In this episode of the My City My Health Podcast, host Maddie Kerr talks with Kellee Forkenbrock, Public Services Librarian at the North Liberty Community Library, about the Lighthouse in the Library series and the importance of digital access in the community. Kellee discusses how the Libraries Transforming Communities grant has allowed them to create a platform for community conversations and collaborations with other local organizations. She emphasizes the role of libraries in providing access to information and wellness resources, particularly in addressing the digital divide that exists in many communities.

About Kellee:
Kellee Forkenbrock is a passionate librarian who serves as the Public Services Librarian at the North Liberty Community Library. Kellee is a strong advocate for providing access to information and resources to all members of the community, with a particular focus on bridging the digital divide and promoting social justice. She is dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment at the library, where people of all backgrounds and identities feel valued and supported. Kellee is a true asset to the North Liberty community, and her work with the Lighthouse in the Library series is a testament to her commitment to creating positive change through education and community building.

Shownotes:
00:00 - Introduction
01:10 - Kellee Forkenbrock's background and role at the North Liberty Community Library
02:35 - Overview of the Lighthouse in the Library series and its impact on the community
04:10 - How the Libraries Transforming Communities grant has supported the series
05:40 - Examples of collaborations with other local organizations, including Better Way Forward and the North Liberty Community Food Pantry
07:25 - The upcoming collaboration with the African American Museum of Iowa
08:20 - The importance of dialogue and connection in promoting wellness and addressing community issues
09:35 - The role of libraries in providing access to information and wellness resources
11:15 - The digital divide and its impact on communities
12:25 - The North Liberty Community Library's efforts to provide digital access, including free wifi and iPads for use in-house
13:40 - Future goals for the Lighthouse in the Library series, including more collaborations with local organizations
14:50 - Kellee's excitement for attending the My City My Health conference and connecting with others in the healthcare industry
16:00 - The biggest takeaway from the conversation: support your local public library and the freedom to read
17:10 - Conclusion

About the host: Maddie Kerr is a Health and Human Physiology major, with a Health Promotion track and a minor in Communication Studies, graduating in 2023. Maddie is part of a team supporting the My City My Health Conference in Iowa City. The conference aims to bring together the University of Iowa and the Iowa City corridor community to discuss health equity programs and collaborations. Interested individuals can register for the conference through www.mycity.health