Episodes

4 days ago
National Poetry Month | Ep. 375
4 days ago
4 days ago
This week, discover the history of National Poetry Month, started by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, and explore its impact on readers, students, and poets worldwide. From tips on reading poetry to spotlighting U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón’s work, this episode covers it all. Plus, enjoy poetry recommendations for teens and kids, featuring powerful spoken word, Shel Silverstein-inspired rhymes, and even a custom poem about the podcast! Whether you're a poetry newbie or a seasoned fan, there’s something here for everyone.

Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Women...IN SPACE! Plus: Spot the Real Romance | Ep. 374
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
This week Nicole explores the rise of space tourism and discusses Blue Origin's historic all-women space flight, launching April 14. Plus: Sara surprises us with a fun "real or fake" romance novel game.

Thursday Apr 03, 2025
2025: Anniversary Party! | Ep. 373
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Thursday Apr 03, 2025

Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Spring 2025 Programming | Ep. 372
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Spring is blooming at the library! In this episode, Sara, Nicole, and Sal unpack the exciting lineup of spring programs. From Free Comic Book Day to MCPL Under the Stars concerts in July, there’s something for everyone. Adults can enjoy crafts like paper peonies and crocheting, plus the Strictly Business networking event on May 6th. Kids and teens get in on the fun with Great Dane meet-and-greets, Harry Potter escape rooms, and Regents reviews. And don't forget the Budget Vote on April 8th!

Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Women's History Month Book Recommendations | Ep. 371
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Thursday Mar 20, 2025

Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Irish Recipes for St. Pat's Day + Teens & Taxes | Ep. 370
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
This week, we’re gearing up for St. Patrick's Day with a tasty dive into Irish cuisine—think bacon and cabbage, boxty pancakes, "poundies" with scallions, and even quirky dishes like batter burgers and black pudding. Sara shares a primer on these traditional foods, plus tips on finding Irish cookbooks at the library (check call number 641.59415!). Meanwhile, Nicole spills a hilarious tax blunder tied to her pregnancy announcement (Congrats, Nicole!), and offers practical advice for teens on understanding paychecks and taxes, courtesy of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. From savory recipes to money smarts, this episode has it all!

Thursday Mar 06, 2025
90s Trivia with Help from A.I. | Ep. 369
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Thursday Mar 06, 2025

Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Countdown to the Oscars + a resource for teachers on A.I. | Ep. 368
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
In this week's episode of the podcast, Sara takes a closer look at the fascinating world of Oscar eligibility, breaking down how movies and actors qualify, the process of nominations, how directors submit their films for consideration, and the way winners are ultimately voted on by the Academy. She’ll also walk us through the lineup of movies nominated for this year’s Academy Awards, offering insights into the contenders. Meanwhile, Nicole brings something special for educators: a resource from Stanford University designed to assist teachers in explaining the complexities of artificial intelligence to their students. With A.I. sparking curiosity and plenty of questions among young learners, this material provides engaging answers and support for classroom discussions.

Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Harlem Renaissance + Snakes of New York | Ep. 367
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
The Harlem Renaissance sparked a wave of creativity, inspiring timeless literature—Nicole’s got a list of must-read books about that era to grab on your next library trip. Meanwhile, did you know New York is home to 17 snake species? Some are venomous, and they’ve got their favorite haunts across the state. Find out where they like to slither.

Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Valentine's Day History + Recommendations | Ep. 366
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Happy Valentine's Day! Ready for a weekend of love with a twist? How about diving into a horror movie that's got a dash of romance? Sara has curated a spine-chilling yet romantic list, all accessible for free on Hoopla Digital with just your library card. If reading is more your speed, Nicole's got you covered with a selection of romantic books that will make your heart flutter. And, to set the mood, we'll explore the intriguing history behind St. Valentine. Tune in for a unique blend of frights, love, and lore!