Middle Country Public Library Podcast

2026 Oscars + Fractured Fairytales | Ep. 422

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400

It's Oscar time! Are you watching this weekend? Sara has a primer of who's who and what's nominated this year. Plus Nicole discusses Fractured Fairytales: the retelling of your old familiar stories that play with plots and characters in a new and alternative way.

The Eyes Have It + Going Analog | Ep. 421

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0500

Dive into common eye conditions like astigmatism, myopia, hyperopia, and presbyopia in this eye-opening episode. Learn what your glasses prescription really means, why the eye is so complex, and hear personal stories about vision challenges and fixes.

Then, explore the growing push to go analog: why some parents are ditching school laptops for pen and paper, research on better retention with handwriting, and how Gen Z is rediscovering journals, vinyl, puzzles, and more offline joys.

A fun, informative chat packed with insights on eye health and balancing screens with real-world experiences.

So Much Snow + Library Myths Debunked | Ep. 420

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Sara dives into the science behind snow—from how delicate ice crystals form and grow into intricate snowflakes, to the surprising facts about blizzards, record snowfalls, and why one inch of rain can equal up to 30 inches of fluffy powder. Plus hear her personal tale of getting stranded during a major storm and essential tips for winter driving safety.

Then, Nicole busts some common library myths: discover why modern libraries are far more than quiet book warehouses, who they're really for, the diverse resources beyond traditional reading, and the expertise behind the staff.

A refreshing reminder of what MCPL truly offers!

Library Lovers Month + Kids Nutrition | Ep. 419

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500

This week: Discover an exciting new exhibit opening soon, packed with hands-on activities, seasonal recipes, and creative ways to inspire healthier choices at home—from farm-to-table ideas to growing your own microgreens. Then, celebrate a special month dedicated to something we all cherish: libraries! Explore a curated selection of captivating reads featuring librarians as heroes, detectives, villains, and everything in between.

February DVDs + Too Many Toys? | Ep. 418

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500

This week: Sara dives into exciting upcoming February movie releases hitting our shelves soon. Plus, Nicole presents a thoughtful discussion on simplifying kids' play spaces: why fewer toys can spark deeper creativity, reduce overwhelm, and boost focus for children (and parents too). Discover how rotating items, choosing open-ended playthings, and borrowing from the library's growing toy collection can make a big difference—no need to buy everything new.

Black History Month Trivia | Ep. 417

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500

We dive into February with a trivia episode celebrating Black History Month! Marking a milestone anniversary for this important observance, the team dives into fascinating questions exploring groundbreaking achievements, pioneering figures, and pivotal moments in African American history.

Perfect for anyone looking to learn, reflect, and celebrate during Black History Month (and beyond). How many would you get right? Play along and find out!

Book Awards with a Side of Fries | Ep. 416

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500

This week, we dive into the 2026 Youth Media Award winners from the American Library Association, highlighting standout titles in children's and teen literature perfect for snowy days indoors. The team discusses the Newbery, Caldecott, Printz, and more—plus why these award-winning books are flying off the shelves (and available digitally via Libby and Hoopla).

Then, cozy up for a deep dive into comfort food: the fascinating history, origins, and endless varieties of French fries, from classic straight cuts to curly, waffle, Belgian-style, and creative toppings like poutine or truffle. Learn tips for making them at home with library recommendations for potato-focused cookbooks to try during the next winter storm.

Whether you're a book lover or a fry enthusiast, this episode has something to warm you up!

American Indian Database + What's New with Libby | Ep. 415

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500

Discover two powerful, free resources available through the library that open doors to rich history and endless reading possibilities!

First, Sara dives into a comprehensive digital collection exploring American Indian history—featuring primary sources, landmark treaties, court cases, tribal flags, maps, timelines, videos, slideshows, and in-depth articles organized by tribe, culture area, subject, and era.

Then, Nicole has the latest news on Libby, the go-to app for borrowing e-books, audiobooks, and more. Learn about recent updates to checkout and hold limits, smart etiquette tips to reduce wait times (like returning early or sampling first), the power of the "Notify Me" feature for new titles. Plus details on a brand-new bonus: free access to Ground News right inside the app—a tool that lets you compare coverage across the spectrum, see media bias breakdowns, and read diverse perspectives on the same story without algorithmic bubbles.

New Year, New Goals + Cooking with Kids | Ep. 414

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500

Struggling with New Year's resolutions that never seem to stick? This episode dives into why most goals fade by mid-January and shares realistic, bite-sized ideas to help you actually follow through.

From small daily habits that support better health and sleep, to gentle ways to improve focus and mental clarity, we explore practical changes that feel doable instead of overwhelming.

We also talk about the joys (and realistic challenges) of cooking with young kids — turning meal prep into fun learning moments, exploring kid-friendly cookbooks, and creating memorable family time in the kitchen.

This Week in History | Ep. 413

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500

Join us as we kick off 2026 with our 20th "This Week in History!" From Samuel Colt's 1847 revolver contract that saved his company, Utah's 1896 statehood after Mormon reforms, Patsy Mink's historic 1965 entry as the first Asian American woman in Congress, to the 1933 start of Golden Gate Bridge construction, there's these and so much more that's happened this week...

Also check out the latest History Bites about Thomas Paine's Common Sense, also celebrating an anniversary, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9QFHRPnheQ

Looking Forward to 2026 | Ep. 412

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500

As we say goodbye to 2025, join Sara, Nicole, and Sal for a fun chat about everything they're looking forward to in the year ahead. From thrilling sports events like the Winter Olympics in Italy and the massive FIFA World Cup across North America, to binge-worthy TV including the explosive final season of The Boys, the stylish drama of The Gilded Age Season 3, a new Game of Thrones spin-off, Blade Runner 2099, and big Marvel returns with Vision Quest and Avengers: Doomsday.

The crew also shares personal highlights like conferences, literacy programs, and even curiosity about real-world changes like Australia's social media restrictions for teens.

What has you buzzing for 2026? Share in the comments!

Our Favorite Things of 2025 | Ep. 411

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Happy Holidays from the MCPL Podcast!

From a new baby and rice cooker to binge-worthy shows like Stranger Things Season 5, Welcome to Derry, and Only Murders in the Building, plus standout books such as Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, I See You've Called in Dead by John Kenney, and Michael J. Fox's Future Boy – the team reflects on concerts, podcasts, and personal wins that made the year memorable.

Stay tuned next week for what they're looking forward to in 2026!

Real or Fake Holiday Movies + Kid's Winter Programs | Ep. 410

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Join the team for a festive episode filled with holiday cheer! First, dive into a playful guessing game as Sara challenges Sal and Nicole to spot real Hallmark Christmas movie titles from fakes.

Then, Nicole explores family-friendly ideas for the school holiday break, highlighting upcoming winter programs at the library.

Improve Your Child's Reading + Learning Small Talk | Ep. 409

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500

This week discover practical, parent-friendly ways to help your child learn to read (or read better) with library resources, guided oral reading tips, and why reading aloud for just 15 minutes a night makes a huge difference. Then we flip to the surprising value of small talk: why it matters, how it boosts happiness and connection, and simple tricks to make it less painful (or even enjoyable). Great for anyone who’s ever dreaded small talk and attending a holiday party!

Movie Chat : Tokyo Godfathers | Ep. 408

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Join us for a discussion of Satoshi Kon’s 2003 animated film Tokyo Godfathers, an unconventional holiday story that’s equal parts heartwarming, chaotic, and surprisingly realistic.

On Christmas Eve in Tokyo, three homeless individuals — a middle-aged alcoholic, a former drag queen, and a teenage runaway — discover an abandoned baby in the trash and embark on a wild, coincidence-filled quest to return her to her parents.

Take out the DVD or watch on Hoopla Digital with your MCPL card this holiday season!

Happy Thanksgiving | Ep. 407

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Happy Thanksgiving from the MCPL Podcast crew!

Keeping our annual ritual alive, we're gearing up to launch the holiday festivities with a fresh batch of captivating trivia—drawn straight from a fascinating Reader's Digest feature you can check out here:

https://www.rd.com/article/thanksgiving-trivia/ and a little help from our A.I. friends...

Seasonal Pies + Toys to Lend | Ep. 406

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Join us for a holiday-ready episode of the podcast, where we're dishing out smart, budget-friendly ways to spark joy and creativity for the little ones—think endless playtime possibilities without the price tag...

Plus, get ready to debate (and crave) the ultimate lineup of seasonal pies. Which one will end up on your table this Thanksgiving?

This Week in History | Ep. 405

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Join Jim and Sal for another This Week in History!

Relive the chaos of the 1965 Great Blackout that darkened the Northeast, the founding of the US Marine Corps in 1775, and Sesame Street's groundbreaking premiere in 1969. Explore the eerie sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, the solemn dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the chilling Amityville murders behind a horror franchise, Apollo 12's dramatic lightning-hit launch, and the Xbox's revolutionary debut!

Want to learn more about the 1965 Blackout? Check out the History Bites episode: https://youtu.be/5W50ORGna0w?si=gkn4LIBO4yXDo-GS

Top Children's Books of '25 + Thanksgiving Sides | Ep. 404

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0500

As the year races to a close, Nicole dives into the standout books of 2025—from a lush, illustrated teen romance set against Rome's timeless streets to whimsical tales of undead adventures, animal classroom chaos, and joyful transformations that blur the line between reader and story.

View the list here: https://best-books.publishersweekly.com/children/2025/

Then join Sara as she whets your appetite for Thanksgiving food with takes on side dishes, regional riffs, and the unexpected origin of a comfort food icon. Be prepared to get hungry listening to this week's episode and don't forget to subscribe!

Spooktober! - Spooky Movie Franchises & Nightmares, too! | Ep. 403

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Ever woken up frozen in the dark, sensing a shadowy figure lurking just out of reach? Nicole dives into the eerie reality of sleep paralysis—its science, cultural myths, and quick escapes—before we pivot to the silver screen's most relentless slashers.

From Ghostface's meta mind games and Jason's lakeside rampages to found-footage chills, demonic deals, and Xenomorph hunts across the stars, Sara tallies the terrors of horror's almost endless empires.

Plus, a last-minute Halloween candy confession: Why snack-sized bars beat mini bites (of course!), and how Sal's leftovers fuel the ultimate holiday cookie treat. Happy Halloween!

Spooktober! - Horror Flicks & The Barnum Effect | Ep. 402

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0400

As we approach the end of spooky season, Sara shares picks for horror movies available at the library: the 2021 Candyman remake, The Collector, Wes Craven's The Serpent and the Rainbow, Sinister, and the Silent Hill films. Then, dive into horoscopes with Nicole—what makes them appealing, the psychology behind them like the Barnum effect, and tips for using them as prompts for journaling or meditation. As always, check out library resources for more on folklore and astrology!

Spooktober! - Scary Books & Even Scarier A.I.! | Ep. 401

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Join us for a Spooktober scare-fest at the library: horror picks like Stephen King's latest, The Buffalo Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones, The No-End House by Jeremy Bates, The Devil by Name by Keith Rosson, Wake Up and Open Your Eyes by Clay McLeod Chapman, The Lamb by Lucy Rose, The Library at Hellebore by Cassandra Carr, and The Possession of Albert Diaz by Isabel Cañas—available to borrow now!

Then, dive into AI's eerie future: narrow AI vs. AGI, superintelligence risks, brain-drain studies, and simulation theories. Laughs, chills, and tips included.

Our Favorite Library Spots | Ep. 400

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0400

We celebrate the podcast's 400th episode by stepping out of the studio and into the library for a tour of the podcast team's favorite spots.

