Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast: Recent Episodes
Cook Library Staff
From the Cook Memorial Public Library in Libertyville/Vernon Hills, Illinois. Librarians sharing book recommendations, author interviews, local history stories, and more! Hosted by Nate Gass & Lindsay Barber-Peddycoart.
In this episode of the "My American Journey" podcast series, we speak with Mariant about her journey to the United States, the challenges she faced along the way, and the lessons she learned in building a life in a new country. In the "My American Journey" podcast series, we speak with members of our library community who were born outside the United States. As part of the America250 celebration, these conversations celebrate the rich variety of stories and backgrounds that contribute to who we are as We the People.
This week Hannah recommends Chelsea Curto's In Stormy Weather, a romance between rival meteorologists whose professional competition sparks an unexpected connection.
Check out Chelsea Curto's In Stormy Weather from the Library.
Additional titles mentioned in this episode:
And Now, Back to You by B.K. Borison
Chase Me If You Can by Heather Frances
In this episode of the "My American Journey" podcast series, we speak with Quinnie about her journey to the United States, the challenges she faced along the way, and the lessons she learned in building a life in a new country. In the "My American Journey" podcast series, we speak with members of our library community who were born outside the United States. As part of the America250 celebration, these conversations celebrate the rich variety of stories and backgrounds that contribute to who we are as We the People.
In this episode of the "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series, Pam, a local genealogist, shares about her favorite ancestor who signed the Declaration of Independence, the Daughters of the American Revolution or DAR, and more. She also shares about her favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence.
The "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series is an opportunity to hear from local genealogists as they share their experiences with and knowledge about family history research. Each episode contains tips and suggestions which may be helpful for your own research and/or stories that may inspire you to dig more deeply into your roots.
This week Marianne recommends Jenny Jackson's The Shampoo Effect, the story of a young writer's retreat in the beach town of Greenhead, Massachusetts.
Check out Jenny Jackson's The Shampoo Effect from the Library.
In this episode of the "My American Journey" podcast series, we speak with Cinthia and Veria about their respective journeys to the United States, the challenges they faced along the way, and the lessons they learned in building a life in a new country. In the "My American Journey" podcast series, we speak with members of our library community who were born outside the United States. As part of the America250 celebration, these conversations celebrate the rich variety of stories and backgrounds that contribute to who we are as We the People.
This week Hannha recommends Sophia Benoit's The Very Definition of Love, a regency-era romance between a bookworm and a rake.
Check out Sophia Benoit's The Very Definition of Love from the Library.
This week Jenny, Marianne, and Hannah introduce five new must-read titles for Summer 2026:
A Perfect Hand by Ayelet Waldman
The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson
Country People by Daniel Mason
The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden
The One Day You Were My Husband by Rosie Walsh
Additional titles mentioned in this episode:
Happy Wife by Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores
This week Jenny recommends Melissa Albert's The Children, a mysterious, genre-bending fantasy book.
Check out Melissa Albert's The Children from the Library.
Additional titles mentioned in this episode:
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
In this episode of the "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series, Kim, a local genealogist, shares about her favorite ancestor, her favorite type of genealogy record, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and more. She also shares about her favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence.
The "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series is an opportunity to hear from local genealogists as they share their experiences with and knowledge about family history research. Each episode contains tips and suggestions which may be helpful for your own research and/or stories that may inspire you to dig more deeply into your roots.
This week Jenny recommends Katherine Center's The Shippers, a perfect beach read for fans of romantic comedies.
Check out Katherine Center's The Shippers from the Library.
Additional titles mentioned in this episode:
It's a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
This week Marianne recommends Rachel Hochhauser's Lady Tremaine, a retelling of the classic Cinderella tale from the point of view of her "wicked" stepmother.
Check out Rachel Hochhauser's Lady Tremaine from the Library.
Additional titles mentioned in this episode:
Wicked by Gregory Maguire
Weyward by Emilia Hart
This week Jenny recommends Alex Finlay's The Anniversary, a nostalgic thriller that follows two classmates across a decade of investigations into the mysterious May Day Killer.
Check out Alex Finlay's The Anniversary from the Library.
Additional titles mentioned in this episode:
The Night Shift by Alex Finlay
God of the Woods by Liz Moore
In this episode of the "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series, Mac, a local genealogist, shares about genealogy software, DNA, brick walls, online connections, and more. He also shares about his favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence.
The "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series is an opportunity to hear from local genealogists as they share their experiences with and knowledge about family history research. Each episode contains tips and suggestions which may be helpful for your own research and/or stories that may inspire you to dig more deeply into your roots.
This week Hannah recommends Johanna Van Veen's Bone of My Bone, a grim wartime tale of two unlikely companions bound by fate, faith, and a dangerous holy relic.
Check out Johanna Van Veen's Bone of My Bone from the Library.
Additional titles mentioned in this episode:
The Starving Saints by Caitlin Starling
Once Was Willem by M.R. Carey
Slewfoot by Brom
This week Marianne recommends Maria Semple's Go Gentle, the story of a fifty-something divorcée who meets a handsome stranger and is drawn into spying on her pupils' billionaire parents.
Check out Maria Semple's Go Gentle from the Library.
Additional titles mentioned in this episode:
Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash
This week Hannah recommends Amal El-Mohtar's Seasons of Glass and Iron: Stories, a collection of fantastical short stories.
Check out Amal El-Mohtar's Seasons of Glass and Iron: Stories from the Library.
Additional titles mentioned in this episode:
The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar
In this episode of the "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series, Dana, a local genealogist, shares about her genealogy journey, DNA, photographs, online connections, and more. She also shares about her favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence.
The "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series is an opportunity to hear from local genealogists as they share their experiences with and knowledge about family history research. Each episode contains tips and suggestions which may be helpful for your own research and/or stories that may inspire you to dig more deeply into your roots.
This week Jenny recommends Rainbow Rowell's upcoming book Cherry Baby, a witty, tender novel about a woman facing divorce and public scrutiny while reckoning with who she's been and who she wants to become.
Check out Rainbow Rowell's Cherry Baby from the Library.
This week Hannah and Jenny introduce five must-read titles releasing Spring 2026:
Go Gentle by Maria Semple
The Paris Match by Kate Clayborn
The Anniversary by Alex Finlay
Homebound by Portia Elan
Sarafina by Philip Fracassi
Additional titles mentioned in this episode:
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
The Hunger by Alma Katsu
This week Marianne recommends The Ending Writes Itself, the debut collaboration between V.E. Schwab and Cat Clarke under their new pen name, Evelyn Clarke. The book is a whodunit in which seven writers compete to pen the final pages of a recently deceased author's unfinished manuscript.
Check out Evelyn Clarke's The Ending Writes Itself from the Library.
Additional titles mentioned in this episode:
Bury our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab
The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
In this episode of the "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series, Phil, a local genealogist, shares about social history, his brick walls, genealogy books, and more. He also shares about his favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence.
