Ep 09: Being a Bubblerarian
“Through the mentorship program I try to share that libraries can be cool places. Knowledge is cool. So that’s the one hope that I always try to get across is that learning is cool.” – Rob Franklin
Meet Rob Franklin. Born and raised in Beloit, Wisconsin. His professional story in libraries began shortly after the Madison Public Library in Wisconsin created a makerspace area and program, The BUBBLER. Rob has been working in The BUBBLER for the past five years as the Media Projects Bubblerarian. What sparked his interest in the position was his love of music and audio production. Raised in a Baptist church, he naturally felt musically inclined. He became more deeply involved in music as a child after listening to his neighbors, family, and friends share their love of music with one another. Some of his musical influences include Heavy D, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Sade, and others.
In The BUBBLER, there are two components. One is dedicated to the visual arts and the other to the technical arts. There is a media lab where patrons can explore audio engineering, music production, and more. Rob uses his hip hop and jazz musical expertise and vocals to help teach classes in the media lab on audio recording and music production. What initially began as an educational and informative makerspace program has now shifted to become a project-based learning environment with more hands-on experience and one-on-one mentoring.
Rob and his team provide access to their music/audio technology and tools by going into the community and meeting people where they are. Some of the technologies include MacBooks with installed high quality software and portable audio gear. Additionally, they partner with Urban Community Arts Network and other local organizations to bring in diverse artists to share their skills and truths with kids in the community. It is Rob’s passion to build a sustainable music ecosystem and a more inclusive Madison through the arts and culture.
Tune into this episode with Rob Franklin to learn more about his work as a bubblerarian. Rob shares some of the project’s challenges, impact, and pleasant surprises along with the importance of equal access and representation. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Rob Franklin at RFranklin@madisonpubliclibrary.org.