BFL Podcast: Recent Episodes
BFL Podcast
Brooks Free Library is located in the heart of Harwich, Massachusetts. Join hosts Jamie and Emily on Seasons 1 and 2 as we talk about anything and everything related to Brooks, books, and librarianship.
On Season 3, join Assistant Director Emily M on our Know Your Town Series. Each department was invited to join the podcast for an episode to answer a few questions about their department.
Water/Wastewater Superintendent Dan Pelletier provides an overview of Article 1 on the Special Town Meeting Warrant. Further questions can be directed to Dan via email at superintendent@harwichwater.com or by calling 508-432-0304.
STM 2022 Warrant with Recommendations and Motions
Maps referfenced in the show can be found at the links below:
Route 28 Pump Stations
Phase 3 Pump Stations
Voter Information Committee Webpage: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/voter-information-committee
Dan Pelletier- Water/Wastewater Superintendent: dpelletier@harwichwater.com
Special Town Meeting: October 18th @ 6:30 p.m. Harwich Community Center Gym masks required
STM 2021 Warrant review with Joe Powers: Link
Meet Joan Rosazza, local Olympian and subject of the new book One Woman's Olympic Journey by Bill Ryan. Joan and Assistant Library Director Emily discuss how Joan overcame the lack of opportunity for girls to participate in competitive sports and eventually went on to win an Olympic medal at the 1956 Melbourne Games.
Read more about Joan's experience by requesting the book from your local CLAMS library:
https://encore.clamsnet.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb2214415?lang=eng
That's all folks!
Visit the VIC webpage: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/voter-information-committee
In the final episode of the Know Your Town Series, I was joined by Community Center Director Carolyn Carey who provided information on the Community Center and all of the other endeavors overseen by the Community Center Director. Carolyn also brought along a special guest to discuss the experimental Cultural Center project located at the former Harwich Middle School. Erica Strzepek is a Program Aide at the Cultural Center, and she provided a phenomenal overview of the progress being made at the Cultural Center as well as the Seaside Marketplace located at the Saquatucket Marina.
Resources:
Town of Harwich Website- https://www.harwich-ma.gov/
Voter Information Committee webpage- https://www.harwich-ma.gov/voter-information-committee
Community Center Webpage- https://www.harwich-ma.gov/community-center
Community Center Facilities Committee- https://www.harwich-ma.gov/community-center-facilities-committee
Cultural Center Webpage- https://www.harwich-ma.gov/harwich-cultural-center
Cultural Center Newsletter- https://www.harwich-ma.gov/harwich-cultural-center/pages/monthly-newsletter
Seaside Marketplace Info- https://www.harwich-ma.gov/harwich-cultural-center/pages/seaside-marketplace-at-saquatucket-marina
Channel 18 Station Manager Jamie Goodwin joins me to discuss the pivot to virtual public meetings during the pandemic, as well as the Cable Fund which is the sole funding source for Channel 18.
Resources:
Town of Harwich Website- https://www.harwich-ma.gov/
Voter Information Committee webpage- https://www.harwich-ma.gov/voter-information-committee
Channel 18 Webpage- https://www.harwich-ma.gov/channel-18
Channel 18 Facebook Page- https://www.facebook.com/HarwichChannel18/
Channel 18 Youtube Page- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXLnpK6CbkFjZ33BjnwR8VA
Town of Harwich Civic Ready Alert System- https://www.harwich-ma.gov/subscribe
This segment features Harwich Youth Services Director Sheila House who discusses counseling services and resources for the youth and families of Harwich.
Resources:
Town of Harwich Website- https://www.harwich-ma.gov/
Youth Services Webpage- https://www.harwich-ma.gov/youth-family-services
Youth Services Committee Webpage- https://www.harwich-ma.gov/youth-services-committee
Harwich Youth Services Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/Harwich-Youth-Services-522962241156857/?fref=ts
Harwich Children’s Fund- https://www.harwichchildrensfund.com/
https://www.harwich-ma.gov/youth-services-committee
Family Fun Fair- Saturday, April 10th- 10am-12pm drive thru event at Monomoy Regional High School. More info on the Harwich Youth Services Facebook page!