Spooktober! - Spooky Fact or Fiction? | Ep. 399

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Join us for the kickoff of Spooktober 2025 at the Middle Country Public Library Podcast! This episode dives into the eerie with a true-or-false trivia game, exploring chilling tales of hauntings, ghostly ships, and mysterious figures. From poltergeists to spectral observers, test your knowledge of spooky folklore and paranormal legends. Stay tuned for next week’s special 400th episode!

New Astronauts + DVDs | Ep. 398

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0400

The new class of NASA astronauts has arrived and Nicole has the details. Did you ever think you'd might want to be an astronaut? What about your kiddies? We have some details. Plus Sara has another list of upcoming DVDs, including F1, a remake of a classic flick, some horror for the season, and more!

Wait for Godot but Turn off Those Phones | Ep. 397

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Join us this week for Sara's review of a new Broadway production of Samuel Beckett's iconic play, Waiting for Godot, featuring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter. She discusses the timeless themes of this 1952 piece, exploring existentialism, absurdity, and the human condition through the lens of two tramps waiting for a mysterious figure. Hear about the minimalist staging, standout performances, and the play’s historical and critical significance, including its ties to the Theatre of the Absurd.

Plus: Nicole explores practical tips for fostering healthy sleep habits in children, highlighting the impact of excessive screen time on sleep quality and behavior. Learn about library resources like Wonderbooks, Tonieboxes, and Playaways to encourage bedtime reading and reduce screen exposure.

Postpartum Help + Binge Boxes and Books | Ep. 396

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Join us for an exciting episode where we dive into a variety of topics perfect for book lovers, movie enthusiasts, and new parents. Discover resources and support for navigating the challenges of parenthood, including insightful discussions on mental health and practical tips from popular books.

Plus, explore our unique DVD binge boxes, featuring themed movie collections like boxing epics, isolation tales, football dramas, Australian cinema, and beach-themed adventures.

We also highlight new books, from gripping true crime stories and historical nonfiction to thrilling fiction and steamy romance novels.

Tune in for engaging conversations and fresh recommendations to inspire your next read or watch!

2025 Fall Programming Preview | Ep. 395

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Discover the exciting fall programming at Middle Country Public Library! We highlight a variety of events for all ages: from youth to teen to adults, there's something for everyone this season. Registration for children and teen programs begins September 11 at 9:30 AM, and adult programs register on September 12.

A film on Kanopy, A Cat in Paris | Ep. 394

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Check out an engaging discussion about a unique animated film available on Kanopy, a streaming service accessible with your library card. The team dives into this Academy Award-nominated French movie, exploring its hand-drawn 2D animation, noir-inspired style, and intriguing storyline. Set in the shadowy streets of Paris, the film follows a cat with a double life and a cast of characters, including a detective and a charismatic cat burglar. Caroline, Sara and Sal share their thoughts on the distinctive art, notable voice performances, and plot twists, while debating its appeal for different audiences. Join us to find out if it’s worth checking out!

New DVD Releases + Back to School Study Resources | Ep. 393

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0400

This week Sara previews exciting September DVD releases, including "Ballerina," "Jurassic World Rebirth," "28 Years Later," "M3GAN 2.0," "The Life of Chuck," "Clown in a Cornfield," "Superman," and "The Surfer." Caroline also shares valuable back-to-school resources for kids, like Brainfuse for live homework help, and Britannica for research.

Movie Chat : Late Bloomers | Ep. 392

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Join us for an engaging discussion on an independent film that explores the complexities of growing up and facing life's challenges. We dive into the flick Late Bloomers, a 2023 dramedy about a young woman navigating personal struggles, relationships, and unexpected connections. With a talented cast, including a standout performance by a well-known actress, this movie offers a mix of heartfelt and challenging moments. Available to stream with your library card on Kanopy, this film sparks conversation about aging, responsibility, and self-discovery. Watch now to hear our thoughts, then let us know yours in the comments!

National Dog Month + Parent TV | Ep. 391

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Celebrate National Dog Month with fun ways to honor your furry friends! Learn about the history of dog domestication, fascinating facts like their incredible sense of smell, and tips for keeping them safe and healthy in the summer heat. Discover activities like visiting dog-friendly trails, baking homemade treats, or hosting a pup playdate. Explore library resources, including pet-themed books like "Because of Winn-Dixie" and "A Dog's Purpose," and movies like "Homeward Bound." We also highlight Parent TV, a valuable resource offering thousands of short, expert-led parenting videos in multiple languages, accessible with your library card. Plus, get a book recommendation for "The Hunger Games" series, with a focus on the prequel "Sunrise on the Reaping," offering fresh perspectives on Haymitch’s story.

August Summer Fun + Wellness Month | Ep. 390

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Join us as we explore fun and engaging family activities for August! Discover how to participate in the library summer tour, where visiting multiple libraries can earn you rewards like gift cards and patches. Learn about family programs and the convenience of museum passes for exciting outings to lighthouses, museums, state parks, and more. We also dive into Wellness Month, discussing simple ways to boost your physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, environmental, and occupational well-being. From small habits like stretching or journaling to library programs such as hula hooping and soul line dancing, find inspiration to stay active and connected!

National Night Out 2025 | Ep. 389

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Join us for an exciting discussion about National Night Out, a fantastic community event happening on August 5th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Centereach Pool Complex! We're thrilled to have special guests, Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle, Officer Rob Dekenipp from the Sixth Precinct, and Coordinator of Outreach at MCPL Deborah Hempe sharing insights on this annual event that brings together the police and community in a relaxed, fun setting. Learn about the event's history, its growth over the years, and what to expect from touch-a-truck to food trucks, vendors, and activities like pickleball, beach volleyball, and pool fun. We also dive into the library's exciting contributions, featuring drones, coding robots, button making, and a performance by the Flashing Fingers Sign Language Club. Don’t miss this episode packed with details on this annual community gathering!

New Summer Reads + Sun Safety | Ep. 388

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Join us for another summer fun episode where we dive into the latest book releases and share essential sun safety tips! Discover a diverse selection of new books, from nonfiction gems like "Secrets of Adulthood" to thrilling mysteries and unique cookbooks featuring creative ramen recipes. We also explore practical advice for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, including the best SPF options and sun safety practices for all ages. Perfect for book lovers reading on the beach and anyone looking to stay safe in the sun this summer!

This Week in History | Ep. 387

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Dive into a captivating journey through history with this week's episode, covering significant events from July 6th to 12th. Explore the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the establishment of the U.S. dollar, and the first Major League Baseball All-Star Game. Learn about pivotal moments like Anne Frank's family going into hiding, the first open heart surgery by Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, and the Scopes Monkey Trial. From the Battle of Britain to the duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, this episode uncovers fascinating stories that shaped the world.

Summer in the USA Trivia | Ep. 386

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Join Sal, Sara, and Nicole for a sizzling summer trivia episode of the podcast! Dive into a fun-filled celebration of Summer in the U.S.A. with challenging questions, lively banter, and surprising facts about the season. Play along at home, test your knowledge, and enjoy the festive vibes—perfect for kicking off your holiday weekend!

Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa | Ep. 385

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Join us for a special episode of the podcast featuring Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa from the Fourth Legislative District. In this engaging conversation, Nick shares his deep roots in Selden, where he was born, raised, and raised his own family. He reflects on his mother’s legacy as a legislator and how her community involvement inspired his own path in public service.

Nick discusses his role as a county legislator, explaining the legislative process, his work on common-sense laws and efforts to address affordable housing and public safety. Plus, get the scoop on exciting upcoming events, including the library's “MCPL Under the Stars” concert series, and the Middle Country Chamber's "Music in the Park."

Don’t miss this fun, informative and insightful episode!

Color Our World : 2025 Summer Reading Clubs | Ep. 384

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0400

For this week's special episode, we take a look at the 2025 Summer Reading Club, themed "Color Our World"! Join librarians from the adult, children's and teen departments as we cover this year's clubs and learn how reading this summer can enter you into a raffle to win amazing prizes and access to fun experiences. Sign up now and color your summer with reading! And remember: audiobooks and graphic novels count, too!

Pride Month Books | Ep. 383

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we explore heartwarming and thought-provoking titles for all ages, from charming picture books like "Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle" and the true-story-inspired "Our Subway Baby" to captivating teen reads such as "Her Royal Highness" and "Every Day." We also highlight acclaimed novels like "The Song of Achilles," "The Guncle," and "Camp Damascus," alongside powerful stories like "The Prophets" and "The Emperor of Gladness."

Discover these diverse, inclusive stories available at our library, perfect for readers seeking love, identity, and resilience. Browse our catalog or check out our Pride Month display at the library. Don’t miss this episode filled with recommendations that celebrate the rainbow of human experiences.

2025 Summer Programming | Ep. 382

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Join us for an exciting episode of the Middle Country Public Library Podcast as we dive into the vibrant summer programming for 2025! We cover everything from teen and children's programs to adult activities. Registration for teen and children's programs begins June 12th at 9:30 AM, with adult programs following on June 13th at 9:30 AM. Discover highlights like the Summer Reading Club themed "Color Our World," teen cooking classes, Disney trivia, Island Idol, and an intro to AI. For kids, enjoy off-site adventures like Quack-Tastic Night, free lunch programs, and Z-Tag. Adults can look forward to the new Suffolk County Parks parking permit program, Music Under the Stars concerts, National Treasure movie night, arts and crafts, cooking classes, and unique trips like the Thimble Islands cruise. Don’t miss out on these popular programs—register early! Visit mcplibrary.org for the full quarterly guide and join us for a summer packed with learning, fun, and community.

Water Safety + Micro Habits | Ep. 381

Thu, 29 May 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Join us for an eclectic episode this week as we dive into two important topics: water safety and micro habits. Nicole presents her annual look at critical insights on water safety, highlighting the importance of vigilance around pools and open water, especially for kids, with stats and tips from the National Drowning Prevention Alliance. Then, Sara introduces the concept of micro habits, drawing from bestsellers Atomic Habits and Tiny Habits, (both available here at the library) and explains how small, easy actions can lead to big life changes.

Comforting Books + June New DVDs | Ep. 380

Thu, 22 May 2025 07:00:00 -0400

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Nicole shares cozy, comforting book recommendations for kids and teens, including classics like Good Night Moon and The Very Hungry Caterpillar, plus mindfulness resources like Breathe Like a Bear. She also highlights library programs and digital resources to support mental well-being. Sara dives into exciting DVD releases hitting the library in June, featuring titles like the intense war drama Warfare, the quirky comedy The Ballad of Wallace Island, Stephen King’s horror-comedy The Monkey, the blockbuster Minecraft Movie, and action-packed Working Man starring Jason Statham. Plus, we share our favorite comfort watches and go on a fun tangent about the latest news on Peppa Pig's new sibling!

This Week in History | Ep. 379

Thu, 15 May 2025 08:49:20 -0400

Join us for another "This Week in History" for May 11th–17th! From Minnesota joining the Union in 1858 to the Dust Bowl storms of 1934, the debut of Mickey Mouse in 1928, and the final episode of Seinfeld in 1998, we cover a wide range of historical events that shaped the world. Expect fascinating stories, Civil War insights, and pop culture moments!

Movie Chat : Jules | Ep. 378

Thu, 08 May 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Join us as we dive into the heartwarming sci-fi comedy Jules! The team discusses this hidden gem, starring Ben Kingsley, Harriet Sansom Harris, and Jane Curtin. When a UFO crashes in a small Pennsylvania town, lonely retiree Milton befriends a mute alien named Jules, sparking an unexpected adventure filled with quirky neighbors, government pursuits, and themes of loneliness, friendship, and human connection. Discover why this critically acclaimed yet underseen film earned a 9/10 from our team! Spoiler alert: We unpack the movie’s tender moments, clever Easter eggs, and surprising plot twists. Watch Jules for free with your MCPL library card on Hoopla Digital or take out the DVD today!

