if we can keep doing that, if there are enough of us pushing the long arc of history and keeping our eyes on that hopeful horizon, even if it's recently gotten a little more uphill and further away, i believe we will get there.

libraries and those who share our values of access and democracy and inclusion and respect and intellectual freedom - are so good at using the tools of today (capitalism, technology, union-labour relations, skill development, global competition, etc, etc) to build the world of tomorrow.

it's helping me believe that when we get through this period - and with libraries as a bright line in the dark, WE WILL - we CAN keep moving towards the shining future humanity is capable of at our best. but we have to stick to who we are and what we do - which is political, but not partisan.

it's amazing to hear these folks, who are all so personally invested in a system that is so vitally needed - and so foundationally under attack. it really makes me hopeful for a future where libraries truly ARE a utility, guaranteed for all, acknowledged as a core part of every community.

the erosion of trust doesn't happen overnight. we're one institution among many facing challenges to our values + services. there might be an argument here for focusing on those who DO need and DO value what we bring, and helping them carry the torch - Cyndee Landrum, Simmons University

"inherently, libraries are political places - and there are some fights that we can't sit out" - Brooks Rainwater, President & CEO of #UrbanLibrariesCouncil, on how important it is for librarians to stay in the fray on intellectual freedom

@miaugly.bsky.social has pointed out that we don't all speak the same nerd dialect, so:

TOS = the original series, just called Star Trek (1966)

TNG = Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987)

VOY = Star Trek: Voyager (1995)

It's about trying to do good and make good choices in the face of so much evidence that giving up would be easier. It's got a lot in common with the new #superman, honestly - and that doesn't seem like a coincidence. It's what we need right now, I think. Happy Trekking, crew!

I hope that Rhys being in this show encourages you to give SNW, and Trek in general, a try! It really is about holding up a mirror to humanity, examining what we see, and trying to live up to the best of ourselves under circumstances that are never predictable, or perfect.

But he's also a fascinating strand in the fucked up tapestry that is Star Trek's, and sci-fi in general's, explorations of what beings of immense and unthinkable power would be like if we encountered them, and what their use of those powers would teach us about ourselves.

Extended universe/non canon: Q-Squared by Peter David (RIP king) really digs in to Trelane and actually brings him and Q together. A fave trek novel of mine.

Basically - he's a silly little guy! So casting Rhys is perfect!

VOY: Death Wish (recommended) - this episode rules and does more to flesh out the Q Continuum in 45min than TNG did in 7 years.

TNG: I mean, watch any Q episode that appeals to you and you'll get the gist. They honestly don't do a great job of fleshing out who the Q are until VOY. Speaking of...

Showrunners have confirmed - they can't name him for canon reasons, but this IS Trelane.

TOS: The Squire of Gothos (required) is the only actual canon material - and it's set after this new ep, so order doesn't really matter.

Ok I have been off bsky and most social media for, you know, the usual reasons. So I kind of forgot about this. But the eps dropped today and I suddenly remembered I left y'all hanging! So. Here's a quick and dirty list of recs for before or after you watch Rhys strut his stuff in space: