Check It Out: Recent Episodes
Normal Public Library
The Normal Public Library's podcast, featuring book, audio, and movie recommendations, information about the library's programs and services, and other fun odds and ends.
Join Kari, Laura, and Kristi as we discuss books about and by women in celebration of Women's History Month! Fiction and non-fiction titles are both discussed in this month's episode.
Join us as we speak about all things poetry! We'll discuss how to get started reading poetry, a few of our favorite collections, and a few poetry programs here you can enjoy, including Poetry is Normal and Poetry is Normal Presents.
Join us as we celebrate Black History Month by discussing some of our favorite works by Black contemporary authors. Any of the titles mentioned in this episode would be great choices for February's prompt for the Adult Year-Round Reading Challenge!
Join NPL staff Laura, Kari, and Kristi on our 75th episode of Check It Out as they discuss reading goals, how to develop a habit of reading, and how to challenge yourself in your reading life (and why that's important!). We'll also discuss the reading challenges and book clubs happening this year at NPL and how you can participate, as well as some exciting new reads for 2022!
It's our 74th episode and we can't believe it! Laura, Kristi, and Kari celebrate the year of reading by highlighting staff favorites from 2021. Some of our library staff have provided an eclectic list of books—and all are available for checkout or download from Normal Public Library.
Some of the items discussed in this podcast:
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey
The Silence of Bones by June Hur
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
The Meaning of Mariah Carey
The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue
The Lost City of the Monkey God by Douglas Preston
True Grit by Charles Portis
Let us know what you think! Email us! at ask at normalpl dot org
In this episode of Check It Out, Laura discusses noir fiction and its varied dark corners with Megan, Kathleen, and Kari. Titles mentioned include:
Lindsey Davis' The Silver Pigs, historical series featuring Marcus Didius Falco, private informer The Darren Mathews, Texas Ranger, series by Attica Locke beginning with Bluebird Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden The Dublin Murder Squad series (begins with In the Woods), written by Tana French Twin Cities Noir, edited by Julie Schaper and Steven Horwitz
In this episode, Laura talks with Kristi and Kari about their favorite horror novels and detail the many different sub-genres of horror that are out there. Settle back and prepare to feel that chill to the bone.
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Join Kari, Kristi, and Laura as they step out on a limb and discuss the great American adventure as discovered through the book. This month Check It Out is celebrating American Adventures Month, which encourages doing something daring and adventurous, traveling to appreciate our human bonds with nature, and promoting a holistic lifestyle.
- Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice
- August Snow novels by Stephen Mack Jones
- New Yorkers: A City and Its People in Our Time by Craig Taylor
- Epic Journeys: 245 Life-Changing Adventures by National Geographic
- Epic Bike Ride’s of the America’s by Lonely Planet
- Best Rail Trails Illinois by Ted Villaire
- Running with Sherman by Christopher McDougall
Join us this month as Laura speaks with Kristi and Kari about where and how we find the books we like to read, the books you like to read, and everything in between. We'll discuss Novelist, Goodreads, Book Riot, Kirkus, Tik Tok, Nancy Pearl, and more. Don't forget to ask your librarian what they recommend, settle back, and check it out.
June is Pride Month! On this month's episode, Kristi, Kari, and Morgan recommend titles in the library's collection that celebrate and elevate LGBTQIA+ voices.
Interested in learning more about our local LGBTQIA+ community? We recommend starting with the Prairie Pride Coalition. You can find their website here: https://ppc-il.org/main/
- A Study In Honor by Claire O’Dell
- Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
- Fun Home by Alison Bechdel
- Pulp by Robin Talley
- Last Seen Leaving by Caleb Roehrig
May is Mental Health Awareness month and in this our sixty-eighth episode Laura speaks with Normal Police Department Community Services Officer Brad Park and library staff Kristi, Shelby, Lyndsey, and Erin about Mental Health and mental health reads both fiction and nonfiction. Join us as we explore this important issue, settle back, and check it out. Tell us what you think! ask at normalpl dot org
https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Mental-Health-Awareness-Month
This sixty-seventh episode of Check It Out is Mari's last. Mari has been our host for over thirty thrilling episodes. Mari passes the torch and talks all things library and all things books. Settle back and check it out.
Today we join Mari as she interviews several library staff about their favorite childhood books. A childhood favorite is a memory that can last a lifetime. We tend to share these most since the stories have stayed with us for so long. We read, and read again, these beloved stories, discovering new meaning and encountering new joys as we do. So sit back, settle in, and check it out.
Mari speaks with Kathleen, Kristi, and Laura about fiction by African American writers, focusing on fiction that explores the lives of Black people in this February 2021 podcast episode.
