Unreadable: Recent Episodes
Forsyth County Public Library
The official Forsyth County Public Library podcast for news, upcoming programs, and recommendations.
Summer Reading is just around the corner, and Ross is joined by Sarah Brubaker, Programming Manager at FCPL, to discuss how to make the most of this year's Summer Reading Fun! Sarah shares how to get started using Beanstack, as well as some tips and tricks for logging your and your family's reading.
Curious about our incremental and grand prizes, or want to know who is performing at our Summer Reading Kickoff Events? Sarah provides a sneak peak of what you can expect this year. Hint: It's going to be awesome!
Summer Reading Fun starts May 22 and ends August 4, 2025. You can learn more about registering with Beanstack, prizes, and upcoming events on our website.
In this episode of Unreadable, Ross speaks with Shelby Van Pelt about her novel Remarkably Bright Creatures, this year's Forsyth Reads Together selection. Van Pelt’s debut novel, published in 2022, remains a New York Times bestseller and features the unique perspective of Marcellus the octopus as a narrator. Van Pelt spoke with Ross about how she developed her characters, some based on true life and others based on people (and marine life) watching at the Georgia Aquarium, and she shared her excitement about the upcoming film adaptation. An Evening with Shelby Van Pelt is Mar 11, 2025 at the Forsyth Conference Center. The event is ticketed and currently full; however, there are a plethora of events related to the book taking place at all the Forsyth County Public Library branches. You can find out more in our event calendar.
A transcript of this episode is available on Bookmarked, the Forsyth County Public Library's blog for book recommendations and news .
It's that time again! Our Winter Reading Challenge is back. If you enjoyed the reading challenge last year, especially collecting those trading cards, we have good news for you: we have a whole new set of trading cards to collect this winter!
The Winter Reading Challenge is for all ages. Listen to find out how to participate and what grand prizes can be won this year.
Links Beanstack
Earlier this month, the Southeastern Institute of Paranormal Research conducted a paranormal investigation at the Hampton Park Library. In this episode, you’ll hear an abridged version of investigation, including an equipment overview and sessions conducted in different parts of the library. Are there ghosts in the library? You’ll have to listen to find out!
In this episode, Ross speaks with Sarah Brubaker about The Smokey Bear Reading Challenge, which celebrates Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday. Listen to hear about prizes, deadlines, and an upcoming Smokey Bear Celebration taking place at the Cumming Library on October 26.
Also, in this episode, we include our first ever listener submitted book reviews. Thank you, Carolynn and Andrea!
If you’d like to submit a book review or library-related question, you can email the podcast at unreadable@forsythpl.org.
Are you ready for an adventure? FCPL's Summer Reading Fun begins May 23. In this episode, Kim Ottesen, Programming Manager at FCPL, previews what you can expect during our Summer Reading program, including prizes and performers. From lanyards to camping gear to magicians, listen to get a little taste of all the exciting adventures we have planned for you this summer!
Links Summer Reading Guide Episode Transcript
In this episode, Ross speaks with Benjamin Herold about his book Disillusioned: Five Families and the Unraveling of America's Suburbs, which follows five families in different areas of the United States, including Gwinnett County, and examines their experiences living in suburbia and their experiences with suburban school systems.
Benjamin Herold is a education journalist, who has reported for Education Week, PBS NewsHour, NPR, the Hechinger Report, Huffington Post, and the Public School Notebook. He has a master's degree in urban education from Temple University in Philadelphia.
Join us for an author talk with Benjamin Herold at the Sharon Forks Library on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 11:00 AM.
This year's Forsyth Reads Together book pick is Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate. In this episode, Ross speaks with Lisa about her inspiration for the book and its characters, as well as the book's impact on the victims of the Tenneessee Children's Home Society.
Lisa also previews her new book, out this summer, called Shelterwood, which is about the women who fought to protect Choctaw children, who owned oil rich land in Oklahoma, from the land barons seeking power and wealth.
Lisa Wingate will be speaking on March 26, 2024 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Forsyth Conference Center. Please follow this link to researve your seat.
Read a transcript of this episode on our blog, Bookmarked.