The "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series is an opportunity to hear from local genealogists as they share their experiences with and knowledge about family history research. Each episode contains tips and suggestions which may be helpful for your own research and/or stories that may inspire you to dig more deeply into your roots.
Titles mentioned in this episode:
The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy by Blaine Bettinger
The Great Migration by Edwin C. Guillet
This week Hannah recommends Caro Claire Burke's debut novel Yesteryear, a darkly humorous story of a traditional lifestyle influencer who suddenly wakes up in an 1805 homestead.
Check out Caro Claire Burke's Yesteryear from the Library.
Additional titles mentioned in this episode:
Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash
Educated by Tara Westover
This week Erica recommends Jennie Godfrey's The List of Suspicious Things, a coming‑of‑age story set in late‑1970s Yorkshire, following a 12‑year‑old girl who hunts for the Yorkshire Ripper only to uncover the far more personal mysteries of growing up.
Check out Jennie Godfrey's The List of Suspicious Things from the Library.
This week Jenny recommends Catherine Walsh's How to Write a Love Story, a warm, witty romance about a grieving former writer and the devoted editor assigned to help her finish her late father's famed fantasy series.
Check out Catherine Walsh's How to Write a Love Story from the Library.
This week Marianne recommends Heather Fawcett's Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter, a cozy fantasy romance about Agnes, her cat shelter, and the witch king secretly living beneath it.
Check out Heather Fawcett's Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter from the Library.
Additional titles mentioned in this episode:
- Starter Villain by John Scalzi
- A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna
In this episode of the "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series, Linda, a local genealogist, shares about her genealogy journey, ancestral travel, organizing her research, and more. She also shares about her favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence.
The "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series is an opportunity to hear from local genealogists as they share their experiences with and knowledge about family history research. Each episode contains tips and suggestions which may be helpful for your own research and/or stories that may inspire you to dig more deeply into your roots.
This week Hannah recommends George Saunders's Vigil, a compact, emotionally explosive work of magical realism that follows Jill "Doll" Blaine, the spirit guide tasked with ushering a dying oil executive into the afterlife.
Check out George Saunders's Vigil from the Library.
Additional titles mentioned in this episode:
- The Apology by Jimin Han
- The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka
This week Jenny recommends Ashley Elston's Anatomy of an Alibi, a precisely written thriller told from the perspective of two women entangled in the fallout of a murder.
Check out Ashley Elston's Anatomy of an Alibi from the Library.
Additional titles mentioned in this episode:
- First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
- Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
- The Night Shift by Alex Finlay
- The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
This week Marianne recommends Ashley Winstead's The Future Saints, a novel following Hannah Cortland and her band The Future Saints after the sudden passing of her sister and band manager, Ginny.
Check out Ashley Winstead's The Future Saints from the Library.
Additional titles mentioned in this episode:
- Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner
This week Hannah recommends Emily Austin's Is This A Cry For Help?, a novel following Darcy, a rule-bound librarian who returns to work after a mental breakdown.
Check out Emily Austin's Is This A Cry For Help? from the Library.
Additional titles mentioned in this episode:
- Greta & Valdin by Rebecca K Reilly
- Getting Clean with Stevie Green by Swan Huntley
In this episode of the "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series, George, a local genealogist, shares about ancestral travel, archival research, genealogy books, and more. He also shares about his favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence.
The "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series is an opportunity to hear from local genealogists as they share their experiences with and knowledge about family history research. Each episode contains tips and suggestions which may be helpful for your own research and/or stories that may inspire you to dig more deeply into your roots.
Titles mentioned in this episode:
- She Has Her Mother's Laugh: The Powers, Perversions, and Potential of Heredity by Carl Zimmer
- Redlined: A Memoir of Race, Change, and Fractured Community in 1960s Chicago by Linda Gartz
- Futureface: A Family Mystery, an Epic Quest, and the Secret to Belonging by Alex Wagner
- What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848 by Daniel Walker Howe
- American Republics: A Continental History of the United States 1783-1850 by Alan Taylor
This week Hannah recommends Olivia Laing's The Silver Book, a gripping love story and thriller steeped in the vibrant world of 1970s Italian cinema.
Check out Olivia Laing's The Silver Book from the Library.
Readers' Advisor Hannah shares three 2025 titles to enjoy during the holidays.
Titles mentioned in this episode:
- The Gingerbread Bakery (Dream Harbor, #5) by Laurie Gilmore
- A Case of Life and Limb: The Trials of Gabriel Ward by Sally Smith
- Good Spirits by B.K. Borison
This week Hannah recommends Bryan Washington's Palaver, the story of an expat who faces a surprise visit from his estranged mother. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Tokyo during the holiday season, this tender novel explores fractured family ties, found connections, and the quiet longing to be known and loved.
Check out Bryan Washington's "Palaver" from the Library.
How might our ancestors have connected with their ancestors? Join Daniel Smith as he explores the possibilities and their connections to genealogy! In the middle of the nineteenth century, a movement known as Spiritualism captured the attention of millions, with large groupings in the Northeast and Midwest. This movement was predominantly led by women, and it gave them a voice to fight for progressive causes like suffrage, emancipation, and temperance. As leaders, they served as mediums who worked to connect folks with their recently deceased relatives and ancestors. Their followers included many famous folks, like Mary Todd Lincoln. As the movement grew, it became more formalized with leaders like Andrew Jackson Davis and camps throughout the country. They also published newspapers, magazines, journals, and directories, and their communities kept records as well. These can be helpful if you think or know you may have a Spiritualist ancestor. If you are unsure, there are sometimes clues on gravestones, in their obituaries, and within census records.
Join Daniel Smith, Genealogy Librarian, as he explores the connections between seeds and our immigrant ancestors. You may be surprised to learn that many immigrants brought seeds with them to America. These seeds were so valuable that they sometimes went to great lengths to hide them. They were then able to grow these seeds once they settled, and they used what they grew to recreate foods from their homelands. During the episode, Daniel shares a couple of examples and then provides ways you can find your immigrant ancestors. The episode ends with some suggestions for those who may want to try growing heirloom seeds.
Join Daniel Smith, Genealogy Librarian, as he explores the connections between seeds and genealogy. You may be surprised what you can learn about your family's history from seeds! During the episode, Daniel shares what he has learned about his ancestors from the seeds his family kept, the records available, and the food prepared. He also gives a sneak peek at the next episode.
Becky and Nate are back for the 10th year in a row to discuss this Sunday's 97th Academy Awards cermony.
Listen and discover the films of 2024 - the movies getting all the buzz, must-see performances, filmmakers to know, overrated disappointments, and the overlooked films that you don't want to miss.
Remember, if you add a lot of movies to your watchlist the Library is here to help you find them!
Meet Allie, the newest Reference Librarian at Cook Memorial Public Library District! She and Hannah discuss recent reads, the neverending debate between hardcover versus paperback, and how Allie got into the library business.