Library Trivia | Ep. 377

Thu, 01 May 2025 07:00:00 -0400

In honor of the premiere of the PBS documentary "Free For All," which many say is "a love letter to libraries," we’re diving into a fun and educational round of library trivia! Test your knowledge with 12 historical and technical questions about libraries, from the ancient Library of Alexandria to modern cataloging systems like MARC. Play along with Sara and Nicole at home and learn fascinating facts about the world of libraries.

Celebrate Earth Day and Get Funky! | Ep. 376

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Celebrate Earth Day (a little late) and get funky! This week, Nicole dives into the importance of Earth Day, sharing practical tips for families to connect with nature and recommending eco-friendly books for kids, teens, and adults. Plus, groove to the beat as we preview the upcoming Indie Lens Pop-Up event featuring the documentary "We Want the Funk," with a special live performance by Long Island's own NOIZ! Learn about the roots of funk music, the legendary James Brown, and how you can access funk-tastic resources through the library's digital platforms like Hoopla and Kanopy.

National Poetry Month | Ep. 375

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0400

This week, discover the history of National Poetry Month, started by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, and explore its impact on readers, students, and poets worldwide. From tips on reading poetry to spotlighting U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón’s work, this episode covers it all. Plus, enjoy poetry recommendations for teens and kids, featuring powerful spoken word, Shel Silverstein-inspired rhymes, and even a custom poem about the podcast! Whether you're a poetry newbie or a seasoned fan, there’s something here for everyone.

Women...IN SPACE! Plus: Spot the Real Romance | Ep. 374

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0400

This week Nicole explores the rise of space tourism and discusses Blue Origin's historic all-women space flight, launching April 14. Plus: Sara surprises us with a fun "real or fake" romance novel game.

2025: Anniversary Party! | Ep. 373

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0400

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

Spring 2025 Programming | Ep. 372

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Spring is blooming at the library! In this episode, Sara, Nicole, and Sal unpack the exciting lineup of spring programs. From Free Comic Book Day to MCPL Under the Stars concerts in July, there’s something for everyone. Adults can enjoy crafts like paper peonies and crocheting, plus the Strictly Business networking event on May 6th. Kids and teens get in on the fun with Great Dane meet-and-greets, Harry Potter escape rooms, and Regents reviews. And don't forget the Budget Vote on April 8th!

Women's History Month Book Recommendations | Ep. 371

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0400

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

Irish Recipes for St. Pat's Day + Teens & Taxes | Ep. 370

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0400

This week, we’re gearing up for St. Patrick's Day with a tasty dive into Irish cuisine—think bacon and cabbage, boxty pancakes, "poundies" with scallions, and even quirky dishes like batter burgers and black pudding. Sara shares a primer on these traditional foods, plus tips on finding Irish cookbooks at the library (check call number 641.59415!). Meanwhile, Nicole spills a hilarious tax blunder tied to her pregnancy announcement (Congrats, Nicole!), and offers practical advice for teens on understanding paychecks and taxes, courtesy of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. From savory recipes to money smarts, this episode has it all!

90s Trivia with Help from A.I. | Ep. 369

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0500

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

Countdown to the Oscars + a resource for teachers on A.I. | Ep. 368

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 07:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode of the podcast, Sara takes a closer look at the fascinating world of Oscar eligibility, breaking down how movies and actors qualify, the process of nominations, how directors submit their films for consideration, and the way winners are ultimately voted on by the Academy. She’ll also walk us through the lineup of movies nominated for this year’s Academy Awards, offering insights into the contenders. Meanwhile, Nicole brings something special for educators: a resource from Stanford University designed to assist teachers in explaining the complexities of artificial intelligence to their students. With A.I. sparking curiosity and plenty of questions among young learners, this material provides engaging answers and support for classroom discussions.

Harlem Renaissance + Snakes of New York | Ep. 367

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 07:00:00 -0500

The Harlem Renaissance sparked a wave of creativity, inspiring timeless literature—Nicole’s got a list of must-read books about that era to grab on your next library trip. Meanwhile, did you know New York is home to 17 snake species? Some are venomous, and they’ve got their favorite haunts across the state. Find out where they like to slither.

Valentine's Day History + Recommendations | Ep. 366

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Happy Valentine's Day! Ready for a weekend of love with a twist? How about diving into a horror movie that's got a dash of romance? Sara has curated a spine-chilling yet romantic list, all accessible for free on Hoopla Digital with just your library card. If reading is more your speed, Nicole's got you covered with a selection of romantic books that will make your heart flutter. And, to set the mood, we'll explore the intriguing history behind St. Valentine. Tune in for a unique blend of frights, love, and lore!

Decoding Your Tax Bill | Ep. 365

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 07:00:00 -0500

We're absolutely delighted to welcome Brookhaven Town Councilman Neil Manzella as our special guest this week! Join us for an enlightening discussion on everything you need to know about your tax bill. We'll dive into how appraisal values are determined, break down what portion of your taxes goes to the school district versus the town, and explain what it means to "grieve" your tax bill. You won't want to miss this informative episode packed with insights that could really make a difference in understanding your taxes.

New DVD Releases + Handling Misinformation | Ep. 364

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 07:00:00 -0500

It's that time once again for Sara to give us a list of the upcoming movie releases on DVD available here at MCPL! Plus: Nicole discusses the importance of recognizing misinformation, especially online, and what resources you can use to help wade through everything that's out there to find accurate information. One of those resources is All Sides, a site that provides balanced news and media bias ratings. Check it out here: https://www.allsides.com/unbiased-balanced-news.

Podcast Reflections from Podfest 2025 | Ep. 363

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Coming to you this week from Podfest 2025 in Orlando, Florida...Sara and Sal reflect on the upcoming seventh anniversary of the podcast as well as discuss how the podcast came to be, along with details on how budding podcasters can use the resources at the library to create their very own professional sounding podcast. Want to learn more about podcasting? Check out the Miller Business Center's Podcasting Workshop series here: https://tinyurl.com/mcpl-how2podcast

This Week in History : Desert Storm + Miracle on the Hudson | Ep. 362

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Jim is back for another jam-packed This Week in History. Did you know that this week is the anniversary of the beginning of the war in Iraq, the creation of Wikipedia, and the amazing story of the "Miracle on the Hudson," U.S. Airways flight 1549? And there's much more: join us for an informative and entertaining episode.

Golden Globes + Sold a Story | Ep. 361

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Sara's here to let us know which Golden Globe winners you can take out from the library, plus Nicole has a follow-up on the Sold a Story podcast and what the future may be on teaching kids how to read.

Looking Forward to 2025 | Ep. 360

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Happy New Year! Wishing our listeners and viewers best wishes in the new year. On our 360th episode, we chat about the things coming up this year including the new Superman movie, new music, the new Cormoran Strike novel, and more.

Ep. 359 - Our "Favorite Things" of 2024

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 07:00:00 -0500

Happy Holidays from the MCPL Podcast team! As we wrap up this year, we'd like to thank everyone who joins us every week. We look forward to bringing you more great episodes in 2025. But now it's once again that time of year when Sara, Nicole, and Sal let us know what their favorite things were in 2024...

Ep. 358 - Movie Chat : It's a Wonderful Life

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 07:00:00 -0500

Can you believe the podcast team has never seen the holiday classic "It's a Wonderful Life"? Just in time for the holidays, we discuss Frank Capra's 1946 film starring Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, and Henry Travers. Haven't seen it yet? We have it here at the library...take out your copy today and get into the holiday spirit.

Ep. 357 - Supersized Tech Talk

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 07:00:00 -0500

On this week's supersized episode, Nicole and Sara discuss all things tech: from Social Media trends and new laws coming in 2025, to the top tech trends coming next year.

Ep. 356 - This Week in History : Rosa Parks + Washington Monument

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 07:00:00 -0500

From the arrest to Rosa Parks to the completion of the Washington Monument, so much has happened this week in history! Join Sal and Jim as they weave their way through events such Ford's introduction of the Assembly Line, George Washington's resignation as military commander, Walt Disney's birthday and more!

Ep. 355 - Thanksgiving Once Again!

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0500

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at the MCPL Podcast! As is our tradition, every year we dive into some interesting trivia to kick off the holiday season... this year based on a Reader's Digest article, which you can read here: https://www.rd.com/article/thanksgiving-trivia/.

Who will triumph and win this year's contest? Tune in for some fun and find out!

Ep. 354 - Getting Ready for the Holidays

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0500

It's that time of year again...time to get ready for the holidays, Thanksgiving dinner, food and merriment! Do you know what you are cooking this year? Perhaps you'd like to do something different. The library has a cornucopia of cooking books dedicated to holiday meals, baking, hosting, and so much more. Sara has just a small sample of what we have in our collection. Nicole chats about our fabulous Innovation Space where patrons can make personalized items for a potential gift for someone special...you'll need to make an appointment and it's busy this time of year, so check out the details at http://www.mcplibrary.org/innovation-space.

Ep. 353 - November DVDs + Learning to Read

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0500

This week, Nicole discusses an interesting article on ways kids are learning to read today and how it's changed over the years. But first, Sara has a list of the latest DVD releases available at the library.

Ep. 352 - This Week in History : Election Edition

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0500

It's time for another This Week in History...and this week there are many historic elections that took place, along with the opening of the Berlin Wall, the discovery of X-Rays, the Cubs winning the World Series, and much more!

Ep. 351 - SPOOKTOBER! : Happy Halloween

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Happy Halloween from the MCPL Podcast! If you were to be blindfolded would you be able to identify some of the most popular Halloween candy without seeing it? Our ghoulishly delightful Sara and Nicole test their tastebuds on this week's special episode, wrapping up this year's Spooktober!

Ep. 350 - SPOOKTOBER! : Spooky Stories

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0400

We are celebrating our 350th episode by bringing you some SPOOOOOKY stories during our Spooktober celebration! What creepy and dark otherworldly things lurk around the corner? Join us for this week's episode to find out!

Ep. 349 - SPOOKTOBER! : Movie Chat - Pan's Labyrinth

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0400

We continue our Spooktober 2024 episodes with a creepy Movie Chat! This week we discuss the 2006 super-natural fantasy film, Pan's Labyrinth starring Ivana Baquero, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú, and Doug Jones. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, the film follows the story of a girl dealing with life in 1944 Falangist Spain tasked with surviving three fantastical tasks to prove herself as a true princess of the underworld. It's a creepy feast for the eyes and a perfect flick for a spooky October night.

Ep. 348 - SPOOKTOBER! : New Scary Books & Superstitions

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0400

On this week's SPOOKTOBER episode, Sara has a list of the top NEW horror fiction books of 2024 for you to devour. But knock on wood three times before reading to protect you from the spirits and the many superstitions that Nicole has for us this week!

Ep. 347 - SPOOKTOBER! : Haunted Long Island

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Spooktober 2024! On the first episode of our annual series on the podcast, Jim Ward is back to discuss haunted places on Long Island. From Katie's in Smithtown to Camp Hero in Montauk, we will dive deep into the creepy stories that make these places an interesting visit for all you spooky fans out there!

Episode 346 - Banned Book Week + Movie Ratings

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Nicole has some interesting stats and info on banned books from the American Library Association. Plus Sara went down a rabbit hole to research where movie ratings originate from and what they really mean.

