Community Over Competition: Episode 5 - Mandi Casey on The Collective Coworking Space
In this episode of Community Connectors, Episode 5, host John Kerber visits Edmond, Oklahoma, to speak with Mandi Casey, owner of The Collective, a women-focused coworking community. What began as a member experience turned into a leadership role when Mandi purchased the space in 2020—just six weeks before the pandemic shut everything down.
Community Connectors Episode #4 - Matt Hancock on Parks, People, and Leading with Listening
In this episode of Community Connectors, host John Kerber speaks with Matt Hancock, Parks and Recreation Director for Tulsa County, Oklahoma. With nearly 20 years of experience at the YMCA and now in county parks, Matt shares how listening, belonging, and service guide thriving community spaces. Listening First For Matt, leadership starts with being present. Community members may not always say exactly what they need, but showing up, listening, and responding creates trust. He emphasizes that…
Community Connectors Episode #3 — Libraries, Podcasts, and Third Places with GiGi Howard
In this inspiring conversation, host John Kerber interviews GiGi Howard, longtime librarian and creator of the Drinks in the Library podcast. From stories and cocktails to community hubs and digital media, this episode is packed with ideas that librarians and community builders can take straight to their spaces.
Community Connectors Episode 2: How to Build a Maker Space for Your Library
In this 25-minute Episode #2, host John Kerber sits down with David Lee King. David serves as Digital Services Director at Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library and author/speaker on blended library services. They unpack how Topeka turned a single 3D-printer pilot into a full multimedia hub. Also more about how the library balanced its digital branch with in-building makerspaces, and used community-led planning as a guide. The full episode goes live on July 18th!
Community Connectors Interview - Lenah Oltman and John Kerber
Community Connectors Episode 1 — Recap In this 45-minute kickoff episode, host John Kerber sits down with Lenah Oltman, the director who took Reinbeck (IA) Public Library from a modest program lineup to a community engagement engine. The conversation zeroes in on two themes listeners kept asking for: Funding that Fuels Growth Hear how Lenah turned data from a single successful program into a $7.8 K seed grant, then used that win to secure broader city support. Library Marketing That…
5 Tips for Creating a Thriving Community Hub
Community hubs such as libraries, museums, parks, and community centers provide invaluable services to local populations. Whether offering educational resources, public programs, or safe gathering spaces, these hubs serve as vital lifelines for social connection, learning, and enrichment. To sustain and grow a thriving community hub, leaders can focus on four critical areas identified in the Thriving Community Space Framework: Events, People, Data, and Resources. Here are five tips to ensure…