Titles Referenced: Martina Calvi’s The Art of Memory Collecting; Molly Baz’s More is More; Franz Kafka’s The Trial; Helen MacDonald and Sin Blanché’s Prophet; Isabel Cañas’ Vampires of El Norte and The Hacienda; Mona Awad’s All’s Well; Elizabeth O’Connor’s Whale Fall; Caroline Woods’ The Mesmerist
In this episode, Amy and Leah talk about authors who cross genres, topics, and age groups -- and why the change can be great for readers.
Authors mentioned in this episode:
Madeleine L'Engle
Judy Blume
Holly Black
Brandon Sanderson
Elizabeth Acevedo
Leigh Bardugo
Nicola Yoon
Ali Hazelwood
Click here to register for the Fall Book Buzz.
Click here to learn more about our new Silent Book Club.
For a personalized list of suggestions, visit our Ask A Bookie page.
Email us at webmaster@cooklib.org.
Readers' Advisors Hannah and Marianne share their thoughts about all things historical fiction.
Titles mentioned in this episode:
George Orwell - 1984
Isabel Banta - Honey
The Sicilian Inheritance - Jo Piazza
All the Colors of the Dark - Chris Whitaker
Wild and Distant Seas - Tara Karr Roberts
The Emperor and the Endless Palace by Justinian Huang
James - Percival Everett
Tom Sawyer - Mark Twain
The Familiar - Leigh Bardugo
North Woods - Daniel Mason
I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home - Lorrie Moore
The Women - Kristin Hannah
The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald
Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
The Matrix - Lauren Groff
Three Fires - Denise Mina
The Rachel Incident - Caroline O’Donoghue
Tom Lake - Ann Patchett
Click here to request a personalized reading recommendation.
Contact us at webmaster@cooklib.org
Book Club Associate Amy and Readers' Advisor Marianne share titles guaranteed to get your book club talking.
Titles mentioned in this episode:
- This Tender Land, William Kent Krueger
- James, Percival Everett
- The Lincoln Highway and Table for Two, Amor Towles
- Hamnet, Maggie O’Farrell
- The Diamond Eye, Kate Quinn
- Solito, Javier Zamora
- Chain-Gang All-Stars, Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
- Yellowface, R. F. Kuang
- Romantic Comedy, Curtis Sittenfeld
- Lessons in Chemistry, Bonnie Garmus
- Remarkably Bright Creatures, Shelby Van Pelt
- The Guncle, Steven Rowley
- Land of Milk and Honey, C Pam Zhang (Marianne's review)
- Martyr!, Kaveh Akbar
- Happiness Falls, Angie Kim
Click here to request a list of personalized reading recommendations.
Click here to register for the Summer Book Buzz.
Click here for details on Summer Reading 2024 (registration opens June 1)
To contact Amy about a book club, email aperez@cooklib.org.
To contact us, email webmaster@cooklib.org
Erica and Brooke, one of the Library's Maintenance staff, talk about two new historical fiction titles and what we can learn from them.
Titles and authors mentioned in this episode:
- The Women by Kristen Hannah
- Cahokia Jazz by Francis Spufford
- China Beach (TV Series)
- Lou Berney
- S.A. Cosby
- Dwyer Murphy
- The Yiddish Policeman's Union by Michael Chabon
For a personalized list of reading suggestions, fill out our Ask A Bookie form.
Contact us at webmaster@cooklib.org.
At the end of February, we launched the Library’s redesigned website, featuring a more integrated blog. While we’re retiring the name “ShelfLife” and this website as the location for the Cook Memorial Public Library District’s blog, you’ll find the same great content on the Library’s new website, now in more intuitive and prominent locations.
How You Can Find Us Now* Go directly to the blog webpage by typing in cooklib.org/blog. * Alternatively, visit our homepage, then scroll down to “The Latest” section. From there, click on a featured post or view all posts by clicking “The Latest.”
All previously published content from ShelfLife has been moved to the new website, so you’ll still be able to search and find posts from before February 2024.
Why the Change?Incorporating the blog into our website offers several benefits. Now, content can be featured on relevant pages: book reviews appear on the New & Popular for Adults page, selected kids’ programs are highlighted on the Events for Kids page, and genealogy posts populate on the Genealogy page.
Stay in the LoopIf you were previously subscribed to the ShelfLife blog, you’ll continue to receive emails for new posts. To start receiving notifications, visit cooklib.org/blog, scroll down, and find the ‘Subscribe’ button on the right below the list of blog categories.
As a reminder, our email newsletters are also a great way to stay on top of Library offerings! You can sign up to receive news & upcoming events or emails about new & upcoming material.
Erica and Bronwyn, the Library's Communications Coordinator, talk about the romantasy series that has taken over the internet: Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses, the RenFaire, and how books are better with friends.
Titles mentioned in this episode:
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
- The Crescent City Series by Sarah J. Maas
- Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
- A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
- Game of Thrones: the television series
- Dune by Frank Herbert
- Dune: the films
- The Eye of the World (The Wheel of Time, Book 1) by Robert Jordan
- Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
- Outlander: the television series
Want more ACOTAR readalikes? Fill out our Ask A Bookie form for a personalized list of suggestions.
Contact us at webmaster@cooklib.org.
For the 9th year in a row librarians Becky and Nate discuss last night's Academy Awards ceremony and celebrate the year in film.
Listen and discover the highlights - the movies recognized by the Academy and the movies that were overlooked but not to be missed.
Then find out how your library card is the ultimate ticket to the movies.
Readers' Advisors Erica and Amy share three recent books that bring their worlds -- a tense near-future, a legendary past, and present-day America - to life in vivid and unexpected ways.
Books featured in this episode:
- Prophet Song by Paul Lynch
- The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo
- Our Hidden Conversations: What Americans Really Think About Race and Identity by Michele Norris
Click here to register for the Spring Book Buzz.
For personalized book recommendations, visit www.cooklib.org/bookies.
For the library's blog, visit shelflife.cooklib.org.
Email us at webmaster@cooklib.org.
Erica and Marianne are sticking to their reading resolutions by digging into great historical fiction featuring real-life banditos and midwives. Then, Marianne gives us the inside scoop on this year's One Book, One Community series.
Titles discussed in this episode:
The Bullet Swallower, by Elizabeth Gonzalez James
The Frozen River, by Ariel Lawhon
The Violin Conspiracy, by Brendan Slocumb
For details on all of the One Book, One Community events, visit 1book.org.
For personalized book recommendations, visit www.cooklib.org/bookies.
For the library's blog, visit shelflife.cooklib.org.
Email us at webmaster@cooklib.org.
Erica and Hannah talk about the top titles of the year, our annual Staff Favorites booklets, and the books they can't wait to read in 2024. Thanks for a great year of reading and listening!
For a copy of our Favorite Fiction and Nonfiction booklets, stop by Cook Park or Aspen Drive Library, or visit our website.