Episode 345 - National Book Awards Longlist 2024

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Find something good to read with this week's episode! Sara and Nicole discuss the finalists for the 2024 National Book Awards for both Adults and YA/Children selections. Perhaps you can find your next read among this group of eclectic and interesting stories on this year's list! Tune in and find out...

Episode 344 - Books-a-Plenty

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Are you into book series? There are authors who have 10, 20, over 30 books featuring the same characters and places, allowing you to delve deep into a whole new world of intrigue, adventure, and mystery. Sara did her homework this week, along with some extra credit, to bring us plenty of books from some popular series authors available here at the library. PLUS: What's the best day to straighten your hair? There's a book to find out...and Nicole's got the answer on this week's super-sized episode.

Episode 343 - 2024 Fall Programming Preview

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Sara and Nicole preview the great programs coming up this fall at Middle Country. Registration is open for Children and Teens on Sept. 12th and the Adults on Sept. 13th.

Get your MCPL library card ready and take advantage of the amazing things we have going on for you at our Centereach and Selden buildings!

You can view our entire Fall 2024 Catalog here: https://www.mcplibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/MCPL_Quarterly.pdf

Episode 342 - Lemon Juice and DVDs Make a Strange Combination

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Episode 341 - Counting the Days

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0400

We are counting down the days to the beginning of school, and Nicole has some tips on getting the kids ready for their big day. But first, speaking of days... Sara has some interesting books on days and numbers that you might want to check out. Plus Sal surprises the team with a story about his cousin who happens to be beatified.

Episode 340 - This Week in History : Woodstock at 55

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0400

It's the 55th anniversary of the festival that brought upstate New York hundreds of thousands of young people for 3 days of Peace, Love, and Music. Woodstock took place August 15th through the 18th in 1969, and Jim Ward is joining us for this special episode to discuss the history, the artists, and the legacy of this historic event.

Episode 339 - New August DVDs + More Social Media Tips

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 07:23:51 -0400

Get some popcorn and watch some new movies on this month's DVD list: Sara has the details. Plus Nicole has information on how social media is effecting teens and what resources we have at the library to deal with it.

Episode 338 - National Night Out 2024

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 10:39:00 -0400

We are previewing a busy week on this special episode with our guests Deborah Hempe, the Coordinator of Outreach for MCPL, and our very own Councilman Neil Manzella from the Town of Brookhaven! We chat about the upcoming National Night Out, plus a slew of great events coming up. Plus, we find out about some exciting new things coming to our community.

Episode 337 - The Summer Slump

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Have you heard of the term "Summer Slump?" It's something that actually exists, and we happen to be in the middle of Summer Slump season. Sara chats about what the Summer Slump actually is, along with 21 things that only happen during the summer. Nicole is NOT in a slump, she's in the mood for some Formula One racing and has a book or two to check out today.

Episode 336 - Less Screen Time, More Talk Time

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0400

On this week's show, Nicole discusses the importance of monitoring your child's screen time, and has some suggestions for books you can take out from our collection. And speaking of books, Sara has a stack of interesting books on communication and why we need to talk with each other instead of at each other.

Episode 335 - Watch Kanopy & Eat Ice Cream!

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Did you know library cardholders have access to a Netflix-like streaming service that allows you to watch amazing movies on your favorite device? Sara's here to let us know what new releases are available this month on Kanopy. And even if you're not an MCPL cardholder, check out your local library for details on how you can access.

What better food to eat while watching a movie than Ice Cream? Nicole recently purchased an ice cream maker and she has some tips, plus some great books you can read with your little ones to make ice cream at home.

Episode 334 - This Week in History : Battle of Gettysburg (and more!)

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Here for another This Week in History, our resident history buff Jim Ward is here to talk about the Battle of Gettysburg (of course) as well as the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the introduction of a boy wizard, the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, and much more! Do you love history as much as Jim does? Then check out our History Bites playlist here: http://tinyurl.com/mcpl-historybites

Episode 333 - Swim Safely and Read this Summer

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Now that the summer is in full swing, you might take a dip in the pool or head out to the beach... Nicole has some tips to stay safe this summer around the water. Once you are cooled off and relaxed from your swim, why not read a great book? Check out what Sara recommends this week for some potential summer reads!

Episode 332 - Special : The Seed Library with Amber Gagliardi

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0400

In this special episode, we are thrilled to have Amber Gagliardi back in the studio to discuss the library's Seed Library and the amazing programming that we offer. Amber was recently featured in Library Journal as a Mover & Shaker of 2024 for the innovative programming that she has developed here at the library and on Long Island.

If you want to learn more about our Seed Library, visit https://www.mcplibrary.org/adults/seed-library/

Episode 331 - Summer Reading Clubs 2024

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0400

What adventures will books take you on this summer? Adventure begins at your library and it's time to join the Summer Reading Clubs! In this special episode, we are thrilled to have librarians from the Youth, Teen, and Adult departments give you the details on how to sign up for this year's clubs, how it works, and how you can win amazing prizes! For more information or to sign up, visit https://www.mcplibrary.org/summer-reading-club/.

Plus: Have you read your 24 books in 2024? Sara reminds us of this great program happening this year.

Episode 330 - 2024 Summer Programming

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0400

There's so much happening this summer at MCPL. Join Nicole and Sara as they highlight some of the wonderful programming offered to our patrons, from special outdoor events to crafting, hiking, music, and more! Summer program registration begins for children and teens on June 13th, Adults on June 14th, and our Out-of-District guests on June 24th!

Episode 329 - New June DVDs + More A.I.

Thu, 30 May 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Sara's here to let us know what new DVDs we should expect in June...from horror to comedy to the latest Ghostbusters sequel, there's something for everyone as we kick off a new month. Plus Nicole is here to update us on the latest release of ChatGPT and other ways that A.I. is slowly but surely becoming part of everything we do.

Episode 328 - Just Another Podcast about Podcasts

Thu, 23 May 2024 07:00:00 -0400

We hope you love listening and watching our podcast, but there is a plethora of other podcasts out there that you may enjoy. Sara and Nicole are here to chat about what's new and exciting in the world of podcasts. Now that the summer is upon us, now is a good time to check out something new to listen to while at the beach, at the pool, or just relaxing at home.

Episode 327 - Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Trivia

Thu, 16 May 2024 07:00:00 -0400

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and on this week's episode we put Sara and Nicole to the test with some AAPI based trivia! Play along as we discuss Hawaii, the first Indian-American to go to space, delicious hot pot, and much more. Want to learn more about AAPI month? Visit https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/asian-american-pacific-islander-heritage-month

Episode 326 - Movie Chat : The Sapphires

Thu, 09 May 2024 07:00:00 -0400

This week we have our first Movie Chat of 2024! Join Sara, Nicole, and Sal as they discuss the 2012 Australian film, "The Sapphires" starring Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy, Miranda Tapsell, Shari Sebbens, and Chris O'Dowd. The story follows four talented young Aboriginal women who start a music group and end up entertaining troops during the Vietnam War in 1968.

You can reserve your copy at the library or watch it streaming for free on Pluto TV or Tubi.

Episode 325 - Let's Talk About Bugs

Thu, 02 May 2024 07:00:00 -0400

This year, the U.S., more specifically the midwestern United States, will see over a billion cicadas emerge as two broods are scheduled to appear at the same time for the first time in over 200 years. Sara has the details on who should expect to see the most activity. Plus, the library has a brand new resource for parents that Nicole is excited to chat about.

Episode 324 - Touch grass...but be careful!

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0400

If you've been listening to us long enough, you know that Sara is a dog lover and this week she's talking about dog names, along with how to keep your pets safe during the upcoming tick season. Plus: have a kid who is too much into video games and you'd like them to read more? Nicole is here with some book suggestions for kiddos who love to game.

Episode 323 - A Poem on Stress

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Did you know that April is National Poetry Month? And how about this: did you know that April is also National Stress Awareness Month? Perhaps you can eliminate your stress by reading a lovely poem. Nicole has some tips on where to find books on poetry at the library, and Sara has some tips on how to reduce stress. All around, it's a win-win of an episode!

Episode 322 - Skin Care and Alligators?!

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0400

This week's show is very diverse in subject matter. On one hand, we have Nicole here to chat about the importance of understanding skin care for young people, and the dangerous trend of pushing certain products where they are not needed. On the other hand, Sara just got back from Gatorland in Orlando, and she can't wait to tell you all about alligators... There's something for everyone on the podcast and at the library!

Episode 321 - Not Necessarily Musicals

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Sara and Nicole share a list of age-appropriate movies for kids and adults that revolve around music...and not necessarily musicals. Spend some time with us and find out what you might like to watch, and then come down to the library and take one out today.

Episode 320 - This Week in History : Selma March + Polio Vaccine

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0400

We're pleased to welcome back Jim Ward to the podcast for another This Week in History! Join us as he discusses such events as the Selma March, the Triangle Shirtwaist Company Fire, Three Mile Island, and Jonas Salk's vaccine breakthrough. Are you interested in history? You should check out our History Bites series here: https://tinyurl.com/mcpl-historybites.

Episode 319 - The Great Solar Eclipse of 2024

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Our neighborhood will see a near total solar eclipse next month! Sara and Nicole chat about books and activities you can check out to get you ready for the big day. The eclipse will take place between 2pm-4pm on Monday, April 8th.

Episode 318 - Media Literacy

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Join us for an important and informative discussion on the importance of Media Literacy and how to research and protect yourself in the growing world of AI, Deep Fakes, and Fake Audio.

Then test your Media Literacy skills here : https://www.aclib.us/blog/test-your-media-literacy-skills or here: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/01/19/technology/artificial-intelligence-image-generators-faces-quiz.html

Episode 317 - National Parks + Celebrate Reading Month

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0500

Sara wants to visit as many national parks as possible...and we have some here in New York State. Find out about the history of the National Park System and the different types. Did you know that March is National Reading Month? Nicole is here with some tips on how to celebrate.

Episode 316 - Great Audiobooks in 2024

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 07:00:00 -0500

Did you know that we still have space in some of our great kids programs happening in March at the library? Nicole has a sample of ones you might want to get the kiddos to join. Plus Sara has a list of audiobooks that you might want to check out today using one of our fabulous digital services such as Libby or Hoopla!

Episode 315 - Romance is STILL in the air

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 07:00:00 -0500

Even though Valentine's Day has come and gone, Nicole has some great romantic books to check out for teens and adults. Plus Sara let's us know what's coming up with March's new DVD releases.

Episode 314 - Warm up with some New Books

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 07:00:00 -0500

We are celebrating six years of the podcast! Thank you for all who watch and listen to us every week. This week, Sara and Nicole have a nice list of some new (and rated best) books that you might want to check out and read on a cold winter's night...

Episode 313 - Super Bowl Cities Trivia!

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 07:00:00 -0500

The Super Bowl LVIII is upon us, and this year it's the Kansas City Chiefs vs the San Francisco 49ers. Watch Nicole and Jim as they battle it out representing their team's cities: it's trivia about KC and SF.

We are saying whoever wins the trivia wins the big game. We shall see!

Episode 312 - Podfest 2024

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 07:00:00 -0500

The podcast team is coming to you this week from Podfest 2024! We discuss the event, what we learned, and we talk about how our patrons have access to the resources to record their own podcast right here at MCPL.

For more information, visit our Innovation Space page at http://mcplibrary.org/innovation-space

Episode 311 - This Week in History : Challenger Disaster

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 07:00:00 -0500

It's time for another "This Week in History" and for this episode, we are doing something special: focusing on one event. On the 38th anniversary of the Challenger Disaster, Jim Ward is on the show to let us know what was happening in the lead up to the tragic accident that took the lives of seven astronauts, including the first "Teacher in Space," Christa McAuliffe.

