Middle Country Public Library Podcast

Join us as we dive into the heartwarming sci-fi comedy Jules! The team discusses this hidden gem, starring Ben Kingsley, Harriet Sansom Harris, and Jane Curtin. When a UFO crashes in a small Pennsylvania town, lonely retiree Milton befriends a mute alien named Jules, sparking an unexpected adventure filled with quirky neighbors, government pursuits, and themes of loneliness, friendship, and human connection. Discover why this critically acclaimed yet underseen film earned a 9/10 from our team! Spoiler alert: We unpack the movie’s tender moments, clever Easter eggs, and surprising plot twists. Watch Jules for free with your MCPL library card on Hoopla Digital or take out the DVD today!

In honor of the premiere of the PBS documentary "Free For All," which many say is "a love letter to libraries," we’re diving into a fun and educational round of library trivia! Test your knowledge with 12 historical and technical questions about libraries, from the ancient Library of Alexandria to modern cataloging systems like MARC. Play along with Sara and Nicole at home and learn fascinating facts about the world of libraries.

Celebrate Earth Day (a little late) and get funky! This week, Nicole dives into the importance of Earth Day, sharing practical tips for families to connect with nature and recommending eco-friendly books for kids, teens, and adults. Plus, groove to the beat as we preview the upcoming Indie Lens Pop-Up event featuring the documentary "We Want the Funk," with a special live performance by Long Island's own NOIZ! Learn about the roots of funk music, the legendary James Brown, and how you can access funk-tastic resources through the library's digital platforms like Hoopla and Kanopy.

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.

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.

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!

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!