All of us read and books tell a variety of stories. The best among them will sometimes earn recognition by award. There are awards for all types of books and this month, Mari will speak with Kristi, Kathleen, Morgan, and Britni about some of the best titles that book awards have named over the recent past. Sit back and check it out as we look at award books in this sixty-fourth episode of Check It Out.
Baking food, making gifts, being creative! Jane, Laura, Kristi, and Mari discuss all things creative for December. Sharpen those pencils, get out the knitting needles, sit back, and check it out!
Mari discusses odd titles (and the more odd book covers) of No Reality November with Jane, Kristi, and Laura. Sit back and check it out!
In our sixty first episode, Mari speaks with Kristi and Laura about books to read in this season of change. Falling leaves, crisp mornings, and warm beverages all pair well with a good story. Sit back, settle in, and Check It Out.
Graphic novels are booming in popularity for readers of all ages. Topics range from a young girl navigating the worlds of roller derby and middle school; teenagers disappearing into a fantasy role-playing game; and the life of civil rights icon John Lewis in the 1960s. Plus so much more! Our 60th episode features Mari, Jane, and Kristi exploring the world of graphic novels — check it out! Titles in the podcast include:
* Boxers and Saints by Gene Luen Yang
* Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
* Primates by Jim Ottaviani
* Queen of the Sea by Dylan Meconis
* The Mars Challenge by Alison Wilgus and Wyeth Yates
* The Way of the House Husband, vol. 1 by Kousuke Oono
* The Phantom Twin by Lisa Brown
* Die vol. 1 by Kieron Gillen and Stephanie Hans
* March, books 1, 2, 3 by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, Nate Powell
Mari talks travel on this episode. Hear from Laura, Jane, and Kristi about all things nonfiction and fiction related to making that journey—sometimes of the mind, the heart, and often around the bend. Leave the driving to us. Sit back and check it out!
Mari speaks with Ally, Jennifer, Ron, and Laura about their summer reads and shares some insights about what makes it all so summer-like. So sit back, press play, chill down, and Check It Out.
Our podcast host Mari McKeeth interviews Kathleen Kirk about quarantine reads and electronic formats. Kathleen Kirk is a library staff member, actor, poet, and avid reader.
In this special episode of Check It Out! Mari and guests Jane, Kristi, and Laura talk about pandemic reads and comfort reads to stimulate the mind. Sit back, stay safe, and Check It Out!
Contact us about our podcast and let us know what you think! ask@normalpl.org
In this special episode of Check It Out! Mari and guests Jane, Kristi, and Laura talk about free resources for use at home while sheltering in place. Sit back, stay home, and Check It Out!
It's bracket time! Four Normal Public Library librarians share their bracket picks for best book and the finish is an all out book-off! March madness with book bracketology.
This episode includes Mari and Laura discussing Academy Awards and related titles, an annual episode topic. Books discussed:
- "I Heard You Paint Houses": Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran and Closing the Case on Jimmy Hoffa -- by Charles Brandt
- Little Women -- by Louisa May Alcott
- The Pope: Francis, Benedict, and the Decision That Shook the World -- by Anthony McCarten
- Caging Skies -- by Christine Leunens
Winter is a time that features holidays celebrated around the world -- Hannukah, Christmas, Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, Los Posadas, Eid-al-Adha, Diwali, and many, many more. There is celebrating of the light, friends, culture, feasting, and giving to others. Today Kristi, Laura, Rachel and Mari will be talking about some favorite gifts - books, music, or film - that they have received, or given.
Let us know what you think after you check it out! Email us!
Welcome to our fiftieth episode of Check It Out! We celebrate Normal Public Library and our favorite, favorite reads with several staff visiting back to the studio.
Our 49th episode may chill you to the bone. Please join our co-hosts Kristi Cates and Mari McKeeth talk with Laura Golaszewski about some of the most frightening title available on our shelves. It's an episode of horrors to fill you with fear. This episode has a listener advisory at the top, so please be aware that some material discusses sensitive topics. Your discretion is advised. Pull the covers over your eyes, bite your lower lip, and check it out... if you dare. Death's Acre: Inside the Legendary Forensic Lab the Body Farm by William Bass A False Report: A True Story of Rape in America by T. Christian Miller Where the Woods End by Charlotte Salter A Taste for Monsters by Matthew J. Kirby Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff Music in this episode... Deep Space by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Artist: http://audionautix.com/ Let us know what you think after you check it out! Email us! Tweet at us!