Want to learn more about the Challenger disaster? Check out "Truth, lies, and O-rings inside the space shuttle Challenger disaster" by Allan McDonald, available instantly as an eBook or Audiobook here: http://tinyurl.com/mcpac-mcdacd

Episode 310 - Volunteer Fair + Books about Libraries

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 07:00:00 -0500

Do you need community service hours in our community? Not sure where to begin? Sara is here to let us know about the Venues for Volunteering Fair coming to our Selden building on Feb. 8th. She will highlight just a few of the organizations scheduled to exhibit.

For more info, visit https://mcplibrary.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=54630

Plus Nicole has some great kids books about something near and dear to our hearts : libraries! Check out some books at MCPL here: http://tinyurl.com/mcp11824i

Episode 309 - Madonna’s Greatest Hits + Art Appreciation

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 07:00:00 -0500

VITA is returning to MCPL! Patrons needing assistance with filing their taxes who make $60k or less can request an appointment starting January 29th at 9:30am by calling 631-585-9393 Opt. 6. Bethpage Federal Credit Union will provide this service on Feb. 8th, 22nd, Mar. 7th, 21st, and April 4th.

Madonna is coming to the Garden and Sara is going! We discuss Madonna's multi-decade career and her greatest hits. Do you agree? Reserve your copy of Madonna's Greatest Hits package, "Finally Enough Love: 50 Number Ones" here: http://tinyurl.com/mcpl-fel50

Plus Nicole has some books that are great to introduce your young ones to fine art. Are you into art appreciation? Browse our extensive collection here: http://tinyurl.com/mcpl709

Episode 308 - Bespoke Book Horoscopes!

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 07:00:00 -0500

We are kicking off 2024 with Nicole's promised custom (or dare we say "bespoke"?) book horoscopes! This month she concentrates on Aries and Virgo, but if you'd like her to do your sign next, comment and let us know!

Plus it's the beginning of the month and time for the New DVD list. Sara also will discuss the Golden Globe nominations.

Episode 307 - Looking Forward to 2024

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 07:00:00 -0500

We wrap the year up chatting about what we are looking forward to in 2024 from movies, books, TV, and more! We are also thrilled to be speaking at Podfest 2024 next year and representing the library. For more information, visit our blog at http://blog.mcplpodcast.com.

Happy New Year from all of us here at the MCPL Podcast!

Episode 306 - Our ”Favorite Things” of 2023

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 07:00:00 -0500

First off, we are happy to welcome Sara back to the podcast!

It's that time of year once again when the podcast team lets us know what their favorite things were in 2023. Watch and find out if whether or not you agree...and maybe share some of your favorites with us! Next week, we will chat about what we are looking forward to in 2024.

Happy Holidays from the MCPL Podcast team!

Episode 305 - AFI Best Movie Quotes

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Would you be able to identify some of the top movie quotes of all time as voted by the American Film Institute? Watch, listen, and find out! You can browse the list here : https://www.afi.com/afis-100-years-100-movie-quotes/. Maybe that will inspire you to watch one of these classic films...we have them here at the library! Check one out today.

Episode 304 - Attack on Pearl Harbor + December Horoscopes

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 07:00:00 -0500

On the 82nd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Jim is here to chat about the event, as well as give you a list of books you might be interested in reading to learn more.

Nicole has her last Book Horoscopes of 2023 and an exciting announcement on the future of book horoscopes for 2024.

Episode 303 - Holiday Movies

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 07:00:00 -0500

It's that time of year once again! Join us as we chat about some of the great holiday films we have available here at MCPL. Remember we have CDs, vinyl records, cookbooks, and more to get you into the holiday spirit. Plus...Nicole has some info on some of our Library of Things items for the kids...browse it here: https://www.mcplibrary.org/educational-collection-library-of-things/

And for those of you who would like to revisit our discussion on one of our holiday movie picks, here's the link to our Movie Chat on "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" https://www.mcplpodcast.com/e/episode-149-movie-chat-national-lampoons-christmas-vacation/

Episode 302 - Thanksgiving History Trivia

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Happy Thanksgiving to all! You know what we are thankful for? YOU! We appreciate you listening, and now, watching our show!

This week we are coming to you a day early to celebrate Thanksgiving Day and to have some fun with some trivia about the history of Thanksgiving.

Our questions this year come courtesy of House Beautiful. Check out their website at https://www.housebeautiful.com/

Episode 301 - This Week in History : Channel Tunnel + Gettysburg Address

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 07:00:00 -0500

We're delighted to have a special guest on today's show...the one and only Abraham Lincoln! Not really...it's just our History Buff in Residence, Jim Ward. We discuss some of the things that happened this week in history...from Stalin to Ellis Island to the Channel Tunnel, and of course Jim's favorite: the Gettysburg Address.

Our podcast is now a Video Podcast! You can watch along and see all the things we spoke about on this episode...plus take a gander at Jim dressed as Honest Abe! Visit http://www.mcpl.tv to watch every week!

Episode 300 - November Horoscopes + Thanksgiving Books

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 07:00:00 -0500

We've made it to 300 episodes of the podcast! Thanks to everyone who's listened every week. We are thrilled to introduce video to our weekly podcast. You can listen as you usually do on your favorite podcast app, listen via our web page (www.mcplpodcast.com) or watch here on YouTube!

This week Nicole has your November horoscopes and book recommendations. Plus Sara wants to remind everyone that Thanksgiving is just a couple of weeks away and perhaps you'd like to read some books themed around the holiday.

Episode 299 - Fall Books + November Movies

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 07:05:00 -0400

Now that spooky season is over, we can concentrate on the wonderful autumn season that is upon us. Nicole has a list of 13 great kids books that are all about the fall. You can view the list here: https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/13-childrens-books-for-celebrating-fall

Sara has a list of the upcoming DVD releases for the month...there are some big films here! You can view and reserve your copies with your MCPL card here: https://tinyurl.com/mcpl-newdvd

Episode 298 - Halloween Song Playlist + A Spooky Short Story

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 07:05:00 -0400

We wrap up our "Spooktober" series this week with a spooky song playlist for the kids plus a creepy short story for the grownups. Happy Halloween!

Episode 297 - Scary Books for Spooky Season

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 07:05:00 -0400

This time of year is great for some scary and not-so-scary stories. Nicole and Sara have a thoughtful list of books that are age appropriate and appropriately spooky!

PLUS we are once again recording from our beautiful Media Studio inside the Innovation Space in Centereach. Want to learn more about it? Visit https://www.mcplibrary.org/innovation-space/.

Episode 296 - Things to do this Spooky Season

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0400

We're lucky to live in such a great place where we can experience so many wonderful things this "Spooky Season." From haunted houses, pumpkin picking, and enjoying seasonal flavors to our very own Trunk or Treat here at the library, there's a lot to chat about on this week's episode. We are thrilled to have a new voice on the pod this week, our very own Kelley Gould is here to let us in on some of these great things to experience this autumn on Long Island.

Episode 295 - Spooky Trivia

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0400

Welcome to..."Spooktober!" It's that time of year when we dedicate a series of episodes to all the great things happening in October that are spooky, a little scary, and tasty as well! Stay tuned in the upcoming weeks for episodes about great books to read during "Scary Season," as well as the great things to do on Long Island this autumn. We start out with a bit of trivia...can Nicole and Sara answer these spooky questions about books, music, and places? Listen and play along with us!

Episode 294 - Story Time to Go + DVDs + Women’s EXPO

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0400

We have a packed show for you this week. Nicole chats about our great Story Times to Go kits for the kids; Sara has a list of the newest DVDs coming to our collection; and Elizabeth stops by for a visit to talk about this year's Women's EXPO. We recorded this week's episode in our beautiful, new Media Recording Studio inside the Innovation Space in Centereach. If you are interested in starting your own podcast, you might want to check it out! For more information, visit https://www.mcplibrary.org/innovation-space for details on all the amazing things happening in the Innovation Space!

Episode 293 - Movie Chat : Dr. Strangelove, or, How I learned to stop worrying and love the bomb

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 06:59:13 -0400

It’s time for another Movie Chat! This week, Nicole spins the wheel and comes up with 1964's comedy, "Dr. Strangelove, or, How I learned to stop worrying and love the bomb" starring Peter Sellers and George C. Scott. Get your copy here : http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1516626 and watch before listening to this week’s episode as there will be spoilers. Then comment and let us know what you thought!

Episode 292 - Self Care Month

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0400

September is National Self Care Month, and we have some great books that you can use to help you meet your self improvement goals. Sara has a list of 8 aspects of self-improvement that everyone should focus on, plus the books you can use to do it, and Nicole has another fantastic podcast that you should be listening to help you succeed.

Episode 291 - September Book Horoscopes + All About Tennis

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0400

It's a new month and Nicole has your September Book Horoscopes! What should you look out for...how should you handle things...what should you READ? It's all here: https://bookriot.com/september-2023-horoscopes-and-book-recommendations/

With the US Open happening this week, Sara is here to try her very best to explain the game of Tennis. Hold on to your rackets, it's a wild ride.

Episode 290 - Hurricane Season + First Day of School

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 07:05:00 -0400

This week, Sara discusses an article downloaded from our vast array of science databases regarding hurricanes: how and where they form, and what we can expect this year. It's also the first day of school for many next week, and if you know someone who is a little anxious about their first day, Nicole has a list of books that you can check out to help ease students into the new school year.

We are also very happy to have Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce president Lenore Paprocky join us to talk about a new campaign honoring local veterans. For more information on Middle Country Hometown Heroes, visit http://www.mchometownheroes.com

Episode 289 - The Week in History : Lincoln/Douglas Debate + 19th Amendment

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 07:10:00 -0400

Our resident history buff Jim is back to chat about the amazing things that happened This Week in History! From the introduction of the motion picture machine, to the Lincoln - Douglas Debate, and then on to the 19th Amendment and the release of Dirty Dancing, so much happened this week throughout history. And if you are really interested in history and want more, check out our YouTube series History Bites here.

Episode 288 - Name that Movie (Anniversary Edition)

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 07:05:00 -0400

This week we do a little trivia with Sara and Marlene that spans 50 years of movies! Can you guess the movie from 10, 25, or 50 years ago just by the description? And do you agree or disagree that movies were so much better "back then...?" Listen and find out...then visit our vast collection of films on DVD at Centereach and Selden to take out some of the flicks we discussed.

Episode 287 - Alpha-gal + August Book Horoscopes

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0400

Suffolk County is a hotbed for Alpha-gal Syndrome, an allergic reaction to meat caused by a bite from a Lone Star Tick. Sara is here to chat about the latest updates on the allergy. It's also that time of the month when Nicole regales us with stories of horoscopes and books. What should you be reading while Mercury is in retrograde? Listen and find out.

Episode 286 - Let’s Talk Broadway

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0400

We have a supersized episode filled with knowledge, tips, and trivia about seeing a Broadway show with our very own Broadway enthusiast Elizabeth! Learn about how to get the best prices for tickets, the best way to get into the city, what to expect at a show, and much, much more.

For a list of links and resources on Broadway shows, along with a list of our cast recordings available at the library, visit the blog at http://blog.mcplpodcast.com

Episode 285 - National Night Out 2023

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0400

We are joined this week by special guests Officer Casey Berry and Officer John Efstathiou of the Suffolk County Police Department 6th precinct COPE Division, Brookhaven Town Councilman Neil Manzella, and Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle. They are here to talk about this year's National Night Out, taking place on Tuesday, August 1st from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at the Centereach Pool Complex. It's going to be packed with fun including food, a DJ, Touch-a-Truck, Swimming and more! Plus Deborah is here to let us know what great things the library will be offering at the event.

