Middle Country Public Library Podcast

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Nicole shares cozy, comforting book recommendations for kids and teens, including classics like Good Night Moon and The Very Hungry Caterpillar, plus mindfulness resources like Breathe Like a Bear. She also highlights library programs and digital resources to support mental well-being. Sara dives into exciting DVD releases hitting the library in June, featuring titles like the intense war drama Warfare, the quirky comedy The Ballad of Wallace Island, Stephen King’s horror-comedy The Monkey, the blockbuster Minecraft Movie, and action-packed Working Man starring Jason Statham. Plus, we share our favorite comfort watches and go on a fun tangent about the latest news on Peppa Pig's new sibling!

Join us for another "This Week in History" for May 11th–17th! From Minnesota joining the Union in 1858 to the Dust Bowl storms of 1934, the debut of Mickey Mouse in 1928, and the final episode of Seinfeld in 1998, we cover a wide range of historical events that shaped the world. Expect fascinating stories, Civil War insights, and pop culture moments!

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!