Check It Out is the Normal Public Library’s podcast that features book, audio, and movie recommendations, timely info about the library’s programs and services, and fun discussions with talented people. Listen to individual episodes below, or subscribe in iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts to download the latest episode automatically! We don't know how you did. But you did it. You found our 48th episode, the mystery episode. Co-hosts extraordinaire Kristi Cates and Mari McKeeth talk about all of their favorite mysteries this time of year. It's an episode for the mystery seeker and you don't want to miss it. So grab a magnifying glass and a deerstalker hat, settle back and Check It Out! Every Little Thing — Laura Lippman
The Lady in the Lake — Laura Lippman Wolf Pack — CJ Box Bitterroots — CJ Box The Dry — Jane Harper Force of Nature — Jane Harper Lost Man — Jane Harper Black Ascot — Charles Todd Cruel Deception (out in October 2019) — Charles Todd American Agent — Jacqueline Winspear One of Us is Lying — Karen McManus
City of Saints and Thieves — Natalie C. Anderson
The Cheerleaders — Kara Thomas
It's our 47th episode! Co-host Kristi Cates and Jane Jankowski talk about all of their favorite podcasts and books about podcasts. It's an episode for the podcast lover and you don't want to miss it. So settle back and Check It Out!
Summertime, the living is easy, the reading is beachy. Quite often the beachy reading choices are fiction. However, Mari McKeeth and Laura Golaszewski will recommend some fascinating nonfiction books to read during the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. Don't be afraid—nonfiction is great!
- Daily Rituals of Women at Work: 143 Artists on How They Paint, Write, Perform... by Mason Currey
- Fashion Climbing: A Memoir with Photographs by Bill Cunningham
- Vivian Maier: A Photographer's Life and Afterlife by Pamela Bannos
- Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee by Casey Cep
- More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say) by Elaine Welteroth
June: a month of reading in the sun. It's time for Episode Forty-Five of Check It Out and your hosts Mari McKeeth and Kristi Cates join Children's Librarian Jennifer Williams as she reviews and recommends some of her favorites of new and interesting for teens and tweens. Summer reading means adventure, treasure, romance, and mystery. Click play and Check It Out!
Wow. Is it already time for Episode Forty-Four? Yes it is, and joining us today are NPL staff members Laura Golaszewski and Julia Cozad-Callighan, here to tell you about some of the newest nonfiction and young adult titles. We also highlight a local event, the Next to Normal Story Slam.
Books mentioned in this episode:
- In Extremis: The Life and Death of the War Correspondent Marie Colvin by Lindsey Hilsum
- The Moth Presents Occasional Magic: True Stories about Defying the Impossible, edited by Catherine Burns
- Enchantée by Gita Trelease
- Skyward by Brandon Sanderson
Congratulations! You have found Episode Forty-Three of the Normal Public Library podcast, Check It Out! Mari McKeeth welcomes children's librarian Lyndsey Carney to the show as Lyndsey interviews visiting author Lisa McMann.
Lyndsey and Lisa talk books, art, acting, and British baking shows!
Events with Lisa coming up at the library include:
- Double Identity: A Night of Discovery featuring Lisa McMann
- Unwanteds
- Going Wild
Let us know what you think after you check it out! Email us! Tweet at us!
Are you looking for Episode Forty-Two? It's here! Co-hosts Kristi Cates and Mari McKeeth talk newest in teen fiction with a little insight into what we find interesting, a preview along the way (Lisa McMann), and a few laughs. We even have a book about a cactus!
Cohosts Mari and Kristi discuss all things Academy Awards in this annual round up! Check It Out!
It's our 40th episode! Co-hosts Kristi Cates and Mari McKeeth celebrate the return of Check It Out! by highlighting staff favorites from 2018. Some of our library staff have provided an eclectic list of books, music, and films—and all are available for checkout or streaming from Normal Public Library. Some of the items discussed in this podcast: * Running Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix * On Writing by Stephen King * Sweetener by Ariana Grande * Kingdom of the Blind by Louise Penny * The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory * Clock Dance by Anne Tyler * The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang * Juliet, Naked * Broadchurch: Season 1
Check It Out host Mari McKeeth examines Normal Public Library's science fiction offerings with Kristi Cates, our Teen Librarian and resident SciFi reader and advisor. She also buys all of our SciFi, by the way! Pretty cool job, huh?
Titles that our host and guest discuss include:
- All Systems Red by Martha Wells
- Space Opera by Catherynne Valente
- The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal
- Sea of Rust by C. Robert Cargill
- Lock In and Head On by John Scalzi
- An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon
Let us know what you think! Email us! Tweet at us!
Check It Out host Mari McKeeth examines Normal Public Library music offerings with four guests: Amy, Kristi, Cedric, and John. John talks folk and trombones, Kristi talks some film, and more! Tim Burton soundtracks? You'll find out all this, about Make Music at Normal Public Library (June 22-23), and what Mari likes in music when you Check It Out with Mari!