Titles discussed in this episode:
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
I am Homeless if This is Not My Home by Lorrie Moore
North Woods by Daniel Mason
Cahokia Jazz by Francis Spufford (February 2024)
The Extinction of Irina Rey by Jennifer Croft (March 2024)
The Book of Love by Kelly Link (February 2024)
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo (April 2024)
Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune (September 2024)
Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca (August 2024)
Please note some upcoming titles are not yet available in the catalog - we've linked to the authors so you can enjoy their backlist while you wait!
Enjoy part two of Celebrity Spotting, where local history librarian Jenny Barry guides us through a few notable people who made historical appearances in Libertyville. We pick up right where part one left off!
Mentioned in the Podcast
Watch John F. Kennedy's 1960 Cook Park speech
John F. Kennedy's Libertyville campaign stop in the Illinois Digital Archives
Local History page
Erica and Amy, our new book club associate, share the titles they've been enjoying lately, ranging from a suspenseful family drama to a sublimely ridiculous charmer (and the best cover of 2023).
Books discussed in this episode:
- The Leftover Woman, Jean Kwok
- Night Watch, Jayne Anne Phillips
- The Dictionary People, Sarah Ogilvie
- The Wishing Game, Meg Shaffer
- Starter Villain, John Scalzi
For more information about our book club services, including a list of titles, visit https://www.cooklib.org/book-clubs/ or email aperez@cooklib.org.
For more information about this year's One Book, One Community events, featuring The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb, visit https://www.1book.org/.
Say hello (again) to the latest addition to our Popular Services staff, Mary! Hannah and Mary discuss Silvia Moreno-Garcia, the best parts of gothic literature (spoiler: it's the house) and what makes a good book good.
Check out the books mentioned in this podcast episode:
Jane Eyre / Charlotte Brontë.
Mexican Gothic / Silvia Moreno-Garcia.
Silver Nitrate / Silvia Moreno-Garcia.
The Devil's Playground / Craig Russell.
The Guest / Emma Cline.
And as always, keep reading, keep watching, and keep listening!
Erica and Zach, one of our Outreach Associates, talk about home delivery, great characters, graphic novels, and a suprisingly cozy spot.
For more information about our Outreach services, including Home Delivery, visit https://www.cooklib.org/bookmobile-outreach/
For the Fall Book Buzz, click here.
Books discussed in this episode:
A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell
Mortal Follies by Alexis Hall
Impossible People: A Completely Average Recovery Story by Julia Wertz
Mrs. Plansky's Revenge by Spencer Quinn
In this episode, Becky and Erica share the small-town stories they've been enjoying as summer winds down.
Books mentioned in this episode:
- Small Town Sins, Ken Jaworowski
- Save What's Left, Elizabeth Castellano
- An Honest Man, Michael Koryta
- Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, Satoshi Yagisawa
Register for the Fall Book Buzz!
In this episode, Hannah and Erica share the titles that have suprised and delighted them as summer hits its midpoint.
Books mentioned in this episode:
- The Apology, Jimin Han
- The Infinite Miles, Hannah Fergesen
- Ace of Spades, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
- Same Time Next Summer, Annabel Monaghan
- The Book of Delights, Ross Gay
Sign up for the Fall Book Buzz!
Find out the who’s who of national celebrities and historical figures that have made appearances in Libertyville through the years. Enjoy part one of the series. There’s more to come! Mentioned in the Podcast: Catch every episode! Subscribe to the Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
Find out the who's who of national celebrities and historical figures that have made appearances in Libertyville through the years. Enjoy part one of the series. There's more to come!
Mentioned in the Podcast
Ep. 38: The Past is Present - Frederick Grabbe and Libertyville's Spring Water
Local History page
Erica is joined by Hannah, the newest member of the Bookies, to talk about her path to Cook Library, favorite reads, and what they've been enjoying lately.
Titles mentioned in this episode:
- Bliss Montage, Ling Ma
- Going Postal, Terry Pratchett
- Neverwhere, Neil Gaiman
- Good Omens, Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett
Watch our Spring Book Buzz and other Bookies videos on our Youtube Channel, and make sure to register for our upcoming Summer Book Buzz to get early access to our most-anticipated titles of the season.
Bookies Talk is back! This month, Erica and Marianne discuss great book club reads and the fun kind of murder mysteries.
If you'd like back episodes of Bookies TV or our seasonal book buzz, visit the library's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@CookMemorialLibrary.
If you want personalized book advice, head to http://www.cooklib.org/bookies.
Titles mentioned in this episode:
- Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
- The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
- The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
- I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai
- Just Murdered by Katherine Kovacic
Two women in front of Libertyville bakery. 1915.We close out Women’s History Month with a look at some of the earliest businesses in Libertyville that were owned by women.
Previous Women’s History Month Podcast Episodes
- Women of Cook Library
- The Past is Present: Dr. Norma Munson
- The Past is Present: 3 Women of Libertyville
Libertyville Historical Society on YouTube
History Matters: Stay – The History of Libertyville Hotels
Subscribe to the Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast in Apple, Spotify, or wherever you like to get your podcasts.
We close out Women's History Month with a look at some of the earliest businesses in Libertyville that were owned by women. Previous Women's History Month Podcast Episodes
- Women of Cook Library
- The Past is Present: Dr. Norma Munson
- The Past is Present: 3 Women of Libertyville
Libertyville Historical Society on YouTube
History Matters: Stay - The History of Libertyville Hotels
Introducing Bookies Talk! Karen and Erica, two of our readers' advisors, are kicking off our monthly podcast series by discussing books they've read and loved lately. New episodes will drop the third Friday of every month.
Want to watch back episodes of Bookies TV, or our upcoming Spring Book Buzz, featuring our most-anticipated titles of the season? Check out our Youtube channel: https://youtube.com/cookmemoriallibrary
If you want personalized book advice, head to https://www.cooklib.org/bookies/
Titles mentioned in this episode:
- The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff
- The Break by Katie Sise
- Foster by Claire Keegan
- What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall
For the 8th year in a row librarians Becky and Nate get together after the Academy Awards to discuss the ceremony and celebrate the year in film. Listen in as they discuss the nominees, the night’s memorable moments, and share their own selection of movies the awards season may have overlooked but you won’t want to miss. Also, find out how you can use your library card to catch up on all the amazing movies of the year.
For the 8th year in a row librarians Becky and Nate get together after the Academy Awards to discuss the ceremony and celebrate the year in film. Listen in as they discuss the nominees, the night's memorable moments, and share their own selection of movies the awards season may have overlooked but you won't want to miss. Also, find out how you can use your library card to catch up on all the amazing movies of the year.
Popular Services Librarian Andrea Larson shares different ways the library can help get you out of a reading rut.
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Our local history librarian Jenny Barry shares news articles of animals running wild throughout Libertyville.
