever. Libraries that lead with compassion and equity will not only meet needs — they will create lasting transformation.

Because at the end of the day, outreach is not just a program. It’s about connection and meeting people where they are. 

Happy outreach adventures,

the Compassionate Librarian