Check It Out host Mari McKeeth examines all things tea with our resident barista and tea sommelier, Ben Mills. Ben's favorite tea is revealed, he talks tea, tea geography, tea books, and he advises on tea sipping be it local or afar. Melons and tea? Who knows? Give it a listen and give it a read:
- Tea: History, Terroirs, Varieties
- The Art and Craft of Tea by Joseph Uhl
- Tea Bliss by Theresa Fancis-Cheung
- The Book of Tea by Kakuzō Okakura
Let us know what you think! Email us! Tweet at us!
Check It Out host Mari McKeeth takes time out to speak with Children's Librarian Lyndsey Carney as she discusses reading and visiting with Margaret Peterson Haddix coming up soon on April 28, 2018. Our visiting author series is sponsored by the Normal Public Library Foundation and other wonderful local sponsors.
Ben Mills recommends a cookbook full of year-round farm-fresh recipes (11:12); Silvia Schuh talks October and November arts and crafts (7:57); and Mari McKeeth recommends some epistolary novels, with the help of the host (19:07).
Ben recommends:
Dishing Up the Dirt by Andrea Bemis
Mari recommends:
Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn
World War Z by Max Brooks
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Giliad by Marilynne Robinson
Jared recommends:
Possession by A.S. Byatt
Let us know what you think!
Email: ask@normalpl.org
Twitter: @NPLTweets
In this episode, Tori Lieggi introduces us to a unique and quirky travel book (9:31), and Kristi Cates recommends a stack of young adult historical fiction (17:16). Plus, we interview visiting antique and fine art appraiser Mark Moran (11:17).
Mark Moran's website is here.
Tori recommends:
Atlas Obscura by Joshua Foehr, Dylan Thuras, and Ella Morton
Kristi recommends:
The Great Trouble: A Mystery of London, the Blue Death, and a Boy Called Eel by Deborah Hopkinson
The Wicked and the Just by J. Anderson Coats
Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith
Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee
Email us!
Tweet at us!
In this back-to-school-themed episode, Laura Rocco gives us one last school-themed recommendation before heading back to school herself (17:43); Silvia Schuh ushers in the fall semester with September arts and crafts (6:51); and Mari McKeeth takes us all to school with some quirky and educational nonfiction (15:10).
Laura recommends:
The Magicians by Lev Grossman
Mari recommends:
Away With Words by Joe Berkowitz
The Not-Quite States of America by Doug Mack
The Physics of Everyday Things by James Kakalios
How to Hygge by Signe Johansen
The Photo Ark by Joel Sartore
Register for Mark Moran's What's It Worth? session by calling NPL on the old-fashioned (but classic!) telephone at (309) 452-1757 (registration opens on August 30th). Email Mark to schedule a private session at moranm1953@gmail.com. (A portion of his fee benefits NPL.)
Email us! ask@normalpl.org
Tweet at us on Twitter! @NPLTweets
In this, our thirtieth episode, Kathleen Kirk recommends an especially literary cookbook (7:29); Ally Byerly puts out the call for submissions to our Normal Library Extraordinary Stories project (6:11); and Kristi Cates sorts some YA novels into their appropriate wizarding houses (23:20).
Kathleen recommends:
Feast: Poetry and Recipes for a Full Seating at Dinner, edited by Diane Goettel and Anneli Matheson
Kristi recommends:
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey Whaley
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart
Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Have an NPL memory you'd like to share? Normal Library Extraordinary Stories wants to hear from you!
Have a podcast-related opinion? Hit us up!
Email: ask@normalpl.org
Twitter: @NPLTweets
In this episode, Kathleen Kirk previews a very special visiting poets event (11:31), and Mari McKeeth recommends a pile of novels based on the works of Shakespeare (14:57). Plus, we reveal the name of the new recurring cookbook segment (spoiler alert: it's a really geeky librarian in-joke).
Kathleen recommends:
http://www.vianegativa.us/
Night Willow and Ode to the Heart Smaller than a Pencil Eraser by Luisa A. Gloria
Jared recommends:
The River Cottage Meat Book by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall
Mari recommends:
A Thousand Acres by Jane Smiley
Fool by Christopher Moore
From the Hogarth Shakespeare Project:
The Gap of Time by Jeannette Winterson
Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler
Hag-seed by Margaret Atwood
New Boy by Tracy Chevalier
Email! ask@normalpl.org
Twitter! @NPLTweets
In this episode, Silvia Schuh talks summer arts, crafts, and events (11:29); Laura Rocco recommends a cookbook in an as-yet-unnamed recurring segment (9:12); and Kristi Cates recommends some books she loves that are great for Teen Summer Reading (19:03).
Sign up for Summer Reading!
Check out the library's activity calendar!