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- Loose Pigs in the Libertyville Briefs
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April 3-9 is National Library Week and this year’s theme is Connect With Your Library. In this episode we run down five ways to use the library that you may not have known about. Read Bronwyn’s National Library Week blog post Explore the Digital Studios Learn how to sign up for text notifications Visit our Genealogy page Check out Mango Languages and…
April 3-9 is National Library Week and this year's theme is Connect With Your Library. In this episode we run down five ways to use the library that you may not have known about.
Read Bronwyn's National Library Week blog post
Explore the Digital Studios
Learn how to sign up for text notifications
Visit our Genealogy page
Check out Mango Languages and other online resources
Book a Pop-Up Playtime appointment
Becky and Nate are back on the podcast for the 7th year in a row to talk about last night’s Academy Awards ceremony. They share some of their own opinions about the nominees and other favorite movies of last year. Hear about the night’s memorable moments (and boy were there moments), the movies, the performances,…
To kick off the first podcast episode of the year, Andrea and Erica recommend four excellent books for your 2022 reading list. This is an edited version of January’s Bookies Live Facebook event. Follow the library on Facebook to catch future Bookies Live, every second Tuesday of the month. In This Episode Dan Harris, 10% Happier Nita Prose, The Maid Charles…
Believe it or not 2021 is wrapping up and Readers’ Advisor Jo is back for our annual episode recounting Cook Library’s favorite books of the year! Make sure you visit either Cook Park or Aspen Drive library to pick up your very own copies of our Fiction and Nonfiction Favorites booklets. Or take a look…
The Bookies are back just in time for Thanksgiving with some stellar November reading selections all about families. This is an edited version of November’s Bookies Live Facebook event. Follow the library on Facebook to catch future Bookies Live. In This Episode Alice Hoffman, The Book of Magic Laura Dave, The Last Thing He Told…
It’s the podcast’s 100th episode! And what better way to celebrate than by exploring the library’s own 100th birthday. As part of Cook Library’s Centennial Celebration, Local History Librarian Jenny Barry walks us through the first 40 years of the Cook Memorial Public Library up until 1960. Hear what it was like using the library…
Horror readers Lindsay, Mark, and Karen talk up some chilling October reads. This is an edited version of October’s Bookies Live Facebook event. Follow the library on Facebook to catch future Bookies Live. In This Episode Catriona Ward, The Last House on Needless Street Tiffany D. Jackson, White Smoke C.J. Tudor, The Burning Girls Caitlin…
Readers’ Advisor Erica O’Rourke talks up some of the season’s best and most buzzed about books. If you need some new reading suggestions or just want to know what titles are worth adding to your TBR pile, you won’t want to miss this episode. In This Episode Returning FavoritesColson Whitehead, Harlem Shuffle Anthony Doerr, Cloud…
Head of Children’s Services Melissa Phillips is here to get you excited about summer reading! Get info on how to sign up, all the fun activities to participate in, and of course the prizes. Why wait? SIGN UP NOW!
For the 6th year in a row, AV Librarian Becky King is back to talk about the Academy Awards ceremony. Nate and Becky discuss the night’s biggest moments, the movies and performances of the year, plus share a few 2020 favorites that were shut out of the awards, but that you won’t want to miss.
We celebrate Women’s History Month and Cook Library’s Centennial by looking at the women who were key to the founding of the library and its early days. Local History Librarian Jenny Barry shares the stories of Emily Barrows Cook, Mabel MacGuffin, Norma Lee Peck, Clara Colby, Laura Taylor, August Lovell, and more. Keep checking the…
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, Cook Library’s Romance book selector Erica O’Rourke shares a few of her favorite titles. Erica talks about what differentiates a romance from a love story then suggests books for fans of Bridgerton, those looking for something contemporary, and even some titles for anyone celebrating Galentine’s Day. MENTIONED IN…
Readers’ Advisor Jo is back for our annual episode on Cook Library’s favorite books of the year! Astute listeners will note it is no longer 2020, but with so many great books published and our annual library booklets being released despite a worldwide pandemic, we figured better late than never to do a little celebrating…
How has COVID-19 impacted the book publishing industry? Our guest Skip Dye – SVP of Library Sales & Digital Strategy and SVP Director of Sales Operations at Penguin Random House – knows a thing or two about how publishers are adapting to this very different world we find ourselves in. We pack a lot into…
Why haven’t more people heard of Nancy Wake? An upper-class expat who smuggled documents and people out of WWII Paris, armed the French Resistance, and killed a Nazi commander bare-handed, this war heroine should be a household name — but she isn’t. Author Ariel Lawhon sets out to rectify the oversight in her latest novel,…
Note: This episode is part three in a three-part series originally released by Drops of Ink – the student news publication of Libertyville High School. Drops of Ink explores different perspectives on race in Libertyville. Originally published September 14, 2016. Produced and hosted by Conor Kennedy.
Note: This episode is part two in a three-part series originally released by Drops of Ink – the student news publication of Libertyville High School. Drops of Ink explores the history of the movement for housing equality. Originally published July 22, 2016. Produced and hosted by Conor Kennedy.
Note: This episode is part one in a three-part series originally released by Drops of Ink – the student news publication of Libertyville High School. Drops of Ink delves into the history behind the segregation of Libertyville and its surrounding communities. Originally published May 26, 2016. Produced and hosted by Conor Kennedy.
Phil Christman is the author of the new book Midwest Futures – a collection of interconnected essays about the Midwest. The book expands on Christman’s 2017 essay for The Hedgehog Review On Being Midwestern: The Burden of Normality. Both the essay and book start with a dissection of writing cliches about the Midwest as a…
Many of us find ourselves with a lot more time at home these days. Why not use that time to explore one of the library’s best digital resources – hoopla! Audiovisual librarian Becky King and host Nate Gass each share their Top 5 hoopla movie recommendations. Dive into hoopla right now Don’t have a library…
Local History Librarian Jennifer Barry helps us celebrate Women’s History Month at the local level by highlighting the extraordinary life of Libertyville High School teacher Dr. Norma Munson.
Becky and Nate get together for the 5th year in a row to talk about last night’s Academy Awards Ceremony. They discuss some of the biggest surprises and their favorite moments, plus recommend a few 2019 films you may have missed.
As the year wraps up, Readers Advisor Jo talks about the most beloved books of 2019 according to the staff at Cook Library. We go over highlights from our immensely popular 2019 fiction and nonfiction booklets available at the reference desk and online. Listen to this quick 20 minute episode to remember the books and…
Local History Librarian Jenny Barry shares some of the quirkiest newspaper headlines and articles she’s encountered in her years researching Libertyville’s history. Visit our local history page to discover your own oddities in Cook Library’s newspaper archives!