Voter Information Committee webpage- https://www.harwich-ma.gov/voter-information-committee
Channel 18 Youtube Page- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXLnpK6CbkFjZ33BjnwR8VA
Town of Harwich Civic Ready Alert System: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/subscribe
This segment features Cemetery Administrator Robbin Kelley who discussed the impacts the July 2020 tornado and the Covid-19 pandemic had on the Cemetery operations. Also discussed were the new Marceline Arboretum and the Cemetery budget.
Resources:
Town of Harwich Website- https://www.harwich-ma.gov/
Cemetery Department Webpage - https://www.harwich-ma.gov/cemetery
Cemetery Commission Webpage - https://www.harwich-ma.gov/cemetery-commission
Voter Information Committee webpage- https://www.harwich-ma.gov/voter-information-committee
Channel 18 Youtube Page- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXLnpK6CbkFjZ33BjnwR8VA
Town of Harwich Civic Ready Alert System: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/subscribe
This segment features Conservation Administrator Amy Usowski. Amy provided lots of great info on the role the Conservation Department and the Conservation Commission play in protecting our wetlands and conservation areas as well as our beloved town garden and much, much more. For those interested in a preview of warrant articles related to the Conservation Commission, Amy also discussed proposed by-law changes which are on the warrant for the upcoming Annual Town Meeting.
Town of Harwich Website: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/
Conservation Webpage: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/conservation
Conservation Commission: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/conservation-commission
Voter Information Committee webpage: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/voter-information-committee
Community Gardens: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/community-gardens
Town of Harwich Civic Ready Alert System: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/subscribe
This segment features a special guest host! Brooks Free Library Staff Librarian Jamie Thornton interviews Assistant Library Director Emily Milan.
Resources:
Town of Harwich Website- https://www.harwich-ma.gov/
Brooks Free Library Website- https://www.brooksfreelibrary.org
Voter Information Committee webpage- https://www.harwich-ma.gov/voter-information-committee
Brooks Free Library Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/BrooksFreeLibrary
Brooks Free Library Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/739brooksfreelibrary/
Brooks Free Library Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQFlOpo3vtdZIGjYlhMZEMg
Sign up for the Brooks Free Library Newsletter- https://brooksfreelibrary.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=c66561808fc7e254beacae42a&id=f2c6ccde14
Town of Harwich Website- https://www.harwich-ma.gov/
COA Webpage: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/council-on-aging
COA Newsletter: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/council-on-aging/pages/council-on-aging-newsletters
COA Board of Directors: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/council-on-aging-board-of-directors
Voter Information Committee webpage: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/voter-information-committee
Channel 18 Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXLnpK6CbkFjZ33BjnwR8VA
Town of Harwich Civic Ready Alert System: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/subscribe
Town of Harwich Website: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/
Police Department Webpage: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/police
Police Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/harwichpolice/
Voter Information Committee webpage: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/voter-information-committee
Town of Harwich Civic Ready Alert System: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/subscribe
Town of Harwich Website: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/
Natural Resources Webpage: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/natural-resources
Voter Information Committee webpage: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/voter-information-committee
Town of Harwich Civic Ready Alert System: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/subscribe
Town of Harwich Website: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/
Harbormaster's Webpage: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/harbormaster
Voter Information Committee webpage: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/voter-information-committee
Water/Wastewater Superintendent Dan Pelletier discusses the impacts of the pandemic on departmental operations as well as the Enterprise Fund and other financial matters. We wrap up with info on how community members can stay informed or be involved by joining the Board of Water/Wastewater Commissioners.
Water Department Website (includes contact info): http://www.harwichwater.com/
Voter Information Committee Webpage: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/voter-information-committee
Channel 18 YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXLnpK6CbkFjZ33BjnwR8VA
Town of Harwich Civic Ready Alert System: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/subscribe
This episode of the Know Your Town series features Fire Chief Dave Leblanc who joined me to discuss the services and programs provided by Harwich Fire and how Covid impacted operations over the course of the past year. Trust me when I say that everyone thinks they know what the fire department does but there's lots more going on than we realize. Chief Leblanc gave us a behind the scenes peek at the finer details of firehouse operations and just how they do what they do. We also discussed the operational budget, capital costs, and some of the many grants the FD has taken advantage of in order to save taxpayer dollars while maintaining industry standards related to the fleet, safety equipment, and communications tools. We hope you'll give it a listen and learn something new in the process!