Laura recommends:
Will It Waffle? by Daniel Shumski
Kristi recommends:
You’re Welcome, Universe by Whitney Gardner
Exo by Fonda Lee
The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy by Kate Hattemer
A Face Like Glass by Francis Harding
Have an idea for a great name for our recurring cookbook segment? Tell us via email (ask@normalpl.org) or Twitter (@NPLTweets). Thanks!
In this episode, Laura Rocco recommends a classic narrative that blends fiction and nonfiction (9:52); Kristi Cates gives us the rundown of the library's summer programs for teens (15:06); and Mari McKeeth talks about some 2016 books that won Major Awards (15:30).
Laura recommends:
The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien
Some of Kristi's Summer Programs For Teens™:
Teen Summer Reading (and all the Summer Reading)
Teen Maker Wednesdays
Mari recommends:
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
Evicted by Matthew Desmond
Lab Girl by Hope Jahron
A Great Reckoning by Louise Penny
Email us, please! ask@normapl.org
Tweet at us, pretty please! @NPLTweets
In this Check It Out podcast extra, Kristi Cates recommends a murder-and-mayhem themed nonfiction book about forensic science for teens.
Kristi recommends:
Blood, Bullets, and Bones by Bridget Heos
In this episode, Silvia Schuh talks May arts and crafts (7:41); Julia Cozad-Callighan explains the library's Lunchtime Yoga program (2:49); and Kristi Cates recommends some YA novels full of murder and mayhem (18:14).
Please fill out our survey! It's anonymous and it will only take a couple minutes. Promise.
Kristi recommends:
Fake ID by Lamar Giles
White Cat by Holly Black
The Caged Graves by Dianne K. Salerni
Tell us what you think! Complete our short survey, email us at ask@normalpl.org,
or tweet us @NPLTweets!
In this podcast extra, Rashod Taylor talks in more detail about the wet plate collodion technique. If you haven't already, be sure to listen to Episode 25, found in your podcast feed or available on our website at normalpl.org/podcast.
You can find Rashod's work here: rashodtaylor.com
Email us and tell us what you think!
In this special episode, Bloomington-Normal artist Rashod Taylor talks about his work as a photographer specializing in the wet plate collodion process. Taylor's work is on display at the Normal Public Library through July 2017. An artist reception will be held on April 7th, 2017 from 4:30 to 6:30 in the gallery.
Be sure to check out the bonus extended discussion of Taylor's technique, released as a podcast extra in your feed or available on our website at normalpl.org/podcast.
You can find Rashod's work here: rashodtaylor.com
Email us and tell us what you think!
Please take our survey! It'll take less than five minutes! Check It Out Listener Survey
In this episode, Julia Cozad-Callaghan gives us an update on her Read Harder 2017 reading challenge (12:26); Silvia Schuh updates us on March and April crafts, and puts out a call for some charitable knitting (9:07); and Mari McKeeth talks 2017 Oscar Nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay (22:05). Plus, we ask for your feedback!
Julia recommends:
The Surrender Tree by Margarita Engle
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
The Red Umbrella by Christina Gonzalez
Princess Princess Ever After by Katie O'Neill
Princeless: Raven the Pirate Princess by Jeremy Whitley
Mari recommends:
Arrival: screenplay by Eric Heisserer, based on “Story of Your Life” in Stories of Your Life by Ted Chiang
Fences: screenplay by August Wilson, based on his play Fences
Hidden Figures: screenplay by Allison Schroeder and Theodore Melfi, based on Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
Lion: screenplay by Luke Davies, based on A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierly
Moonlight: screenplay by Barry Jenkins, based on the play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue by Tarell Alvin McCraney
Tell us what you think! Complete our short survey, email us at ask@normalpl.org,
or tweet us @NPLTweets!
In this very special episode, we present a two part interview with local author and educator Scott William Foley. First, Scott recommends a novel that blurs the line between fiction and nonfiction (11:41); and then he talks about the rewards and pitfalls of balancing the roles of working writer, high school English teacher, and family man (23:03).
Some books Scott talks about:
Moonglow by Michael Chabon
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon
Andropia by Scott William Foley
Scott's website is scottwilliamfoley.com.
Email us! ask@normalpl.org
Tweet us! @NPLTweets
Thanks for listening!
tIn this episode, Tori Lieggi recommends a memoir that comes to terms with family and mental illness with sharp wit and a lot of heart (8:02); Silvia Schuh gives us the lowdown on February (and some March) arts and crafts (6:43); and Kristi Cates recommends a handful of books for teens and adults that serve as funny diversions during the doldrums of February (14:55). Plus, we invite young writers to the Teen Writer's Workshop.
Tori recommends:
Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson
Silvia recommends:
Brainfuse Help Now
Brainfuse Job Now
Kristi recommends:
No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman
Going Bovine by Libba Bray
Into the Wild Nerd Yonder by Julie Halpern
Nimona by Noelle Stevenson
As always, we'd love to hear from you!