Library Director David Archer returns for one last episode about wrapping up the Aspen Drive Library expansion project. Construction is complete and the library is open for business! We hope you will join us for the Saturday, November 23rd Grand Opening Celebration. Dave talks about response from the community so far, what it feels like…
Cook Library’s own horror aficionados Lindsay and Mark deliver the thrills and chills with some horror book recommendations just in time for Halloween. IN THIS EPISODE The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson Blood Sugar by Daniel Kraus The Shining by Stephen King Full Throttle by Joe Hill Through the Woods by Emily Carroll |…
Writer, reporter, and author Gemma Hartley talks with Nate and Erica about her book Fed Up: Emotional Labor, Women, and the Way Forward. Hartley discusses why women often take on such a large share of the unseen and undervalued work in the home and offers practical advice on how partners can begin establishing more equality.…
Readers’ Advisor Jo Hansen joins Nate to talk about a handful of great books coming out over the next few months. Jo also shares ways you can subscribe to library newsletters so you won’t miss out on other interesting books coming soon. Mentioned in this episode Inland by Téa Obreht The Water Dancer by…
Library Director David Archer returns to give us an update on the 15,000 square foot addition to the Aspen Drive Library in Vernon Hills. Dave reviews the most exciting features coming to the library, how construction is coming along, and what we can expect in the coming months. He answers a few questions and concerns…
Children’s librarian Melissa Phillips interviews Suzanne Slade, a prolific author whose recent picture book, Astronaut Annie, is literally out of this world. Learn about what goes into the creation of a children’s non-fiction book (hint: lots and lots of research in some fascinating places!). SHOW NOTES: Suzanne Slade’s website Suzanne Slade’s books held by Cook…
Children’s librarian Melissa Phillips interviews Suzanne Slade, a prolific author whose recent picture book, Astronaut Annie, is literally out of this world. Learn about what goes into the creation of a children’s non-fiction book (hint: lots and lots of research in some fascinating places!).
SHOW NOTES:
Suzanne Slade’s website
Suzanne Slade’s books held by Cook Memorial Public Library District
Story Time From Space
On April 2nd, a little over a week away, you have the opportunity to vote for all things local in the general consolidated election. We’re talking about positions like village trustees, library boards, school boards, and local referendums. For the election, Cook Library created Be A Voter!, a one-stop shop for election-related information specifically designed…
It is Women’s History Month and when it comes to Libertyville history there is no shortage of inspiring women who have lived and served in this town to make it what it is today. Our local history librarian Jenny Barry is back for a special edition of The Past is Present, highlighting 3 such women.…
For the 4th year in a row, AV Librarian Becky King comes onto the podcast to talk about the Academy Awards ceremony. Nate and Becky discuss the night’s biggest moments, plus share a few 2018 movies not mentioned during the awards but that you definitely don’t want to miss. Find out what movies to catch…
If this cold winter is starting to feel like it was last forever, we’ve got a suggestion for something to give you a bit of that hygge feeling until spring shows its face. Join our Up Lit Adult Winter Reading Club and find some uplifting and heartwarming titles to get you through the last few…
Jo is back on the podcast to help us review the year 2018 in books. She shares highlights from our annual Favorite Fiction/Nonfiction booklets now available online and at the Reference Desk. We talk about the titles that topped the national best-of lists along with the unique reads our staff couldn’t stop raving about. This…
Jennifer Segal is the classically trained chef and busy mom behind Once Upon A Chef, a popular cooking blog where she uses tips and tricks learned in culinary school to create tested and perfected recipes for the often hectic family life. This year Jenn made the transition from cooking blogger to cookbook author with the Once…
Jennifer Segal is the classically trained chef and busy mom behind Once Upon A Chef, a popular cooking blog where she uses tips and tricks learned in culinary school to create tested and perfected recipes for the often hectic family life.
This year Jenn made the transition from cooking blogger to cookbook author with the Once Upon A Chef cookbook, one of our favorite cookbooks of 2018. The book contains 70 brand new (but still tested) recipes along with 30 of the most popular recipes from the blog, sharing pro cooking tips along the way.
We cover a lot of ground in this interview starting with Jenn's background and training, why she started Once Upon A Chef, what makes a good food blog, and her dream of publishing a cookbook.
Then Jenn provides expert answers to kitchen questions our librarians have always wanted to ask a professional. Find out Jenn's go-to midweek meals, the importance of salt, how to handle leftovers, and why you shouldn't stress out about that Thanksgiving turkey.
Visit Once Upon A Chef.
Check out the Once Upon A Chef cookbook from the library (also available on hoopla).
What better way to spend a chilly, blustery day than with a good read (and maybe a warm drink)? Andrea stops by to share five titles that she recommends for this fall. Titles mentioned: Dracul by Dacre Stoker and J.D. Barker Night of Miracles by Elizabeth Berg November Road by Lou Berney (read Jo’s review here) Washington Black by…
Mr. & Mrs. American Pie is “riotously funny with a surprising amount of heart” according to Erica who interviews McDaniel about her debut novel already in the works to be adapted for television. Their conversation touches on a wide variety of topics including 80’s beauty pageants, the challenges and tricks to writing good child characters, and…
Aspen Drive Library Manager Brooke Bahnsen talks about reading Jason Reynolds’ award-winning youth fiction novel Ghost as part of PBS’s The Great American Read. We talk about why this contemporary book series written for junior high readers deserves to be recognized, the enjoyment of reading youth literature as an adult, and the benefits of reading diverse perspectives…
Popular Services Librarian Jo Hansen shares her thoughts on John Irving’s A Prayer for Owen Meany, a novel she read for the first time as part of PBS’s The Great American Read. We talk about why she selected this novel out of the 100 finalists, her favorite Owen Meany quotes, and why it should be…
Mary Shelley aficionado Emily Stensloff joins us on the podcast to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Frankenstein’s publication. We talk about Shelley’s life, her feminist/anarchist upbringing, the differences between Frankenstein the novel and the idea of Frankenstein in popular culture, and why this 1818 book is Emily’s all-time favorite. Check out Frankenstein from the library…
In Locally Sourced we ask local business owners to talk about an influential or special book they’ve read. Chris Hamel is one of the owners of the new ice cream and Hawaiian shaved ice shop in Libertyville – My Flavor It! Place. Chris stopped by the library to talk about a favorite book with a…
We’re in the full swing of summer and for anybody still looking for that great beach read, we’ve got you covered! Andrea joins us to talk about must-read titles from five different genres, each with its own appeal. The titles Andrea recommends in this episode are: Gale Force by Owen Laukkanen Dear Mrs. Bird by A.J. Pearce…
Award-winning journalist Catherine Price joins us on the podcast for a conversation on smartphone addiction. A growing number of smartphone users are starting to notice their phone usage has evolved into something problematic. Price’s new book is a practical guide to help acknowledge addictive smartphone behavior and develop healthier relationships with our devices. We discuss…
Award-winning journalist Catherine Price joins us on the podcast for a conversation on smartphone addiction. A growing number of smartphone users are starting to notice their phone usage has evolved into something problematic.
Price's new book is a practical guide to help you acknowledge addictive smartphone behavior and develop healthier relationships with our devices.