In this episode, we revisit The Science of Love (2019) in which Ross interviews Dr. Larry J. Young, professor at Emory University, about his research on prairie voles and what their relationships can teach us about ourselves.
This episode was originally run in February 2019.
Read the transcript on our blog, Bookmarked.
Is your New Year's resolution to learn something new? This January, we are offering a series of programs for adults dedicated to learning a new hobby. In this episode, Ross speaks with Sarah Brubaker, Information Services Supervisor at the Cumming Library, about the Pastime Pursuits program series. From photography to cosplay, there is something for everyone. Let us help you achieve your New Year's goal and learn something new!
Events:Take a Hike! Prepare for Your Adventure Sunday, January 7 at 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm Sharon Forks Library
Is Film Photography for You? Saturday, January 13 at 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Cumming Library
The Beginner's Guide to Cosplay Saturday, January 20 at 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Cumming Library
Craft Supply Swap Fair Saturday, January 27 at 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Hampton Park Library
Beautiful Bobbin Lace * Sunday, January 28 at 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Post Road Library *Registration Recommended
Additional Links: FCPL Programming Calendar Craft & Hobby Episode Transcript
In this episode, Ross talks to Kim Ottesen, Programming Manager at FCPL, for the inside scoop on our winter reading challenge and this year's unique, cool prizes. Winter Reading Fun starts on December 19, 2023 and runs through January 21, 2024. You can learn more about Winter Reading Fun on our website.
In this episode of Unreadable, Ross talks with Anu Murari, Youth Specialist at the Sharon Forks Library. Anu explains the significance and history of Diwali and previews upcoming Diwali events at both the Cumming Library and the Sharon Forks Library.
Diwali Crafts and Demonstrations Saturday, November 4, 2023 1:30 PM -3:00 PM Cumming Library 585 Dahlonega Street Cumming, GA 30040
Diwali Celebration Sunday, November 5, 2023 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM Sharon Forks Library 2820 Old Atlanta Road Cumming, GA 30041
Join us this month as Ross speaks with Brianna Schantz, Information Specialist at the Cumming Library, about the month-long celebration of Bram Stoker and all things spooky known as Stokerfest.
The programs mentioned in this episode can be found on our website in the events section. All Stokerfest programs will take place at the Cumming Library.
Join us this month as Ross speaks with Larry and Laurie Alvord, Georgia Master Naturalists, who will be hosting bat walks at the Post Road Library and Hampton Park Library this fall. Learn about the importance of bats to the Georgia ecosystem and what kind of bats are found in Forsyth County, as Larry and Laurie preview what you expect at their bat walks. Post Road Library Bat Walk - September 12, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Hampton Park Library Bat Walk - October 25, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM You can learn more about the Forsyth County Georgia Master Naturalists via their website.
In this mini episode, Erin of the Post Road Library recommends the Young Adult novel Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean. After learning she is a literal princess, Izumi travels to Japan to meet her father, the Crown Prince of Japan. Once there, she must learn to navigate the imperial court, familial relations, the press, and a forbidden romance.
In this mini episode, Ross of the Hampton Park Library recommends Act of Oblivion by Robert Harris, a historical novel set after the English Civil War. The book follows two British Colonels who flee to the American colonies after the execution of King Charles I.
In this mini episode, Emily and Andrea of the Cumming Library talk about Emily Henry’s new book Happy Place, which focuses on an engaged couple who broke up and now must act like they are still together while on a trip with their friends.
In this mini episode, Brooke of the Hampton Park Library recommends Clytemnestra by Constanza Casati, a retelling of Greek mythology focusing on Clytemnestra, the Queen of Mycenae and the wife of Agamemnon.
In this mini episode, Brittany of the Post Road Library shares one of her favorite reads of the year: The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles, a historical romance set in Regency England.
In this mini episode, Anu of the Sharon Forks Library sits down with Amy Billings, Youth Services Supervisor at the Sharon Forks Library, for some children’s book recommendations on this summer’s theme: All Together Now.