Email us: ask@normalpl.org
Twit us: @NPLTweets
In this first episode of 2017, Julia Cozad-Callaghan recommends a unique reading challenge to start off the new year (9:55); Randi Sutter talks up the Children's Department's new S.T.E.A.M. Club (6:14); and Mari McKeeth recommends a couple of 2016 books that stood out from the rest (14:55).
Julia mentioned:
The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo
Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
Swygert by Jeffrey Harold Utterback
Find the details of the challenge here at BookRiot.com.
Mari recommended:
Becoming Wise by Krista Tippett
The Trespasser by Tana French
Email us! ask@normalpl.org
Tweet us! @NPLTweets
Julia 9:55
Randi 6:14
Mari 14:55
In this final episode of 2016, Laura Rocco recommends an unusual fantasy perfect for reading at night (12:18); Silvia Schuh explains why January is Scarf Month at NPL (4:53); and Kristi Cates recommends an assorted trio of adventure books and explains the library's local schools "book talk" programs (17:00).
Laura recommends:
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Kristi recommends:
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
Surrounded By Sharks by Michael Northrop
Walk On Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson
Tell us what you think!
Email: ask@normalpl.org
Twitter: @NPLTweets
In this episode, we hear a selection of poems from the RHINO 40th Anniversary Poetry Reading at the library, organized by Kathleen Kirk; Silvia Schuh talks December arts and crafts; and Alec Gramm recommends some books that open up the worlds of Dungeons & Dragons.
Our RHINO poets were:
Stephen Frech
Jannett Highfill
Tim Hunt
Matthew Murrey
Valerie Wallace
Find more great poetry in the library's collection of RHINO and at the RHINO website.
Alec recommends:
Of Dice and Men by David M. Ewalt
Dungeons & Dragons Player's Handbook
Dungeons & Dragons Dungeon Master's Guide
Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual
We know you have opinions about the podcast, and we'd love to hear them!
Email us: ask@normalpl.org
Tweet us: @NPLTweets
In this bonus segment of Check It Out, Marketing Assistant Nakia Worrell talks about the library's past and present Giving Tuesday campaigns.
Helpful links:
More information about the 2016 Normal Public Library Giving Tuesday campaign
Direct link to donate now!
We're thankful to have so many enthusiastic community patrons to serve! Please contact us if you have questions or feedback of any kind. Our email is ask@normalpl.org, and you can reach us on Twitter at NPLTweets.
In this episode, Laura Rocco recommends a chilly gothic novel for long cold nights (8:30); Kathleen Kirk previews the RHINO Magazine 40th Anniversary poetry reading (10:53); and Mari McKeeth recommends a range of holiday-themed genre fiction (15:17).
Laura recommends:
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
Kathleen recommends:
Where We Live Illinois
RHINO Magazine
Mari recommends:
The Twelve Dogs of Christmas by David Rosenfelt
Smoke and Mirrors by Elly Griffiths
Santa Cruise by Mary Higgins and Carol Higgins Clark
Tell us what you think!
Email: ask@normalpl.org
Twitter: @NPLTweets
In this Halloween Pumpkin-spice-infused episode, Silvia Schuh previews upcoming arts and crafts programs (7:24); Julia Cozad-Callaghan and Kristi Cates introduce NPLay, a new recurring library event for cosplay enthusiasts (4:28); and Kristi recommends a few delightfully creepy novels for young (and old) adults (14:50).
Kristi recommends:
The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff
Anna Dressed In Blood by Kendare Blake
Tell the Story to Its End by Simon P. Clark
Tell us what you think! We read every email and every tweet. Email us at ask@normalpl.org, or talk to us on Twitter at @NPLTweets.
In this episode, Laura Rocco recommends a serial graphic novel with a childlike premise but an adult sensibility (9:30); Kristi Cates talks with Teen Advisory Council member Isabel about a couple of young adult novels (5:17); and Mari McKeeth and Jared recommend a classic dystopian novel in honor of Banned Books Week (15:56).
As always, we'd love to hear from you! Email us at ask@normalpl.org, or find us on Twitter @NPLTweets.
Laura recommends:
Locke & Key by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez
Isabel recommends:
Ingo by Helen Dunmore
Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George
Mari and Jared recommend:
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
In each episode of this new spinoff podcast, Normal Public Library staff discuss a novel they've never read before, but should have. In this inaugural episode, Alec Gramm, Jared Johnson, Holli Kober, Ben Mills, Laura Rocco, and Pam Schuett discuss Fyodor Dostoyevsky's 1864 novel, Crime and Punishment.
We'd love to hear from you! Email us at ask@normalpl.org, or find us on Twitter at @NPLTweets.