Episode 284 - Are You Socially Awkward?

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0400

The team chats about how they handle social situations after Nicole's been listening to a podcast from the Atlantic. To check out that article, head over here : https://www.theatlantic.com/podcasts/archive/2023/05/how-to-make-small-talk/674049/

Plus Sara is in the market for a dishwasher and she's looking for reviews...and the best place to get those are Consumer's Reports...which is available for free with a MCPL library card. Want to know which one they say is the best? Listen to find out.

Episode 283 - Movie Chat : Mission Impossible II

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 07:05:00 -0400

Tom Cruise could very well have the biggest movie of this summer premiering this week with the newest Mission: Impossible film...the team takes a look at the second in the series on this Movie Chat. The film stars Mr. Cruise plus returning cast member Ving Rhames, Dougray Scott, Richard Roxburgh, Brenden Glesson, John Polson, and "she-looks-way-too-young-and-pretty" Thandie Newton.

You can check out the details of this 2000 film here: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120755/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2 and if you'd like to watch along and have an MCPL card, reserve your copy here: https://tinyurl.com/pod71323

Did you know we've have over 35 movie chats? You can browse our list of episodes here: https://www.mcplpodcast.com/?s=movie%20chat

Episode 282 - Hot Wings for your Movie Night

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 07:10:00 -0400

Nicole's talking hot wings and one of her favorite interview shows. Are you interested in making your own wings? Check out Tailgreat : How to Crush it at Tailgating by John Currence, which has a number of hot wing recipes for your next movie night. And speaking of movies...Sara discusses some great books that serve as guides for the movie lover...from horror movies, war movies, and even movies from the 90s. Listen as we randomly pick our next movie chat from Movies of the 90s, edited by Jürgen Müller, another great resource we have here at MCPL!

Episode 281 - This Week in History : Custer’s Last Stand + Battle of Gettysburg

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 07:10:00 -0400

For this edition of This Week in History, Jim discusses such events as Custer's Last Stand, the building of the Hoover Dam, the introduction of the barcode, the founding of Atari, and of course because this is Civil War buff Jim Ward joining us... the Battle of Gettysburg!

Want to get into more history? Check out our History Bites series on YouTube here: https://tinyurl.com/mcpl-historybites

Episode 280 - Summer Reading Clubs 2023

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 07:05:00 -0400

It's time to DIG DEEPER and READ this summer: Join the Summer Reading Club! In this special episode, Sal chats with librarians from the Youth, Teen, and Adult departments to give you the details on how to sign up for this year's clubs, how it works, and all about the great events you can attend and prizes you can win! For more information or to sign up, visit https://www.mcplibrary.org/summer-reading-club/

Episode 279 - 2023 Summer Programming

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 07:05:00 -0400

Summer is here, and so is our amazing programming that we offer throughout the season. Join Nicole and Sara as they highlight some of the wonderful things MCPL has to offer. If you want to browse our Quarterly online, visit https://www.mcplibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/MCPL_Quarterly.pdf

Episode 278 - Coffee Talk (and Trivia)

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 07:10:00 -0400

Next month, our brand new Cafe will open at the Centereach building! Join the podcast team as they chat about all things coffee, plus Sal has a little trivia for Nicole and Sara to drink up.

Episode 277 - Pride Month Books + Famous Icons

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 07:05:00 -0400

Sara has some book recommendations for Pride Month that everyone can relate to; Nicole wants to see if you can guess which famous people are actually "real" or "fake" : Mary from Mary Had a Little Lamb...real or made up? What about the Quaker Oats guy? Listen to find out!

Episode 276 - May Book Horoscopes + June DVD List

Thu, 25 May 2023 07:05:00 -0400

Nicole is testing her book horoscopes this month...as we wrap up the month, did your horoscope ring true? Check them out here along with some great book recommendations: https://bookriot.com/may-2023-horoscopes-and-book-recommendations/

Plus, Sara discusses the new DVD list format...there's lots to look forward to next month!

Episode 275 - Movie Chat : Cocaine Bear

Thu, 18 May 2023 07:00:00 -0400

Sal's pick for this Movie Chat is this year's crazy dark comedy/horror flick, Cocaine Bear...a film loosely based on a true story. Directed by Elizabeth Banks, the film stars Keri Russell, Alden Ehrenreich, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Brooklynn Prince, Christian Convery and the late Ray Liotta.

Find out what happens when a bear gets its nose into many bags of cocaine. Does hilarity ensue? Listen to find out. Have a library card? Reserve a your copy of Cocaine Bear here: http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2111785

Episode 274 - Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Thu, 11 May 2023 07:00:00 -0400

Sara has some interesting facts for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and Nicole discusses this past Tuesday's National Fentanyl Awareness Day.

Episode 273 - Breathing Heavily Thinking of Eggs

Thu, 04 May 2023 07:05:00 -0400

Did you ever wonder if there was a proper way to breathe? It's something you probably don't think about, but Nicole has tips on how we all should be breathing based on one of her favorite podcasters. Sara loves eggs and wants to share information from a Harvard study on the bad rap eggs get, plus some great recipes and a book you can take out from the library. Listen with headphones to get the full "us breathing in your ear" effect. Or maybe not.

Episode 272 - Special: Miller Business Center + Strictly Business

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 07:10:00 -0400

Elizabeth Malafi is here to chat about the Miller Business Center and all the wonderful resources that are available to small businesses, budding entrepreneurs, those looking for a job or applying to college, and much more. PLUS - we preview our big business-to-business event coming up next week : Strictly Business! If you want to learn more about what the Miller Business Center can offer you, visit http://www.millerbusinesscenter.org or call us at 631-585-9393 x 133.

Episode 271 - Children’s Books About Feelings + AI Podcast Ideas

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 07:10:00 -0400

Discussing feelings with young children can be challenging. Nicole has a list of books that cover a range of feelings from anger to fear to loss and more to help parents handle kid's questions when they ask. Plus Sara dives into ChatGPT and asks it to come up with some podcast show ideas. Listen to find out if they work or not!

Episode 270 - The Hummingbirds are Coming!

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 07:10:00 -0400

The annual mass migration of hummingbirds is upon us, as well as the warmer weather. We have a "nature themed" show for you this week, along with the opening of our Nature Explorium in Centereach. Sara has interesting facts about hummingbirds, how to attract them, what they eat, and more. Plus Nicole has some great choices for books about nature to get you and your kids excited about being outside again.

Episode 269 - This Week in History : Richmond Retreat + Hank Aaron

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 07:10:00 -0400

For this edition of This Week in History, Jim discusses such events as the introduction of the Apple iPad, the South's retreat from Richmond, Lincoln's eerie premonition, and Hank Aaron's record breaking 715th home run.

Want to get into more history? Check out our History Bites series on YouTube here: https://tinyurl.com/mcpl-historybites

Episode 268 - Arrrgh...Earworms!

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 07:05:00 -0400

Have you ever had a song stuck in your head? You'd be surprised that there's science behind it, and Sara has the info! Plus Nicole picks some of her favorite new databases available to patrons from the library's vast collection of electronic resources.

Episode 267 - Seed Library Trivia

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0400

It's Spring and Amber is here to chat about our amazing Seed Library here at MCPL. Learn about the great programming that we offer, along with some interesting facts as she tries to stump Sara and Sal with Seed Trivia.

Episode 266 - Fascinating Facts about Women’s History Month

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0400

We're celebrating Women's History Month with fascinating facts about women in history, including the women's suffrage movement, the first woman in space, the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and how Women's History Month was established.

Episode 265 - Reducing Social Media + Oscar Preview

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Nicole and Sara discuss a report that reducing social media use improves body image in teens and young adults. Instead of browsing TikTok, why not come to the library? Sara also has her annual look at Oscar nominations...and this year's list is huge. Thankfully, most of the movies will be available to check out here at MCPL! PLUS: Thank you for helping us hit 1,000 subscribers on YouTube. Let's try for 2K...take a look at the great things we have on our channel, http://mcpl.tv!

Episode 264 - Wonderful World of Mushrooms

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Sara LOVES mushrooms. The kind you eat. Listen to her extol the fungus with many facts. Then take out this book : How to forage for mushrooms without dying : an absolute beginner's guide to identifying 29 wild, edible mushrooms by Frank Hyman.

Have an MCPL card? Reserve it here : https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2085635

PLUS : Kaity is here to talk about the Fountas and Pinnell reading levels for your child.

And when you are ready to search for your kid's next fav book, check out Novelist and our other amazing online resources here https://www.mcplibrary.org/adults/services/reference-database/

Episode 263 - Movie Chat : Three Thousand Years of Longing

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 07:05:00 -0500

Join Sara, Dennis, and Sal as they have a thoughtful discussion on 2022's romance-fantasy Three Thousand Years of Longing starring Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba.

Episode 262 - Museum Passes + Taxes

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Last week, Kaity told us about the great things to do in the library during winter break...now she'll let you know about what you can do on the island using our Museum Pass program. Check availability here : https://www.mcplibrary.org/children/museum-passes/.

Plus : Tax Day is coming and the tax forms are in stock. Sara has some interesting history on how federal taxes started. Need help with your taxes? Visit https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/ for info on where to get help if you make under $60k a year.

Episode 261 - Video Games to Movies + President’s Week Children’s Programming

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Sara has a list of video games that eventually became movie franchises that are available at the library for you to take out; Kaity is here to let us know about all the wonderful things happening at MCPL when the kids are out of school for Winter Break.

Episode 260 - Black History Month Music Picks + New Book Roulette

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 07:15:00 -0500

Sara has randomly chosen 7 new books from our collection for you to check out; Sal is kicking off Black History Month with some of the greatest Black music artists of all-time that you can check out from our collection.

The Innovation Space is now open for you to check out! To see all the amazing equipment that's available, plus to see a schedule of Open Time, visit https://www.mcplibrary.org/innovation-space/

Episode 259 - This Week in History : The Mac Introduction + End of Prohibition

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 07:15:00 -0500

Jim Ward is back for another journey through this week's events in history. From Apple Computer's introduction of the Macintosh computer, to the California Gold Rush, to the Challenger disaster, to the end of Prohibition...so much has happened this week.

Love history? Check out History Bites on the library's YouTube channel:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtHm7OODwmnZOdhMYzxTdkMU6Q-BzFIvZ

Episode 258 - 2023 Music Tours + Books for New Year Resolutions

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 07:05:00 -0500

Sara is super excited about some of her favorite artists touring this year...we have their albums!

Depeche Mode Tour https://www.ticketmaster.com/depeche-mode-tickets/artist/734907

Madonna Tour https://www.ticketmaster.com/madonna-tickets/artist/768011

PLUS:

Get Your New Year Resolutions jump started with these books and audiobooks:

Books and eBooks

Professional troublemaker : the fear fighter manual / Luvvie Ajayi Jones
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2045976

The complete book of clean [electronic resource eBook] : tips & techniques for your home
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1883643

Getting things done : the art of stress-free productivity / David Allen
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1399937

The life-changing magic of tidying up : the Japanese art of decluttering and organizing / Marie Kondo
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1663071

Say what you mean : a mindful approach to nonviolent communication / Oren Jay Sofer
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2012828

Audiobooks

The desire map experience : a guide to creating goals with soul [electronic resource] / Danielle Laporte
https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/12141111?utm_source=MARC

The path made clear [sound recording] : discovering your life's direction and purpose/ Oprah Winfrey
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1937363

Atomic habits : an easy & proven way to build good habits & break bad ones [electronic resource] / James Clear
https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/12562197?utm_source=MARC

More than enough [sound recording audiobook download] : claiming space for who you are (no matter what they say) / Elaine Welteroth
http://link.overdrive.com/?websiteID=210&titleID=4384966

The lazy genius way [sound recording audiobook download] : embrace what matters, ditch what doesn't, and get stuff done / Kendra Adachi
http://link.overdrive.com/?websiteID=210&titleID=5101826

Here are the Book Riot lists as referenced on this week's episode:

https://bookriot.com/books-to-get-your-shit-together-2023/

https://bookriot.com/goal-setting-books/

Episode 257 - New DVDs and Early Childhood Programming

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 07:05:00 -0500

Sara has a nice list of new DVDs coming to collection...Plus Caroline is here to chat about early childhood programming coming to MCPL plus a brief overview of Family Place.

