The Counter

Defending Public Libraries and Education from Political Attacks with Patrick Sweeney

Public libraries and schools have long been pillars of democracy, providing access to knowledge, diverse perspectives, and the freedom to learn. But today, they are under attack. Book bans are surging, librarians are being threatened with arrest, and political groups are using these assaults as fundraising tools to gain power and control over public education.
In this episode of The Counter, we sit down with Patrick Sweeney, Political Director for EveryLibrary, to discuss the urgent need to protect public libraries, combat censorship, and defend the right to read and learn freely. This fight isn’t just about books—it’s about preserving democracy, intellectual freedom, and an informed society.
🎧 Join us for a critical conversation on why protecting public education and libraries is more important than ever—and how you can take action.
To learn more about EveryLibrary, please visit their website at everylibrary.org
To learn more about The Counter, please visit our website at thecounterpac.com
Host:  Penny Ronning
Writer:  Penny Ronning
Producers:  Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe
Editor:  Ty Lowe
Sound Designer/Engineer:  Ty Lowe
Music:  Ty Lowe, Konstantin Klimov
Intro Vocals:  Roy Pack
Graphic Design:  Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe
Website:  Ty Lowe
Social Media:  Emma Trunkle
 
Patrick Sweeney Bio
Patrick Sweeney is a 2007 San Jose School of Library and Information Sciences graduate, Patrick is a former school librarian, Administrative Librarian, and was Executive Director of EveryLibrary California, a statewide initiative to support library propositions.  He was awarded Library Journal’s “Movers and Shakers” award in 2015 for his library advocacy work.  He is co-author of “Winning Elections and Influencing Politicians for Library Funding” as well as “Before the Ballot; Building Support for Library Funding.”  He was recently recognized with a “40 Under 40” award by the American Association of Political Consultants for his work fighting for libraries at EveryLibrary.  He is a lecturer at the San Jose Information School where he teaches courses on politics and libraries.  He is active across social media as PC Sweeney.
The Counter is a registered non-connected political action committee and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

The Arts as Activism—Shaping Culture, Strengthening Democracy with Jon Lawrence Rivera

Art is more than entertainment—it’s a powerful force for cultural change and democratic strength. Throughout history, artists have used their work to challenge injustice, amplify diverse voices, and inspire movements for social change. In today’s socio-political climate, the arts—especially live theater—remain a vital space for activism and transformation.
In this episode of The Counter, Penny Ronning and Jon Lawrence Rivera explore how theater and the arts respond to pressing social issues, the importance of authentic representation on stage, and the responsibility of arts institutions to uphold diversity and inclusion. They discuss how artists can push boundaries, challenge oppressive narratives, and contribute to a more just and inclusive society.
🎭 Join us for a compelling conversation on the power of the arts to shape culture, resist oppression, and strengthen democracy. 🎧 Tune in now!
To learn more about Playwrights’ Arena, please visit their website at playwrightsarena.org
To learn more about The Counter, please visit our website at thecounterpac.com
Host: Penny RonningWriter: Penny RonningProducers: Penny Ronning, Ty LoweEditor: Ty LoweSound Designer/Engineer: Ty LoweMusic: Ty Lowe, Konstantin Klimov
Intro Vocals:  Roy PackGraphic Design:  Penny Ronning, Ty LoweWebsite: Ty Lowe
Social Media:  Emma Trunkle
 
 
Jon Lawrence Rivera Bio
 
Jon Lawrence Rivera, Artistic Director, Playwrights’ Arena is the recipient of the first Career Achievement Award from Stage Raw (2015) and its Queen of Angels Award (2024). Most recently, Rivera directed the following critically acclaimed world premieres for Playwrights’ Arena: MIX-MIX by Boni B. Alvarez, THREE by Nick Salamone, A HIT DOG WILL HOLLER by Inda Craig-Galván, SOUTHERNMOST by Mary Lyon Kamitaki, BABY EYES by Donald Jolly, LITTLE WOMEN by Velina Hasu Houston, @THESPEEDOFJAKE by Jennifer Maisel, and THE ANATOMY OF GAZELLAS by Janine Salinas Schoenberg. Other recent works include KIM’S CONVENIENCE by Ins Choi, BINGO HALL by Dillon Chitto, FAIRLY TRACEABLE by Mary Kathryn Nagle, CRIERS FOR HIRE by Giovanni Ortega, STAND-OFF AT HWY #37 by Vicky Ramirez, FLIPZOIDS by Ralph B. Peña (also in Manila). Rivera is the recipient of a NY Fringe Festival Award, an LA Weekly Award, and five-time Ovation Award nominations.
 
The Counter is a registered non-connected political action committee and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

The Counter - Show Introduction

America is in trouble. Our democracy is being threatened.
We are not up against individual candidates.  
We are up against organized and well-funded far-right movements to replace our nation’s democracy with their authoritarian government.
It’s time for a countermovement.  
It’s time for The Counter.
On February 1, 1960, four black college students sat at a lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, and politely asked for service.  Despite being refused and threatened, they remained seated.  Their courageous, non-violent actions inspired others to rise and change our country.
For years, Diners across America had counters where customers could sit alongside one another and talk.  Conversations focused on local, state, and national issues.  Newspaper articles were discussed, and thoughts were shared over a meal and coffee.  Folks talked about how to make their communities better.
Counters are where history is made, communities are built, and change is born.  
The Counter is where democracy grows.  
Come, sit with us at The Counter, for conversations about a more just America.