We discuss what makes smartphone addiction unique, why people are beginning to take notice, and how mindfulness can help.
MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE
Find additional resources the book's website - phonebreakup.com
The Craving Mind by Judson Brewer
Check out How To Break Up With Your Phone
Chances are you’ve never heard of Samuel Insull, but his fingerprints are all over Libertyville. Stick around this town long enough and you will surely use a building or service with a history that can be drawn back to Mr. Insull. He was like a living Monopoly Man with his hands in utilities, railroads, schools,…
Chances are you've never heard of Samuel Insull, but his fingerprints are all over Libertyville. Stick around this town long enough and you will surely use a building or service with a history that can be drawn back to Mr. Insull. He was like a living Monopoly Man with his hands in utilities, railroads, schools, hospitals and more.
Local history librarian Jenny Barry uncovers this foundational Libertyville figure, his ties to Thomas Edison, and what ultimately happened to his local empire.
Read Jenny's original Samuel Insull blog post One-Man Town.
This second week in April is National Library Week – a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. For a special National Library Week podcast episode we interviewed some of our own librarians about what a day on the job looks like and also…
Susie, Andrea, and Nate recommend a powerful new memoir. They try to put into words why the book had such an impact on each of them. Read Andrea’s original Educated blog post on Shelf Life. Check out Educated from the library
Nate and AV Librarian Becky King meet up once again to talk about the past year in film and last Sunday’s Academy Awards ceremony. They discuss the night’s hits and misses plus share a few personal favorites they hope aren’t forgotten. Find out what movies you may have missed and how you can use your…
Chris Harris is the author of the New York Times bestselling I’m Just No Good at Rhyming: and Other Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-Ups. This impressive debut of children’s poetry has been making the rounds here at Cook Library and quickly become a staff favorite, provoking unhealthy amounts of laugh out loud moments. We…
Library Director David Archer makes his podcast premiere! We chat about the recently announced Aspen Drive Library construction project. Find out what the expanded Vernon Hills library will look like, the needs that will be addressed, and learn what kind of planning and preparation go into a community construction project. Visit the library’s Aspen Expansion…
In December Erica set some reading resolutions for herself, which you can read about in her blog post. We thought we would check in with Erica and get some tips on those resolutions, get some good reading recommendations and get some tips on another common reading resolution – reading more books (she read 150 last…
Each year Jo Hansen meticulously culls, analyses, organizes, edits, and publishes our selections for the year’s best Fiction and Nonfiction. 2017 produced the library’s largest booklets yet! Jo comes back onto the podcast to talk about how the booklets were compiled, our year in books, and highlight a few of the titles you’ll find in…
Jac Jemc is the author of The Grip of It, a deftly told story about a couple who purchase what turns out to be a haunted house. You may think you’ve read haunted house stories before, but you’ve never read any told this well or that does the creepiness so well. The Grip of It is featured in…
While we like to discuss books, movies and music on our podcast, we also like to share with you all the other great stuff we do here at the library. In this episode we talk with our genealogy librarian, Sonia, and find out how to get started using the library to do family history research.…
Mark Russell is the author of DC Comics’ re-imagined version of The Flintstones, one of our favorite comics here at the library. And yes, we are talking about the Yabba-Dabba-Doo Hanna-Barbera TV characters. Russell and illustrator Steve Pugh’s version of Bedrock is a newly established Stone Age civilization just beginning to construct things like economics,…
If you consider yourself a book lover, bookworm, or bibliophile you will love this week’s author interview. Annie Spence is the author of Dear Fahrenheit 451: A Librarian’s Love Letters and Break-Up Notes to the Books in her Life. This collection of insightful and often hilarious letters to books will rekindle (no ebook device pun…
Libertyville local mystery author Gail Lukasik discovered a family secret that led her on an extraordinary personal journey through America’s complicated racial history. After appearing on PBS’s Genealogy Roadshow, Lukasik began recounting her memories and compiling her research into a book. White Like Her was published last week and Gail stopped by our Digital Studios to…
For a chilling Halloween edition of The Past is Present, Local History Librarian Jenny Barry digs into a mysterious Libertyville legend: the 1885 murder of August Rosine. You may never look at the Cook House the same way again. Listen to last year’s Halloween episode on The Gate.
It’s time for another episode of Meet the Bookies, where we introduce our library’s Bookies who can give you great book, movie and music recommendations. This week we are chatting with Jo Hansen, the editor and mastermind behind the extremely popular Favorite Fiction & Non-Fiction booklets we publish every year. Some of Jo’s recommendations from the episode:…
The library offers several book clubs for you to join, but we wanted to take time with this episode to highlight one of our newer book clubs, Teen Lit for Grownups. We talk with Andrea who runs the book club about teen lit and why adults might want to try reading books. Our next Teen…
New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Berg and her dog Gaby join us on the podcast to talk about her new collection of Facebook posts Make Someone Happy and her upcoming novel The Story of Arthur Truluv. Elizabeth also shares how she became a professional writer, insights on the publishing industry, advice for aspiring writers,…
Welcome to another edition of Bonus Features where Nate and Becky highlight two movies currently flying under the radar. Becky shares the cultural coming-of-age tale Growing Up Smith, then Nate shares the Nick Cave making-of music documentary One More Time With Feeling. Both titles are new to the library’s collection and shouldn’t be missed. Note: In our…
Welcome to another episode of our Meet the Bookies podcast, where we introduce you to our library’s Bookies who can give you great book, movie and music recommendations. This week we are chatting with Ellen, reader’s advisor in Popular Services, selector for our Young Adult collection, and a fan of, well, all kinds of books!…
Have you ever wondered why the library servicing Libertyville/Vernon Hills is called the Cook Memorial Public Library District? I mean, we’re not even in Cook county! The answers are found in 19th century Libertyville resident Ansel B. Cook. Our local history librarian Jenny Barry returns for another episode of The Past is President. Find out who…
It’s time for another episode of Meet the Bookies, where we get a chance to hear from one of our recommendation specialists (The Bookie). This week we get to know Lindsay, our Digital Services Librarian, as she shares some of her favorite book genres and titles. Get personalized book, movie, and music recommendations anytime by…
It’s time for another edition of Locally Sourced, the podcast series where we ask local business owners to talk about an influential or special book they’ve read. Paul Patricelli is owner of GRIL, a brand new grilled cheese takeout restaurant in Mundelein. Paul shares how Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen encouraged him to…
In this episode of our podcast, we get some recommendations from Nate, one our podcast hosts but also one of our library’s Bookies, a new service to get book, movie and music recommendations from our librarians. You can find Nate and all our other Bookies at our website at cooklib.org/bookies. Mentioned in this episode: Books…
Jenny, our local history librarian returns to the podcast to talk about Libertyville’s 19th century claim to fame- the best spring water in the nation! Jenny shares her research on Libertyville icon Frederick Grabbe, the German immigrant, Civil War hero, and beekeeper who founded the Abana Spring Water company. Read Jenny’s blog post Frederick Grabbe…
In this episode of our podcast we meet Becky, one of our library’s Bookies, a librarian who you can ask for a book, movie or music recommendation. You can find Becky and all our other Bookies at our library’s website. Recommendations in this episode: Movies Hunt for the Wilderpeople I,Anna The Dinner Books The Defense by…
Mary Higgins Clark and Anthony award winning author Lori Rader-Day talks about her latest book The Day I Died. We discuss the origins of the new book, writing troubled characters, professional handwriting analysis, and what got her into writing in the first place. If you like what you hear, check out one of Lori’s books…
Susie and John come on the podcast to get the word out about two new library services- text message notifications via Shoutbomb, and 3D printing. Find out how you can use these new features today! More information about Shoutbomb and 3D Printing available on our website.