Episode 256 - The Innovation Space @ MCPL

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 07:05:00 -0500

Stephanie is here to give us an audio tour of our brand new Innovation Space at our Centereach building.

For information on 3D printing, or to submit a print job, please visit https://www.mcplibrary.org/3D-printer/

Episode 255 - Looking Forward to 2023

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 07:10:00 -0500

We are looking forward to more subscribers in 2023!

Nicole is looking forward to catching up on some TV shows while on maternity leave!!!

Sara is looking forward to:

John Wick Chapter 4 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10366206/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Dune Part II https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15239678/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

The Meg 2: The Trench https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9224104/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

New Depeche Mode Album https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/depeche-mode-new-album-tour-memento-mori-1234604069/

Missing Clarissa by Ripley Jones https://checkreads.com/author-books/ripley-jones/

Murder Your Employer by Rupert Holmes https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61271768-murder-your-employer

Sal is looking forward to:

Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10954600/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

Guardians of the Galaxy : Volume 3 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6791350/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_6

Spiderman Across the Spiderverse https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9362722/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

Sherlock Holmes 3 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2094116/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3

Wonka https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6166392/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Super Mario Bros. Movie https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6718170/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

Renfield https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11358390/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

The Haunted Mansion https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1695843/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

Mandalorian Season 3 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8111088/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3

Ashoka https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13622776/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

The Acolyte https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12262202/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

Secret Invasion https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13157618/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Only Murders in the Building Season 3 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12851524/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1

The Story of Disney : 100 Years of Wonder https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2101702

The Making of Another Motion Picture Masterpiece : A Novel by Tom Hanks https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60467282-the-making-of-another-major-motion-picture-masterpiece

What are you looking forward to? Comment and let us know!

Episode 254 - Our ”Favorite Things” of 2022

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 07:05:00 -0500

It's that time of year when we look back at our favorite books, movies, and TV shows.

Here's our list:

Sara's Favorite Things

Halestorm - Back from the Dead https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2091670

Top Gun: Maverick

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/search?/ttop+gun+maverick/ttop+gun+maverick/1%2C2%2C4%2CB/exact&FF=ttop+gun+maverick&1%2C3%2C/indexsort=-

Crimes of the Future https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/search/?searchtype=t&searcharg=crimes+of+the+future&sortdropdown=-&SORT=D&extended=0&SUBMIT=Search&searchlimits=&searchorigarg=ttop+gun+maverick

House of the Dragon

The Sandman

Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

Alice in Borderland

Nicole's Favorite Things

Maybe Someday https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1635805

Top Gun: Maverick https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/search?/ttop+gun+maverick/ttop+gun+maverick/1%2C2%2C4%2CB/exact&FF=ttop+gun+maverick&1%2C3%2C/indexsort=-

Bullet Train https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2097869

The Batman https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2087988

Magpie Murders

Ghosts

Severance

Yellowstone

Lincoln Lawyer

Bridgerton

Sal's Favorite Things

The Adam Project

Slumberland

Only Murders in the Building - Season 2

The Orville : New Horizons - Season 3

Andor - Season 1

Werewolf by Night

Hew Moran (YouTube) https://www.youtube.com/@HewMoran

Josh Cahill (YouTube) https://www.youtube.com/@JoshCahill

Noel Phillips (YouTube) https://www.youtube.com/@noelphilips

Wingin' It with Paul Lucas (YouTube) https://www.youtube.com/@Paul_Lucas

Rick Beato (YouTube) https://www.youtube.com/@RickBeato

Ink Black Heart (Robert Galbraith) https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2089672

Surrender : 40 Songs One Story (Bono) https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2089672

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing (Matthew Perry) https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2089653

The Tipping Point (Tears for Fears) https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2081706

Now and the Evermore (Colin Hay)

Sidelines (Wild Rivers) https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2082688

There is So Much Here (Glen Phillips) https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2101675

Next week...the things we are looking forward to in 2023!!

Episode 253 - Audio Tour of the New Spaces at MCPL

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 07:00:00 -0500

We are so happy to have Library Director Sophia Serlis-McPhillips join us for an audio tour of our newly renovated Adult Reading Room and Innovation Space!

For pictures of the renovations, go here: https://www.mcplibrary.org/adult-reading-room-update/

Episode 252 - Movie Chat Special : The Star Wars Saga (Part III)

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 07:05:00 -0500

As Nicole breathes a sigh of relief, witness the final part of our three part series of Star Wars Movie Chats...

PS - This one gets SPICY, folks!

We discuss:

Star Wars : Episode 7 - The Force Awakens

Star Wars : Episode 8 - The Last Jedi

Star Wars : Episode 9 - The Rise of Skywalker

Do you agree with our thoughts? Comment below and let us know.

Here are the other 2 Star Wars Movie Chats:

https://www.mcplpodcast.com/e/episode-196-movie-chat-special-the-star-wars-saga-part-i/

https://www.mcplpodcast.com/e/episode-221-movie-chat-special-the-star-wars-saga-part-ii/

Episode 251 - Otro Podcast en Español + Citizenship Prep

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 07:00:00 -0500

Ola todos and welcome to another bilingual episode! Gilda Ramos is back to chat about the great services we have here at the library for our Spanish speaking patrons, as well as programming, materials, and more.

Plus learn about the citizenship preparation classes that are available every year here at MCPL.

Episode 250 - Thanksgiving Jeopardy!

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 07:00:00 -0500

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2022! We are so thankful to our patrons and our listeners. Wishing you and yours Happy Holidays!

We play our very own version of Jeopardy on this year's Thanksgiving trivia episode.

Using the fabulous book, The Ultimate book of Pub Trivia by the Smartest Guy in the Bar : over 300 rounds and more than 3,000 questions by Austin Rogers, Sal has selected some trivia questions from the extensive volume.

Who will prevail in this year's matchup? Listen to find out.

Want to take the book out for yourself? MCPL card holders can click this link : https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2085637

to reserve their copy!

Episode 249 - This Week in History : Gettysburg Address + Steamboat Willy

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 07:05:00 -0500

Jim Ward is back on the podcast to bring us This Week in History...which includes the end of the Cold War, the creation of the U.S. Time Zones, the Gettysburg Address, and the "birth" of Mickey Mouse.

Love history? Check out History Bites on the library's YouTube channel:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtHm7OODwmnZOdhMYzxTdkMU6Q-BzFIvZ

Episode 248 - Native American Authors + Hoopla

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 07:00:00 -0500

November is Native American Heritage Month, and Nicole has a list of books you should consider reading with your kids. To see the list from Nicole's Number-One-Best-Favorite-Fabulous-Amazing website, Book Riot, head over here: https://bookriot.com/great-childrens-books-by-native-american-authors/

Sara wants to remind you all about the awesome digital service we have for MCPL library card holders, Hoopla Digital! Download eBooks, music, audiobooks, comic books, TV shows (especially BBC!) and much more. Grab your library card and head to https://www.hoopladigital.com/ to browse the collection. And remember: Hoopla is available not only on your favorite web browser, but on your Smart TV and portable devices as well.

And this Veteran's Day, we'd like to THANK ALL of those who served this country.

Episode 247 - Vote!

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 07:00:00 -0400

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8th, 2022.

Voting Resources

NYS Board of Elections https://www.elections.ny.gov/

Go to Ballotready.org, type in your address to see important information on this year's ballot.

Episode 246 - Halloween Trivia

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0400

Happy Halloween! We hope it's happy and safe.

Spend a few moments learning about some interesting facts about the holiday and this time of year with Sal, Sara, and Marlene.

And if you have a library card, there are terabytes worth of information available to you from Credo Reference, our amazing digital encyclopedias, and more.

Episode 245 - Four Frightening Flicks & Book Horoscopes

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 07:05:00 -0400

This week, Sara has chosen four movies she thinks you should see this Spooky Season. Plus, Nicole is here to give us this month's Book Horoscopes.

Sara's Frightening Flick Picks:

Life http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1806143

The Prodigy http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1932094

Sinister http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1593106

Silent Hill http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1440408

If we didn't mention your sign this week, check out all the Book Horoscopes here:

https://bookriot.com/october-2022-horoscopes-and-book-recommendations/

Episode 244 - Do You Want To Hear A Scary Story?

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 07:05:00 -0400

This episode sizzles!

Join Sara and Nicole as they read a short snippet of some spooky stories to get you into the mood this season...

And if you'd like to read these stories yourself (and have an MCPL card) you can reserve your copies here:

Poe's Children http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1479446

Masterpieces of Terror and the Supernatural http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1119121

Tiny Nightmares http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2020085

We also briefly mentioned the film Men. You can request a copy here: http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2092462 if you like to be super-creeped out.

And hey, while you're at it, listen to our Movie Chat about the movie here : https://www.mcplpodcast.com/e/movie-chat-men/ but be forewarned : there be spoilers... so watch the movie first, then listen to our chat.

Episode 243 - Movie Chat : Hocus Pocus

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 07:05:00 -0400

Amok! It's time for another Movie Chat, and this week we are watching 1993's Hocus Pocus, starring Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker.

It's all part of our annual SPOOKTOBER at the podcast. For the month of October, we will focus on something spooky to get you in the mood...

Here's the IMDb listing : https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107120/quotes/?ref_=tt_trv_qu

Have an MCPL card? Reserve your copy today : https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1525371

Episode 242 - The Miller Business Center + Women’s EXPO

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 07:05:00 -0400

Elizabeth Malafi is here to chat about the Miller Business Center and the amazing resources that are available to small business owners on Long Island, plus to give us a preview of what to expect at this year's huge event, the Women's EXPO happening on October 6, 2022 from 11am to 6pm at the library.

For more information, visit http://www.womensEXPOli.org

Are you a business owner interested in what the Miller Business Center can offer your business for FREE? Go to http://www.millerbusinesscenter.org

Episode 241 - The Old Farmer’s Almanac

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 07:00:00 -0400

Sal's excited that the new Old Farmer's Almanac has arrived at the library! Let's dig into some of the great (and quirky!) information that's inside.

Want to learn more about the Almanac? Visit the official website here : https://www.almanac.com/

MCPL cardholders, reserve a copy here: http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2096238

Episode 240 - Fall Programming Preview

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 07:00:00 -0400

This week we dig into the MCPL Quarterly to chat about the great programs coming up this fall at the library. Registration is open for Children and Teens on Sept. 15th and the Adults on Sept. 16th.

Get your library card warmed up and take advantage of the wonderful things we have going on for you at Centereach and Selden.

You can view our entire Fall 2022 Catalog here: https://www.mcplibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/MCPL_Quarterly.pdf

Episode 239 - This Week in History : Continental Congress + Nathan Hale

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 07:05:00 -0400

Join Sal and Jim as they discuss another This Week in History!