HFD website (includes contact info): https://www.harwich-ma.gov/fire
HFD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harwichfire/
HFD Instagram: @Harwich-fire
Guests:
Finance Director- Carol Coppolla
Town Treasurer/Collector Amy Bullock
Assessing Director Donna Molino
Resources:
Town of Harwich Website- https://www.harwich-ma.gov/
Accounting webpage- https://www.harwich-ma.gov/accounting
Harwich Visual Budget- http://harwich.visgov.com/
FY 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report- https://www.harwich-ma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif3236/f/uploads/fy2020_comprehensive_annual_financial_report.pdf
Assessing webpage- https://www.harwich-ma.gov/assessing
Treasurer/Collector webpage- https://www.harwich-ma.gov/treasurertown-collector
Voter Information Committee webpage- https://www.harwich-ma.gov/voter-information-committee
Channel 18 Youtube Page- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXLnpK6CbkFjZ33BjnwR8VA
Town of Harwich Civic Ready Alert System: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/subscribe
This segment features Town Administrator Joe Powers and Assistant Town Administrator Meggan Eldredge who joined the podcast to discuss the role of Town Administration and the impacts Covid-19 had on operations over the last year. We also discussed the annual town budget as well as the best ways for community members to stay informed and involved in local town government.
Noted resources:
Town of Harwich website: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/
Town Admin webpage: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/administration
Town of Harwich Covid-19 resource page: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/channel-18/pages/town-of-harwich-covid-19-resource-page
Brooks Free Library podcast: https://www.brooksfreelibrary.org/bfl-podcast/
Voter Information Committee webpage- https://www.harwich-ma.gov/voter-information-committee
Channel 18 Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXLnpK6CbkFjZ33BjnwR8VA
Town of Harwich Civic Ready Alert System: https://www.harwich-ma.gov/subscribe
This year back to school looks a little (read: a lot) different than previous years. This whole pandemic thing has created some confusion and chaos and there are bound to be some bumps in the road. So we're here to help try to smooth the way! Listen in for some great tips about how to stay sane and find the info you to need to help your family smoothly transition back into school. Whatever form school is taking for you-- remote, in person or homeschool, we've got you covered! This episode covers resources for both the MRSD and homeschooling communities.
Links to resources mentioned in the podcast
Announcing the next phase: Grab & Go! For details, visit our website at brooksfreelibrary.org and look for “How does Grab and Go work?” under Library News.
Jamie and Emily cover curbside pick up, book lists for titles from black authors, and where to find Pride titles!
To borrow titles from Libby/OverDrive collection "Guides to Antiracism" see: https://clamsnet.overdrive.com/collection/1087111
For Hoopla's collection of books for Pride Month see: https://www.hoopladigital.com/collection/4123 (collections of music, films, comics, and audiobooks are also available)
An update from us on the status of things at the library, plus some ideas for different activities to try!
Hello and welcome back! Jamie and Emily are talking about some of the virtual programming we’ve got going on right now. Stay safe all!
Jamie and Emily talk about what librarians do when they’re working from home, and debate the best way to treat a book.
Jamie and Emily talk about Ancestry, and how you can get access from home with a BPL e-card!
Jamie and Emily give a quick update on the state of things at the library and some online programs!
This one came off the cuff! Jamie and Emily talk about their pets, a.k.a. their co-workers as they work from home, and other self-care activities they've been doing. Which is to say they talk about video games-- how they connect us with each other, and how they help us relax.
Jamie and Emily take you through the CRAAP test— a librarian tool for evaluating the information you consume. Applicable to any info from any source. Happy listening!
We're back! This week is a quick update of some of the things coming your way and random French Bulldog noises!
Things mentioned in this episode:
- Kim's Tofu
- griffinfrenchie on Instagram
Hooray it's Season 2! To kickoff the new year, Jamie & Emily are going through the lists for top 100 books and movies in CLAMS for 2019.
Things in this episode:
- Top 100 Books in CLAMS of 2019
- Top 100 Movies in CLAMS of 2019
This week Jamie and Emily are bringing you stories about all the wacky and bizarre things found in books and book drops.
Librarians shouting. No, we’re kidding. Well, sort of. Jamie and Emily talk about the #ebooksforall campaign and how it effects both libraries and patrons. For more information about the campaign visit ebooksforall.org.
