“You Don’t Have to Earn Permission to Take Up Space” ft. Tiffany Alston, the Chief Librarian

“You Don’t Have to Earn Permission to Take Up Space” ft. Tiffany Alston, the Chief Librarian


Libraries are about so much more than books, and Tiffany Alston, also known as the Chief Librarian, joins Urban Whispers to talk about why.

In this episode, LaCie and Morgan sit down with Tiffany to discuss her 31-year career in librarianship, from shelving books as a teenager in Harlem to becoming a leader, mentor, coach, and advocate. Together, they explore the evolving role of libraries, book access, representation, community, banned books, leadership, and why everyone deserves spaces where they feel seen and valued.

Tiffany also shares the inspiration behind her company, Excellence Established, her podcast What's Next with the Chief Librarian, and the powerful reminder that inspired this episode's title: you don't have to earn permission to take up space.


Whether you're an avid reader, a lifelong library lover, or someone looking for encouragement to embrace your own voice, this conversation has something for you.

Connect with Tiffany Alston
📚 Instagram: @thechieflibrarian
🎵 TikTok: @thechieflibrarian
🐦 X (Twitter): @BooksAndBusy
📘 Facebook: Tiffany Alston
💼 LinkedIn: Tiffany Alston / The Chief Librarian

🎙️ Listen to What's Next with the Chief Librarian wherever you get your podcasts.

Tämä jakso on lisätty Podme-palveluun avoimen RSS-syötteen kautta eikä se ole Podmen omaa tuotantoa. Siksi jakso saattaa sisältää mainontaa.

Jaksot(32)

You Didn't Buy That Book. You Bought a License.

You Didn't Buy That Book. You Bought a License.

We close out this season welcoming Morgan back who was in Vegas for the AKA Boule and is deep in a reading slump. Sloane's been covering for half her office and DNF'd her latest read. And LaCie finall...

28 Heinä 1h 26min

"You Could Have All Five-Star Books If You Put the Book Down"

"You Could Have All Five-Star Books If You Put the Book Down"

It is hot as hell in Washington, DC, Sloane is back, and this week’s reading list ranges from fae kingdoms and mafia families to emotionally heavy historical fiction and one of the most unhinged toxic...

21 Heinä 1h 37min

You Can Too: Britt W. on Black Love, Healing, and Open For Business

You Can Too: Britt W. on Black Love, Healing, and Open For Business

We’re back with another episode of Urban Whispers, and this week LaCie Knight and Sloane are joined by DMV romance author Britt W., author of Open For Business.This conversation is all about Black lov...

7 Heinä 1h 6min

Inflation Is High, But It Ain’t That Damn High

Inflation Is High, But It Ain’t That Damn High

@morgstaysbookd returns after a packed few weeks, and we jump right back into books, life, reading slumps, and why some of these book festival prices are starting to feel like a car note.@Sloane_Buell...

30 Kesä 1h 15min

WhisperSync, Book Fest & Men Who Need Therapy

WhisperSync, Book Fest & Men Who Need Therapy

In this episode of Urban Whispers: LaCie Knight Chronicles, LaCie and Sloane are talking audiobooks, book festivals, Black romance, and the books that have been keeping them busy.LaCie shares her expe...

23 Kesä 1h 19min

Black Romance Book Fest Had Us Outside, "Rah" Had Us Mad & The Dillinger Family Had Us Hooked

Black Romance Book Fest Had Us Outside, "Rah" Had Us Mad & The Dillinger Family Had Us Hooked

This week on Urban Whispers, LaCie and Sloan are back with a packed episode full of books, mess, romance, and Black bookish joy.LaCie recaps her experience at the Black Romance Book Festival, from the...

9 Kesä 1h 33min

Books, Beef, and Black Romance Festival Countdown

Books, Beef, and Black Romance Festival Countdown

LaCie and Sloane hop on live to test out StreamYard, but of course the conversation turns into a full bookish breakdown.With Black Romance Book Festival less than a week away, they talk through what t...

27 Touko 1h 3min