Books discussed in this episode:
Animal Teams written by Caroline Stamps and illustrated by Charlotte Milner
Boxitects by Kim Smith
Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer by Megan McDonald
Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funk
Last Kids on Earth series by Max Brallier
In this special mini episode, Ross speaks with Melissa of the Cumming Library about one of her favorite books, Persuasion by Jane Austen, and an upcoming Austen-themed program series happening this summer at our Cumming branch.
Program Dates
Regency Crafts with Jane Austen Friday Jun 9, 20232:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Learn Regency Dance Saturday Jun 17, 20232:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Escape Mr. Wickham Saturday June 24, 2023 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM 3 sessions; registration required Session 1 Session 2 Session 3
In this episode, Ross interviews Programming Manager Kim Ottesen about our upcoming Summer Reading Program, themed “All Together Now!” Join us for a sneak preview of programming and prizes.
Summer Reading Kickoffs:
Sharon Forks - May 30, 2023
Post Road - May 31, 2023
Cumming - June 1, 2023
Hampton Park - June 2, 2023
Important Dates:
Summer Reading registration starts on May 1, 2023.
Summer Reading begins on May 25 and ends on July 30.
August 3 is the last day to apply tickets to the prize drawings.
Grand prize drawings will take place on August 4.
The final day to pick up prizes is August 14.
Chitra Divakaruni, author of One Amazing Thing, joins host Ross Gericke to talk about her inspiration for the novel, her literary influences, and the power of sharing stories.
One Amazing Thing is the 2023 Forsyth Reads Together book selection.
History and True Crime collide! Dr. Erin Bush, professor at the University of North Georgia, discusses violent women, death dioramas, and her upcoming talk at the Post Road Library on how the murder of the Bailey sisters affected the Temperance movement in Georgia. She also previews her new book Under the Guise of Protection: Wayward Girls, Eugenics, and the Growth of Social Authority in Twentieth-Century Virginia.
JoyEllen Williams from Kennesaw State University discusses her role as an archivist and her upcoming program at FCPL.
Programming Manager Cleo Joyce talks about the exciting return of full Summer Reading programming and some cool Summer Reading prizes.
Youth Services Supervisor Kayla Bolton talks about the FCPL Reads in 2022 program. More information can be found at https://www.forsythpl.org/fcpl-reads
Author Jeff Shaara discusses his book Gods and Generals, the official selection of Forsyth Reads Together in 2022. Come see Jeff Shaara in person at the Forsyth Conference Center on March 7th, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
Library Board Chair Mary Helen McGruder provides some unique insight on the library's past and some tantalizing hints about its future.
Information Specialist Alicia Cavitt discusses Caste by Isabel Wilkerson, the September selection of the Page Turners book club at Sharon Forks.
Programming Manager Cleo Joyce talks about the exciting return of in-person programming to all FCPL branches.
Martha and Jimmy McConnell, Co-Presidents of the Historical Society of Cumming/Forsyth County, recount the life of James Vann, his mysterious death and burial, and his legacy in Forsyth County.
Materials Services Manager Jeff Fisher takes us through the process of adding, maintaining, and removing a book from the library's collection.
Branch Manager Denise Leeson discusses the Cumming Library's new roof renovation, along with a number of other interesting projects occurring this summer.
Host Ross Gericke and Materials Services Supervisor Jeff Fisher discuss the 2021 Reading Challenge and provide a few book recommendations along the way.
Program Manager Tracy Walker talks about Winter Reading Fun and some exciting programming coming in 2021.
Outreach Specialists Lorraine Lane and Joanie Goforth talk about the unique way the library provides services to laundromat users in Forsyth county.
Jodie Barger, President of the FCPL Friends and Advocates, announces the reopening of the library bookstores on October 1st. She also talks about the important role the Friends and Advocates play for the library and how you can join.
Librarians Brooke Rose and Amy Szvetecz return to discuss recent exciting changes to our virtual programming options.
Librarian Kayla Bolton talks about reading challenges and recommends graphic novels for all ages.
Amy Szvetecz, Youth Services Supervisor at Hampton Park, discusses the changes to this year's Summer Reading program.
