Middle Country Public Library Podcast

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.

Take a nostalgic trip through time with Sal and Jim celebrating the milestones of 2025! From the 10th anniversary of the earworm sensation Baby Shark (yes, it’s been a decade!) to the 70th birthday of Disneyland, where Walt’s magic began, this episode is packed with surprises. We’re talking Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Office, Back to the Future and The Goonies. Find out what superstar would be rocking his 90th if still around. Plus, did you know the game Operation and the Grand Ole Opry are marking anniversaries? Grab your DeLorean and dive into this fun, fact-filled chat about the anniversaries that shaped our world. Hit that like button, subscribe, and join the MCPL family—let’s celebrate history together!

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!

In this episode, we’re celebrating Women’s History Month with Nicole spotlighting fascinating new children’s picture books about trailblazing women like Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, a conservationist who helped save the Everglades; Ruth Asawa, an artist shaped by her internment camp experience; and Clara Driscoll, the creative force behind Tiffany Studios’ iconic glasswork. Then, Sara previews a thrilling lineup of April DVD releases, including the mysterious Companion starring Jack Quaid, the high-stakes Flight Risk with Mark Wahlberg, and the award-winning Anora, a modern Cinderella tale. Packed with history, humor, and movie buzz, this episode has it all! Catch up on past shows at mcplpodcast.com, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and check out our History Bites series on YouTube. #WomensHistoryMonth #Podcast #MovieReleases

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!

In this lively episode of the podcast, Sara and Nicole take on a 1990s-themed trivia challenge! Featuring questions crafted by Sal—with a lot of help from A.I.—the team explores a fun mix of topics from that decade, including a few tricky A.I. surprises. Packed with 90s nostalgia, this episode promises an enjoyable time for anyone who loves a good throwback vibe. (And isn't it crazy that A.I. wrote this description too?!)

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.

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.