The Library Vault

By Briana Gagnon and Christy Billings

We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming for a blog post from two members of our podcast team! Podcast team members Briana and Christy had the amazing opportunity to interview Susan Bysiewicz, the lieutenant governor of Connecticut, for the latest episode of the library’s podcast Middletown Strong. Briana and Christy asked the Lieutenant Governor a wide variety of questions with a focus on Women’s History Month.

Every year, March is designated as Women’s History Month. What began as a week long celebration has now become a month long celebration to honor women’s contributions in American history.

First, however, before the interview began, the Lieutenant Governor wanted to know the origin of the name “podcast.” To their chagrin, Briana and Christy had to check because they did not know. (Librarians don’t have all the answers, but we know where to look!) Fortunately, the lieutenant governor’s aide was able to answer this question. A 2004 Guardian newspaper article was one of the first places that used the name. The “pod” of podcast is borrowed from Apple’s iPod device, and the “cast” portion of podcast is taken from radio’s “broadcast” term. People are able to listen on their own time instead of having to tune in at a particular time. Briana and Christy really loved the Lieutenant Governor’s candid curiosity and continued to see more of that side of her throughout our time recording the podcast.

During the interview, the Lieutenant Governor talked about how important it is for women’s voices to be heard and represented in the government. She grew up in Middletown and went to Middletown schools. She is proud to be a Middletown resident and represent Connecticut. Many citizens may not realize what her role looks like. Lieutenant Governor Bysiewicz is the chair of the Governor’s Council on Women and Girls, and has championed small business owners and veterans during her time in Connecticut. She acts as the governor and can perform his duties when he is away (which he was away at the time of the recording).

The Lieutenant Governor also shared how local people can become involved if there is an issue they care about and want to have their voice heard at the state level. While sometimes it seems intimidating, she made it very easy to understand the process, and encouraged people to take the step to become more involved in local government — including thinking about running for office. More details about this can be heard in the interview.

Christy and Briana also asked the Lieutenant Governor if there was a non-profit or world-changing organization that she valued personally and wanted to bring awareness to. She highlighted the work of IRIS, also known as The Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services, for the work they do with legal services at a nominal fee to refugee clients. Their extensive services are for refugee clients who wish to adjust their status, naturalize, or petition for family members to join them in the United States.

One of the fun parts of the interview involved the many different “trails” we have in the state of Connecticut. There is a Christmas Movie Trail, a wine trail, a beer trail, and now a Pizza Capital Trail! Have you heard about the Pizza Capital Trail? Christy and Briana heard about it for the first time while talking with the Lieutenant Governor.

“Pizza is so rooted in Connecticut culture, and the creation of the pizza trail is the perfect way to capture our affinity for it,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “This initiative offers a unique opportunity for our residents to actively participate in some of the most heated discussions surrounding our beloved pizza establishments. Whether it’s plain with mozzarella or a classic white clam pie, I can’t wait to explore more restaurants across the state.”

Starting March 14^th (National Pi Day!), you may vote for your favorite pizza place here.

The Lieutenant Governor weighed in on two of her favorite Middletown pizza establishments, which you can hear about when you check out the March episode. Middletown has a great foodie scene, especially when it comes to pizza.

The Lieutenant Governor is also a huge library supporter. She is an active library user and told Briana and Christy that libraries are the heart of their communities. (We whole-heartedly agree!) Susan said that it makes her happy when she drives by the Russell Library and sees patrons lined up outside before the library is open. She recognizes the value libraries bring to their communities, especially the Russell Library.

To learn more about what you read here today, check out Middletown Strong’s March Episode. Briana and Christy were thankful to have the opportunity to meet and talk with Lieutenant Governor Bysiewicz.