Andrea, Manager of Popular Services, talks to us about Cook Library’s new books, movies and music recommendation service and some of her personal recommendations for individuals and book clubs. Authors and series mentioned in the episode: The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo Reverend Clare Fergusson mysteries by Julia Spencer-Fleming Ruth Galloway…
Erica, the newest member of our Popular Services department and a Neil Gaiman superfan, thinks now is the perfect time to brush up on your Norse Mythology, and she explains why Neil Gaiman’s new book of Nordic myths is the perfect entry into these exciting tales of gods and goddesses. Read Erica’s Norse Mythology blog…
So many of us feel overwhelmed by the amount of constant news information. Throw “fake news” into the mix and you have the perfect recipe for a confused and exhausted citizenry. But don’t panic because librarians are here to help! Bad information and fake news is actually nothing new and librarians have been teaching media…
Melissa joins us to recommend Dept. H by Matt Kindt, a locked-room mystery graphic novel that takes place at the bottom of the ocean. We also discuss how reading comics and graphic novels differs from reading print novels. You can find Dept. H in our catalog and Matt Kindt’s other works over at Hoopla.
Becky and Lindsay join Nate to discuss the Academy Awards ceremony last Sunday and talk more broadly about the past year in film, plus all the different ways you can catch up with the latest movies at the library.
The Academy Awards are this weekend, so it seemed fitting to talk about some local history that connects Libertyville to Hollywood. Did you know Marlon Brando spent a large chunk of his teen years as a rebellious troublemaker at LHS? Joe, one of our adult services librarians, discusses how Brando ended up in Libertyville and…
It’s time again for Quick Draw where we bring to your attention a comic book that should not be missed. Jean makes a recommendation that is equal parts comic and cookbook all mixed together into a delicious primer on Korean cooking. Check out Cook Korean! now Read Jean’s original blog post
Jenny, our local history librarian returns to the podcast and shares her favorite book about Libertyville. Jenny reads a few sections that demonstrate why Libertyville is a delightful town with some quirky history (and some of the best water).
Lindsay recommends a comics artist and author for anyone who prefers a funny cartoonists take on history and classic literature. And for fans of Garfield books. Kate Beaton’s books at Cook Library Check out Beaton’s website Hark! A Vagrant to see examples of her comics work.
Adult Services Staff members Jocelyn, Becky, and Cyndi discuss the books that they are thankful for this year. Symptoms of Being Human by Jeff Garvin The Bridge Ladies by Betsy Lerner Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
Becky and Nate recommend two movies from this year that might have flown under your radar, but that you don’t want to miss. Check out Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Sing Street now!
Just in time for Halloween, local history librarian Jenny Barry uncovers some of the mysteries behind The Gate – a homegrown urban legend 30 years in the making. Read Behind The Gate, where Jenny dives even deeper into her research and includes the presentation she gave to the Libertyville/Mundelein Historical Society.
Jenny, our local history librarian, describes what it’s like preserving a history as rich as Libertyville’s and tells a few good stories along the way. For more local history goodies check out our Past Is Present blog posts and the local history page on our website.
For the latest installment in our Locally Sourced series, Ana Santos Gitzinger, founder of Orinoco Fitness, talks about her favorite book- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
As The Olympics in Rio wind down, Jo recommends a fantastic book about the 1936 US Rowing Team winning the gold against incredible odds. Read Jo’s full review on Shelf Life
Digital Studio guru John Hoch talks about the new recording space at Cook Park which features a 5 x 7 sound isolation booth. Book your session now!
Another wildly successful summer reading club has concluded, so Melissa Henderson, Senior Manager of our Children’s Department, talks about how library patrons Exercised Their Minds this summer. We also mention some exciting things coming up as we head into the fall.
John Durning, owner of Pizzeria Deville in downtown Libertyville, discusses a favorite book from his childhood with a message that has remained relevant through the generations.
John Durning, owner of Pizzeria Deville in downtown Libertyville, discusses a favorite book from his childhood with a message that has remained relevant through the generations.
For our second Locally Sourced episode, Dave Domrese, long-time bartender at Firkin talks about the influence Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl had on his childhood growing up in Chicago.
Andrea and Nate talk about a light, but clever debut mystery from an up and coming British author. Check out The Vinyl Detective now or read Andrea’s full review.
Ellen and Cyndi discuss Jim Kokoris‘ new book It’s. Nice. Outside. and his upcoming visit to the library. Jim Kokoris will be at Aspen Drive Library on June 14, 2016 at 7 pm. Register for the event here.
For this podcast episode, we launch a new segment called “Locally Sourced” where local business owners talk about books with special significance in their lives. For the first Locally Sourced, Tom Maegdlin, co-owner of Hansa Coffee, discusses one of the most important books he’s ever read: Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain.
Listen to Andrea, Heather, and Cyndi discuss Maggie Stiefvater’s Raven Cycle series (The Raven Boys, Dream Thieves, Blue Lily, Lily Blue, and newly released The Raven King) and the various fangirl-worthy elements.
Fresh off last night’s Game of Thrones premiere Heather and Aarin recommend some of their favorite fantasy series that will get you through those long waits between episodes. Series referenced during the podcast: Wheel of Time Series by Robert Jordan/Brandon Sanderson Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss Broken Empire by Mark Lawrence Mistborn and The Stormlight Archives…
Cyndi loves this picture filled biography on Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Cyndi’s full review.
Digital Services Librarian Lindsay recommends a rad comic book perfect for comic geeks and newbies alike!
Melissa Henderson, the head of our Children’s Department, offers advice on how to pick books that are just right for your kids.
AV Librarian Becky King shares her thoughts on last night’s Oscars and we talk about the best films of 2015.
We remember Harper Lee, who died one week ago today. Ellen from our Popular Services department discusses why she needed Go Set a Watchman. Read Ellen’s original Go Set a Watchman review.
Cyndi, who leads our new YA for Grown-Ups book club, recommends a recent Young Adult novel people of all ages will love.
Book expert Jo Hansen recommends a fun read from one of the library’s favorite authors.
In our very first episode Andrea Larson, head of our Popular Services department, recommends a book that has all the librarians talking.