Part one of our discussion on ebooks! This episode Jamie and Emily talk a little bit about what ebooks are, how you can get them, and how the library goes about building its ebook collection. Things from this episode:
See our ebook collection - clamsnet.overdrive.com Download the Libby App Hoopla Boston Public Library ecard
We're wrapping up our October special with a brief history of Smallpox on Cape Cod. Jamie and Emily cover the epidemics that swept through Chatham and Provincetown in the 1800s, and where to find their smallpox cemeteries today.
Ever heard of the Orleans Inn? What about the Gloucester Sea Serpent? No? Well get ready, because on this week's episode Jamie & Emily are covering Cape Cod hauntings and New England cryptids!
Here's what we're talking about this time:
Cape Cot Hauntings
- The Barnstable House
- The Burgess House
- The Orleans Inn
- Black Sam
New England Cryptids
- Champ
- Cassie
- The Gloucester Sea Serpent
- The Dover Demon
- The Bridgewater Triangle
Join Jamie, Emily, and guest host Ann on this week's special episode! Ann is here to talk about J and YA horror. Get ready to add a whole slew of new books to your reading list.
Mentioned in this episode:
- Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz and illustrated by Stephen Gammell
- Goosebumps series by R. L. Stine
- Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk
- Dracula by Bram Stoker
- His Hideous Heart by Dahlia Adler
- Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
- The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
- The Magnus Archives by Rusty Quill
- Wilder Girls by Rory Power
- Dread Nation by Justina Ireland
- A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
- Small Spaces by Katherine Arden
- Trace by Pat Cummings
- The Witches by Roald Dahl
- The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste
This week on episode 2 of our Spooktober special Jamie and Emily talk about paranormal programming at the library. We had some interesting encounters last year, and are looking forward to hosting a new investigation team this year! Also, hear some chilling ghost stories from our personal lives. Stay spooky, friends.
Jamie and Emily are kicking off the BFL Podcast October Special with a brief history of the library's founding family and the building itself. We're also touching on some ghostly encounters in the stacks shared by other library staff members. The spooky fun will run through the month of October, with a new episode dropping every week and focusing on a different chill-worthy topic!
Jamie and Emily go all over the place in this episode, from childhood scary stories to climate prep week events!
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Things in this episode:
The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz
The Mothman Prophecies starring Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Will Patton, and Debra Messing
Climate Prep Week event - Community Conversation. See our online calendar for details.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Wikipedia page
Mothman Wikipedia page
On this episode of the BFL Podcast, Jamie and Emily discuss the Confidential Corner, book donations, and some upcoming plans!
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Things in this episode:
The Penumbra Podcast by Sophie Kaner & Kevin Vibert
Donating books to the library
Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine by AudioFile Magazine
Jamie and Emily rec some podcasts and do a quick summer wrap up as we get ready to slide into September..
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Things in this episode:
Doctor Sleep by Stephen King
Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King
The Penumbra Podcast by Sophie Kaner & Kevin Vibert
Whispers of Oxenfurt by Brett
Breakfast in Beauclair by Alyssa
Wooden Overcoats by David K. Barnes
Greater Boston by Alexander Danner and Jeff Van Dreason
The White Vault by K. A. Statz
Wolf 359 by Gabriel Urbina & Zach Valenti
Jamie and Emily catch up after the Cape Cod tornado, and cover some books & graphic novels.
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Books in this episode:
Booked : a traveler's guide to literary locations around the world by Richard Kreitner
They Called Us Enemy by George Takei
The Weatherman by Jody LeHeup and Nathan Fox
The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski
Emily and Jamie ramble about books, Boston, and Things.
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Books in this episode:
Booked : a traveler's guide to literary locations around the world by Richard Kreitner
The bucket list : places to find peace & quiet by Victoria Ward
Cooking with Trade Joe's cookbook: Dinner's Done! by Deana Gunn and Wona Miniati
Cooking with Trader Joe's : the 5 ingredient cookbook by Deana Gunn and Wona Miniati
Cape Cod Chef's Table by John Carafoli
The Testby Sylvain Neuvel
Other Cape Cod cookbooks can be found in 641.5974!
Places mentioned:
Trident Booksellers and Cafe
Santouka Back Bay
Flying by the seat of their pants, Jamie and Emily discuss video games available through the library.
Join Jamie and Emily for a casual chat about the books that shaped them and some more summer tips!
Top holds and new things happening at Brooks. Including Fine Amnesty and Museum Passes.
Welcome to the first episode of the BFL podcast! Join hosts Jamie and Emily as we discuss our hopes for the show.