Staff members Amy Szvetecz and Brooke Rose discuss how FCPL is providing unique virtual programming and services while the library is closed.
Ross talks to Martha and Jimmy McConnell, co-presidents of the Historical Society of Cumming and Forysth County, about the services they offer and their current projects.
Host Ross Gericke talks with library staff about some of our unique museum passes and the seed libraries at the Hampton Park and Cumming branches.
Joan Dudzinski, Information Services Supervisor at the Cumming branch, explains why the census is important and how the library can help.
Program Manager Tracy Walker returns to the podcast to give us the scoop on what library programs we should be looking forward to in 2020.
A recent library book club, led by our own Deputy Director Steven Kight, discusses the novel There There by Tommy Orange.
Author Jeff Shaara discusses his book Gods and Generals, the official selection of Forsyth Reads Together in 2020. Be sure to register at www.forsythpl.org to see Jeff Shaara in person at the Forsyth Conference Center on April 14th, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.
Denise Leeson, Branch Manager of the Cumming library, talks about the library's temporary closure for renovation and what to expect when it reopens.
Materials Services Manager Jeff Fisher talks about two exciting and expanding collections at the library: Vox books and books in foreign languages. Plus, he gives a personal reading recommendation.
This special preview of our new, ongoing Forsyth Remembers program features recorded memories of the Apollo 11 moon landing by Forsyth County residents.
The final act of librarian Alicia Cavitt's adaptation of Agatha Christie's The Murder on the Links into an audio drama starring library patrons and librarians.
The second act of librarian Alicia Cavitt's adaptation of Agatha Christie's The Murder on the Links into an audio drama starring library patrons and librarians.
On a special episode of Unreadable, Librarian Alicia Cavitt adapts Agatha Christie's The Murder on the Links into an audio drama starring library patrons and librarians.
Should you self publish or traditionally publish your book? Our panelist of authors and industry professionals discuss the ups and downs of getting your book published.
Hampton Park staff members Brooke Rose and Ryan Formato share a couple of their favorite reads. From murderous marsh dwellers to founding fathers, there's a little something for everyone in this episode.
Author Martha Hall Kelly talks about the inspiration for her book, and this year's Forsyth Reads Together title, Lilac Girls.
Come see Martha Hall Kelly in person at the Forsyth Conference Center this April 17th, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.
Dr. Larry J. Young from Emory University discusses the biological basis of love.
See Dr. Young in person at the Hampton Park Library on February 10th from 2-3 p.m. as he presents "This is Your Brain on Love."
The New Year brings new changes as FCPL Program Manager Tracy Walker talks about the library's longer hours and changing calendar software. She also gives us a preview of some exciting new programs in 2019.
Host Ross Gericke speaks with Sarah Reynolds, FCPL's Outreach Manager, about ways the library system is reaching patrons outside our individual branches.
Host Ross Gericke speaks with Information Services Supervisor Kim Ottesen about the free tutoring and job help services offered by FCPL through Tutor.com.
Southeastern Institute of Paranormal Research founder Denise Roffe and lead investigator Tammy Tamasi discuss how to how to successfully hunt ghosts.
Malek Jandali, the President and CEO of Pianos for Peace, discusses his painted piano art exhibition at Sharon Forks. Lambert High School students Vanessa Tam and Rina Yoo talk about their inspiration for painting the piano.
Also, Dustin Landrum, the Manager of Strategic Partnerships at the Georgia Public Library Service, discusses nontraditional circulating items, such as our park passes and an upcoming virtual dementia kit.
Host Ross Gericke continues his discussion with staff about their favorite books from The Great American Read list provided by PBS.org
The entire list can be viewed at The Great American Read page on PBS.org, and readers are encouraged to vote for their favorite.
Host Ross Gericke asks Information staff members Nicholas Yeatman and Alicia Cavitt about their favorite books from The Great American Read list provided by PBS.org.
The entire list can be viewed at The Great American Read page on PBS.org, and readers are encouraged to vote for their favorite.
Get ready for some cool Summer Reading prizes! Tracy Walker, our Programming Manager, discusses some changes to FCPL's Summer Reading program.