Maryan is a library and information science graduate student from Columbus, Ohio, and founder of Maryanslist, a platform highlighting inclusive children’s books. Starting as a library staff member, her work grew into a mission to foster representation and belonging in literature. As an aspiring children’s librarian, she collaborates with publishers, educators, and librarians to champion equity.
Behind the Stacks
Their roadtrip opens with an emotional interview in Costa Mesa, California with Mychal Threets—resident librarian for PBS & PBS Kids—who encourages them to discover their own “library joy”. From there, the big green RV travels across the country to Albuquerque, Kansas City and Chicago. Along the way, they sit down with leaders running innovative rural libraries, specialized archives and major urban systems.
By the end of the journey, the roadtrippers are resolved in the belief that the public library is an invaluable space for everyone—and a dynamic career field where each of them can carve out an impact of their own.
Broadcast & Streaming Details
KQED is the presenting station for Roadtrip Nation: “Beyond Books,” which will air on PBS stations nationwide starting September 1, 2026 (check local listings) with streaming available on the PBS App and PBS.org. Locally, the film will premiere on Fridays, September 4 and September 11 at 8:00 PM on KQED 9.
The film is distributed by American Public Television (APT), the leading syndicator of high-quality programming to public television.
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Press Inquiries:
Dan Ford | 949-764-9121 | [email protected]
Press Materials:
Trailer
Photos
Photo Captions
Descriptions
Brand Assets
Social Media Toolkit
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Featured Leaders and Locations
- Mychal Threets — Resident Librarian, PBS & PBS Kids (Costa Mesa, CA)
- Kate Laughlin — Executive Director, Association of Rural & Small Libraries (Albuquerque, NM)
- Shamichael Hallman — Director of Civic Health & Economic Opportunity, Urban Libraries Council (Albuquerque, NM)
- Sara Mawhirter — Reference & Instruction Librarian, Linda Hall Library (Kansas City, MO)
- Sam Helmick — Community and Access Services Coordinator, Iowa City Public Library (Iowa City, IA)
- Chris Brown — Commissioner, Chicago Public Library (Chicago, IL)
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Frequently Asked Questions About ‘Roadtrip Nation: Beyond Books’
Q: What is the documentary Roadtrip Nation: Beyond Books about?
A: Roadtrip Nation: Beyond Books is a two-episode public television series following three prospective library science students as they travel across the U.S. to explore the modern, evolving role of public libraries in driving digital access, community equity, and civic health.
Q: Who is featured in Roadtrip Nation: Beyond Books?
A: The series features young roadtrippers Isabelle, Jenny, and Maryan, as well as prominent library advocates and leaders including Mychal Threets (PBS resident librarian), Chris Brown (Commissioner of Chicago Public Library), and Kate Laughlin (Executive Director, Association of Rural & Small Libraries).
Q: When and where can I watch Roadtrip Nation: Beyond Books?
A: The series airs nationwide on PBS stations starting September 1, 2026, and premieres locally on KQED 9 on September 4 and September 11 at 8:00 PM. It is also available to stream free on the PBS App and PBS.org.
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Roadtrip Nation: Beyond Books is made possible by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation and Strada Education Foundation
Websites and Social Media
roadtripnation.com
youtube.com/roadtripnation
x.com/RoadtripNation
facebook.com/RoadtripNation
instagram.com/roadtripnation
tiktok.com/@roadtripnation
threads.net/@roadtripnation
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About APT
American Public Television (APT) is the leading syndicator of high-quality, top-rated programming to the nation’s public television stations. Founded in 1961, APT distributes 250 new program titles per year and more than one-third of the top 100 highest-rated public television titles in the U.S. APT’s diverse catalog includes prominent documentaries, performance, dramas, how-to programs, classic movies, children’s series and news and current affairs programs. Midsomer Murders, America’s Test Kitchen, AfroPoP, Rick Steves’ Europe, Pacific Heartbeat, Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television, The Indian Doctor, Legacy List with Matt Paxton, Lidia’s Kitchen, Kevin Belton’s New Orleans Kitchen, Simply Ming, The Best of the Joy of Painting with Bob Ross, Front & Center, James Patterson’s Kid Stew and NHK Newsline are a sampling of APT’s programs, considered some of the most popular on public television. APT also licenses programs internationally through its APT Worldwide service and distributes Create®TV — featuring the best of public television’s lifestyle programming — and WORLD™, public television’s premier news, science and documentary channel. aptonline.org