In this episode, Pam Schuett and I geek out over the films of Hiyao Miyazaki (14:04); Kristi Cates recommends some books for middle school kids who are starting to outgrow middle school books (15:32); and we preview the library's latest podcast, It's Novel (To Me).
Pam recommends:
Films written and/or directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Kristi recommends:
The Great Greene Heist by Varian Johnson
I Kill the Mockingbird by Paul Acampora
Cuckoo Song by Frances Hardinge
Don't forget to check out our newest podcast, It's Novel (To Me), coming very soon in your podcast feed. Watch this space!
Contact us about absolutely anything by emailing us at ask@normalpl.org, or find us on Twitter @NPLTweets.
In this episode, Kristi Cates talks about the library's Anime Clubs for Teens and for Adults (7:12); Silvia Schuh is back to talk about August arts and crafts programs (3:41); and Mari McKeeth highlights a few of the many magazines the library carries, and explains how patrons can use Zinio to download magazines to read on a digital device (12:47). Plus, I invite listeners to join us for a rousing discussion of Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment, which will be featured in the first episode of our spinoff podcast, It's Novel (To Me).
As always, we love to hear from you! Email us at ask@normalpl.org, or contact us on Twitter @NPLTweets. And thanks for listening!
After a bit of a hiatus, Check It Out is back! In this episode, Mari McKeeth explains how the library chooses items to add to its adult print collection (10:59); Laura Rocco recommends a funny book about a Depressing topic (8:59); and Kristi C. talks up two YA sports novels with universal themes (12:05). Plus, we invite you to read along with us in preparation for our upcoming spinoff podcast.
Laura recommends:
Tobacco Road by Erskine Caldwell
Kristi recommends:
Losers Take All by David Klass
Being Sloane Jacobs by Lauren Morrill
The library's new podcast stars will discuss:
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
As always, we'd love to hear from you! Our email is ask@normalpl.org, and we can be found on Twitter @NPLTweets.
In this episode, Kristen Bauder and host Jared Johnson talk about what a "library assistant" does, Silvia Schuh gives the rundown of May arts and crafts and previews the plans for summer, and Mari McKeeth recommends two very different books that both have a Muslim protagonist.
Mari recommends:
The Unquiet Dead, by Ausma Zehanat Khan
The Badass Librarians of Timbuktu, by Joshua Hammer
As always, please contact us with praise, criticism, or random musings. Our email is ask@normalpl.org, and you can tweet us on Twitter @NPLTweets.
In this episode, Rachel Weishar talks about Poetry Is Normal, a new semi-regular poetry reading event held in the library's cafe (6:34); Amy Kubica explains the Staff Picks and Patron Picks programs (5:06); and Kristi Cates recommends three recent prize-winning young adult novels (12:05). Plus, we inaugurate a new segment in which we talk to a kid about the library. (This week, it's Montana's turn. Thanks, Montana!)
Amy recommends:
Before We Go (2015)
Montana recommends:
The Princess and the Pig, by Jonathan Emmett and Poly Bernatene
Kristi recommends:
- Bone Gap, by Laura Ruby (Printz Award)
- Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda, by Becky Albertalli (Morris Award)
- Challenger Deep, by Neal Shusterman (National Book Award for YA Lit)
Please tell us what you think! Our email is ask@normalpl.org, and you can find us on Twitter @NPLTweets.
In this episode, Kristi Cates explains how the Teen Advisory Council contributes to the library's mission (4:33), Silvia Schuh talks up April's arts and crafts programs and fills us in on National Library Week activities (6:19), and Mari McKeeth makes some recommendations to fill the Downton-Abbey-shaped gap in patrons' lives (13:46). Plus, there's a new classic first line challenge!
Take a look at the Teen Advisory Council schedule and sign up for April arts and crafts using our Activity Calendar.
Check out Mari McKeeth's Downton-Abbey-style recommendations:
- Below Stairs, by Margaret Powell
- Gosford Park, directed by Robert Altman
- The Remains of the Day (novel), by Kazuo Ishiguro
- The Remains of the Day (film), directed by James Ivory
As always, please contact us about anything and everything using our email, ask@normalpl.org, or check out our Twitter account, @NPLTweets!
In this episode, Rebecca Gopinath invites us to attend a screening of the hit Bollywood film Bajrangi Bhaijaan (5:38); Jennifer Williams gives the rundown of kids' spring break activities that we're calling Spy Training (6:01); and Kristi Cates recommends two great but often overlooked young adult novels (8:30).
Check out our activity calendar to register for Spring Break programs.
Check out Kristi's recommendations:
The Year of Secret Assignments* (print) by Jaclyn Moriarty
The Year of Secret Assignments* (audiobook)
The President’s Daughter by Ellen Emerson White
As always, please tell us what you think! Our email is ask@normalpl.org, and we're on Twitter @NPLTweets.
