In this episode, I sit down with Paco Ramirez, library assistant at the Eagle Pass Public Library, to spotlight how our local library is reinventing itself as a true community hub. We talk through the big Halloween on Main Street event Paco is spearheading—an all-ages, shut-down-the-street trick-or-treat with games, local agency booths, art stations, food vendors, and costumes galore—designed purely for safe, simple fun and community connection. Paco shares how the idea grew from a small, impromptu candy handout into a full-scale collaboration among city and county departments, and what families can expect when they show up.

Beyond Halloween, Paco walks us through the library’s growing role: ESL classes, digital literacy help, senior craft hours, weekly story times, summer reading, and cultural programs like Día de los Muertos and Hispanic Heritage events. We also swap a few local ghost tales—including a rumored library spirit—chat about how libraries serve everyone without judgment, and explore why these programs draw new faces into the building. To stay plugged in, search “Eagle Pass Public Library” on Facebook or call the library at (830) 773-7323.

Joe's GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/raise-funds-to-cover-mortgage-escrow-shortage

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Special thanks to:

Executive Producer Wayne Rankin
Executive Producer Rosanna Rankin
Executive Producer Carolina Jimenez
Executive Producer Marisa Lee
Executive Producer Angela Wetuski

Sponsored by:
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(00:00:36 ) Cold open: fragments, poetry lines, and setup

(00:03:45 ) Live from Eagle Pass: host intro and recent show recap

(00:05:31 ) Texas Nationalist Movement reflections and resources

(00:09:36 ) Housekeeping: website, contact, and value-for-value model

(00:11:21 ) Guest intro: Paco Ramirez from Eagle Pass Public Library

(00:12:23 ) Getting to know Paco: past as a bouncer and move to Eagle Pass

(00:15:22 ) Unwinding drinks: Guinness, whiskey, and bourbon talk

(00:23:02 ) Small-town life in Eagle Pass and community vibe

(00:24:32 ) Language, demographics, and settling into the border town

(00:25:32 ) Working at the library: hiring, purpose, and daily help

(00:26:41 ) Halloween on Main Street: vision for a community trick-or-treat

(00:28:30 ) From trunk-or-treats to Main Street: inclusivity and safety

(00:29:36 ) Keeping it non-political and collaborative across agencies

(00:31:39 ) Community outreach wins and coordination challenges

(00:32:32 ) What to expect: costumes, games, VR, art, and vendors

(00:33:24 ) Other library events: author talks, Día de los Muertos, heritage shows

(00:36:11 ) Serving Eagle Pass: computers, ESL, and digital literacy

(00:38:43 ) Programs for kids, toddlers, and seniors; health partners

(00:40:11 ) Library as a community hub and tutoring meetups

(00:41:08 ) Seasonal calendar: Christmas, Reading Rodeo, and art exhibits

(00:42:37 ) Staying informed: website, catalog, and Facebook updates

(00:43:16 ) How events bring new patrons and how to donate books

(00:45:20 ) On books and authors: preferences, politics, and the Bible

(00:47:36 ) Takeaways: libraries are neutral spaces for everyone

(00:48:20 ) Personal reflections: family, depression, and resilience

(00:53:29 ) Ghost stories: signs from mom and moving objects

(00:58:22 ) Haunted library lore and Mr. Brown in the basement

(01:01:27 ) New York house hauntings and eerie happenings

(01:04:46 ) Local lore, cryptids, UFOs, and collaboration idea

(01:08:52 ) Faith, interdimensional theories, and El Indio UFO mention

(01:09:23 ) Planning a UFO collaboration and library contact info

(01:10:04 ) Closing with Paco; community appreciation and wrap

(01:11:36 ) Show outro: site, socials, producers, and support notes

(01:17:14 ) Final thanks and sign-off

- Joe "Rooz" Russiello

- Marisa Lee

- Wayne Rankin

- Rosanna Rankin

- Angela Wetuski

- Carolina Jimenez

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