Jennifer Williams talks about Mo Willems' new chapter book, The Story of Diva and Flea(5:45); Silvia Schuh gives us the lowdown on March arts and crafts programs (3:50); and Mari McKeeth recommends Val McDermid's latest mystery, Splinter the Silence(12:33). Plus, Mari talks about two services for finding great books: Novelist and eSequels.
Please tell us what you think by emailing us at ask@normalpl.org, or tweeting us @NPLTweets!
In this episode, Perry Kaufman explains the difference between "hard" and "soft" science fiction and makes a couple recommendations (13:21), and Kristi Cates talks about books that readers of The Martian might also like (13:39). Plus, there's a new prize challenge.
Perry's recommendations:
Blindsight by Peter Watts
Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds
Kristi's recommendations:
The Mars Trilogy by Kim Stanley Robinson (Red Mars, Green Mars, Blue Mars)
Packing For Mars by Mary Roach
Alone In Antarctica by Felicity Aston
Adrift: Seventy-Six Days Lost at Sea by Steven Callahan
Please let us know what you think! You can email us at normalpl.org, or tweet us @NPLTweets.
In this episode, Meghan Rogers explains the Adult Winter Reading Program, and Mari McKeeth talks about all the great books that were turned into movie scripts and nominated for this year's Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar:
- Brooklyn, by Colm Tóibín (screenplay by Nick Hornby)
- The Martian, by Andy Weir (screenplay by Drew Goddard)
- The Price of Salt, by Patricia Highsmith (adapted as Carol, screenplay by Phyllis Nagy)
- The Big Short, by Michael Lewis (screenplay by Adam McKay and Charles Randolph)
- Room, by Emma Donoghue (screenplay by Emma Donoghue herself)
And as always, you can register for library programs on our website. Please write us at ask@normalpl.org and tell us what you think!
In our first episode of 2016, Silvia Schuh recommends the All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness, starting with the first novel in the series, A Discovery of Witches. Holli Khober recommends Suicide Squad, a series of comics that patrons can access through Hoopla. Plus, we talk February arts and crafts (register here), and we bring our first literary interpretation challenge to a close.
The translation of Dante's Inferno by Mark Musa referenced in this episode is excellent, by the way.
Comments, questions, suggestions, and random thoughts are welcome at ask@normalpl.org!
In the final episode of 2015, Amy Kubica recommends the Black Jewels trilogy by Anne Bishop, Laura Rocco recommends The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet by Bernie Su and Kate Noble (which is based on a popular Youtube series), and I have some thoughts about libraries as we bring 2015 to a close. Plus, we check in on last episode's literary challenge.
The book I refer to in my editorial is Among Others by Jo Walton. You can see pictures of the remarkable JT and EJ Crumbaugh Memorial Library here.
To respond to the literary challenge or to give us feedback, please contact us at ask@normalpl.org.
In this week's episode, we explore the wonders of the library's 3D printer, eLearning programs you can access through our website, and January's arts and crafts programs (register now!). Also, we talk about some books that Star Wars fans might have a good feeling about. Plus, a new and better way to win the episode's weekly prize.
Books we recommend in this episode:
Star Wars: Verily, A New Hope by Ian Doescher
The Pluto Files by Neil DeGrasse Tyson
Young Miles by Lois McMaster Bujold
A Beautiful Friendship by David Weber
Expiration Day by William Campbell Powell
This episode features the "Sunrise" opening to Also Sprach Zarathustra by Richard Strauss, performed by the University of Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Barbara Schubert, available at the Internet Archive.
For over one hundred different performances of Strauss's Also Sprach Zarathustra, why not check out Naxos Music Library? It's free, and all that's required is a Normal Public Library card (which is also free). Plus, Naxos Music Library offers streaming access to more than 109,960 CDs with more than 1,609,000 tracks of many musical genres including classical, jazz, world and pop/rock.
In this episode, we talk about The Black House by Peter May, the first in a trilogy of mysteries set on a remote Scottish island. Also, we talk about the library's arts and crafts programs coming up in December, how to download audio and video content using the internet and your trusty Normal Public Library card, and our Giving Tuesday fundraiser, which aims to raise enough money to fund a mobile maker space for our teen patrons. Plus, another chance for our loyal podcast listeners to snag a prize!
Have comments, questions, or random thoughts you'd like to share? Please email us at ask@normalpl.org!
In this inaugural episode of the podcast, we talk about The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson, the library's James Bond film collection, November's arts and crafts programs, and how to download ebooks and other digital content using your Normal Public Library card. Plus, a chance for loyal listeners to grab a prize!