This week, we are looking at what happened between Sept. 4 - 10th.

Want to listen to previous TWiH epsiodes? Check these out:

https://www.mcplpodcast.com/e/episode-218-this-week-in-history-titanic-lincoln/

https://www.mcplpodcast.com/e/episode-230-this-week-in-history-pickett-s-charge-sliced-bread/

We also have a fantastic series on YouTube titled "History Bites"... you can see the playlist here:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtHm7OODwmnZOdhMYzxTdkMU6Q-BzFIvZ

Episode 238 - Hoopla Digital : Name That Tune

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 07:00:00 -0400

Hoopla Digital is a fantastic service that allows you to access audiobooks, eBooks, comics, movies, TV, magazines, and music using your library card. Borrow and download the latest music today...

You'd be surprised how much is available, including remastered albums and deluxe editions.

This week, Sal attempts to stump Sara and Nicole with lyrics taken from some of the more popular songs currently available on Hoopla.

For more information or to access this service with your local library card, visit https://www.hoopladigital.com/.

Episode 237 - Movie Chat : Men

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 07:10:00 -0400

This week, Sara finally gets to talk about the 2022 "folk horror" flick, Men.

Men stars Jessie Buckley and Rory Kinnear. It is directed by Alex Garland, who also directed another Movie Chat film, Ex Machina. Listen to that episode here: https://www.mcplpodcast.com/e/episode-117-movie-chat-ex-machina/

MAJOR SPOILERS will be mentioned during this episode. If you'd like to watch before listening, MCPL patrons can reserve a copy:

BluRay http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2092461

DVD http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2092462

Also check out the IMDb page: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13841850/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Episode 236 - An Interview with YouTube Comedian Hew Moran

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0400

In this special episode, Sal sits down with YouTube Comedian Hew Moran, whose YouTube channel exploded into popularity last year garnering over 97 million video views and over 355,000 subscribers.

They discuss how he got started, the challenges of running a YouTube channel, how to get started in the field, and more.

If you want to check out Hew's channels, use these links:

https://www.youtube.com/c/HewMoran

https://www.youtube.com/c/HewMoranVlogs

And check him out on social media here:

https://www.tiktok.com/@hewmoran

https://www.instagram.com/HewMoran/

MCPL Patrons should keep an eye out for upcoming programming this autumn about starting a YouTube channel!

Episode 235 - Common Sense Media + TV on DVD

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0400

Nicole's Book picks from Common Sense Media:

The Summer I Turned Pretty
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/the-summer-i-turned-pretty

Paper Girls
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/paper-girls

The Elephant Girl
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-elephant-girl

Sara's TV Show picks:

Psych
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/search?/tPsych+%28Television+program%29/tpsych+television+program/-3,-1,0,B/browse

Poldark
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/search?/tPoldark+%28Television+program%29/tpoldark+television+program/-3,-1,0,B/browse

Northern Exposure
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/search?/tNorthern+exposure+%28Television+program%29/tnorthern+exposure+television+program/-3,-1,0,B/browse

Fringe
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/search?/tFringe+%28Television+program%29/tfringe+television+program/-3,-1,0,B/browse

ER
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/search?/tER+%28Television+program%29/ter+television+program/-3,-1,0,B/browse

Crossing Jordan
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/search?/tCrossing+Jordan+%28Television+program%29/tcrossing+jordan+television+program/-3,-1,0,B/browse

PLUS:

Back-to-School Reset https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/back-to-school-reset-4-tips-on-managing-devices-and-screen-time-for-families

Remembering Olivia Newton-John - Browse our collection
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/search/a?newton-john-olivia

AND THEN:

Elephant kills woman in India — then returns to trample her corpse at her funeral

https://news.yahoo.com/elephant-kills-woman-india-then-001804870.html

Episode 234 - August Book Horoscopes + Barnacles!

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 07:05:00 -0400

It's time for August Book Horoscopes with Nicole! It's Leo season...what's in the stars (and on the shelf) this month? Listen to find out.

https://bookriot.com/august-2022-horoscopes-and-book-recommendations/

PLUS: We bet you didn't know just a tiny bit about barnacles... no worries, Sara is here with the inside scoop.

Episode 233 - National Night Out + Run the Farm with Councilman Kevin LaValle

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 07:00:00 -0400

We're thrilled to have Councilman Kevin LaValle and Library Outreach Coordinator Deborah Hempe here to chat about this year's National Night Out, taking place on Tuesday, August 2nd from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at the Centereach Pool.

For more information, visit https://www.brookhavenny.gov/831/National-Night-Out

PLUS: Check out the annual Run the Farm happening Saturday, August 13th at 9am : https://www.brookhavenny.gov/1232/Run-the-Farm.

You can contact Councilman LaValle's Office at 631-451-6647 for more information.

Episode 232 - Beach Reads + Age-Appropriate Books

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 06:50:00 -0400

Sitting on the beach and want to read something FRIGHTENING? Sara has her picks:

Something in the Water - Catherine Steadman https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1858667

The Deep – Nick Cutter https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1658090

The Deep - Alma Katsu https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1980062

Jaws - Peter Benchley https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1197633

Dark Water - Koji Suzuki https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1515900

PLUS here is some more information and guidance on what Nicole was chatting about on finding age-appropriate books for young ones:

https://www.readbrightly.com/books-for-advanced-second-third-grade-readers/

https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/reading-resources/book-selection-tips/find-age-appropriate-books-advanced-readers.html

Episode 231 - Movie Chat : Vicious Fun

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 07:05:00 -0400

It's time for another movie chat and SPOILER ALERT we will be chatting about Sara's pick, Vicious Fun, a "Horror-Comedy" from 2020.

Here's the IMDb listing https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11778118/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

Have an MCPL card and want to reserve your copy? Go here : http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us:2084/record=b2088466

Episode 230 - This Week in History : Pickett’s Charge + Sliced Bread

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 07:30:00 -0400

History buff and Adult Services Librarian Jim Ward is back for another This Week in History!

You probably guessed that in addition to the 246th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence, lots of other really interesting things happened... join us as we dig into some interesting facts about the week of July 3rd.

Episode 229 - Get Your July Facts Here

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 07:10:00 -0400

Summer's here and the time is right for checking out the cool things we have to make it special. From our outdoor concert to the Nature Explorium to our Library of Things and activity kits...there's plenty to keep you and the little ones busy.

PLUS did you know July was the 5th month of the Roman calendar?? Listen to find out more interesting facts about the upcoming month...

We hope you have a Safe and Happy 4th of July!

Episode 228 - Just Another Trivia Episode!

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0400

This summer, why not check out the great online resources we have here at MCPL to create your own trivia game to play with family or friends. Or you can just listen to Sara and Nicole battle it out.

If you have an MCPL card, check out these links to our favorite eBooks and databases for trivia research... (and if you don't have an MCPL card...come on down to the library to access these great resources!)

Credo Reference
http://0-www.credoreference.com.mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/

Includes encyclopedias, dictionaries, thesauri and books of quotations, not to mention a range of subject-specific titles covering everything from art to accountancy and literature to law.

Oxford English Dictionary Online
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/wamvalidate?url=http%3A%2F%2F0-www.oed.com.mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us%3A80%2F

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is widely regarded as the accepted authority on the English language. It is an unsurpassed guide to the meaning, history, and pronunciation of 600,000 words - past and present - from across the English-speaking world.

Science Reference Center
http://0-search.ebscohost.com.mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/login.aspx?authtype=ip,cookie,uid&profile=ehost&defaultdb=sch

A comprehensive research database that provides easy access to a multitude of full text science-oriented content. This database contains full text for nearly 640 science encyclopedias, reference books, periodicals, etc. Topics covered include: biology, chemistry, earth & space science, environmental science, health & medicine, history of science, life science, physics, science & society, science as inquiry, scientists, technology and wildlife.

World Geography & Culture Online by Facts On File
https://online.infobaselearning.com/Direct.aspx?aid=14690&pid=WE39

Combines detailed, printable, full-color maps of countries, provinces, and states with up-to-date statistical and local information.

Episode 227 - Summer Reading Clubs 2022

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 07:03:00 -0400

Time to jump into Oceans of Possibilities with the 2022 Summer Reading Clubs at MCPL!

Our amazing colleagues from the Adult, Teen, and Children's departments are here to give us the scoop on what to expect if you sign up for this year's clubs! Registration is now open.

For Adults – Enjoy a summer filled with reading your choice of books, audiobooks, or eBooks. Participants can earn virtual raffle tickets for each book they read. Those who read at least 3 books will receive an invitation to our Summer Reading Club Finale. Each virtual raffle ticket counts as one chance in our raffle drawing to win some fantastic prizes!

For Teens – Entering 6th-12th grade. Earn a chance to win raffle prizes for every hour read. Read 6 hours and get an invitation to our end of the summer soiree!

For Children – For ages birth-entering 5th grade. For every half hour read you will receive a raffle ticket and have a chance to win some raffle prizes. Read a total of 4 hours to complete the club, receive your final prize and an invitation to our end of the summer celebration.

Want more information? Visit https://www.mcplibrary.org/summer-reading-club/ and sign up today with your MCPL library card or come down to any reference desk!

Episode 226 - New DVDs + June Book Horoscopes

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0400

It's that time of month again...New DVDs and Book Horoscopes. We put them together for your convenience. How nice!

Have an MCPL card and want to view/reserve your DVDs? Use this link:

http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/search?/ftlist^bib02%2C1%2C0%2C6/mode=2

Remember, as Sara mentioned: Adult DVDs are released the first and third Monday of the month (or Tuesday if a holiday falls on a Monday). New DVDs are super popular, so make sure to either log in online or call us to reserve starting at 9:30am.

If you want to follow along with this month's Book Horoscopes, you can see the article that Nicole sourced here: https://bookriot.com/june-2022-horoscopes-and-book-recommendations/.

Episode 225 - Water Safety + Florida Facts

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0400

This week's episode is coming to you from Podfest 2022 in Orlando, Florida! We are here to learn more about podcasting, video production, and the great resources that are available...and we will be bringing this knowledge back to our patrons for some exciting things that will be available later this year.

In the meantime, as the summer season begins, it's a good time to refresh yourself with the importance of water safety, especially if you have little ones. Nicole has the scoop on what you need to think about if you have a pool and a toddler, or are visiting the beach this summer.

Since we are recording in Florida, Sara thought it would be interesting to let us in on some interesting facts about Florida, and she used one of our great digital resources, CultureGrams! You can access this database with your library card to get information on cultures from around the world as well as the great places in the United States.

Episode 224 - The Seed Library

Thu, 26 May 2022 07:05:00 -0400

Our green-thumbed colleague Amber Gagliardi is here to talk gardening, seeds, and the Seed Library!

https://www.mcplibrary.org/adults/seed-library/

Episode 223 - Summer Concerts at Jones Beach + Celebrity Authors

Thu, 19 May 2022 06:55:00 -0400

Sara has a list of the concerts and events coming up this summer at Jones Beach! Check out our extensive Music CD collection to get you ready to see your favorite artists live.

Interested in attending a concert at Jones Beach? Check out the link here for details:

https://www.livenation.com/venue/KovZpZAE6eAA/northwell-health-at-jones-beach-theater-events

Nicole was surprised at just how many "celebrity authors" have written children's books. Here's a sample of some books mentioned on today's episode:

Mr. Peabody's Apples / by Madonna ; art by Loren Long
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1395875

The one and only Sparkella / Channing Tatum ; illustrated by Kim Barnes
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2056571

Perfectly prima / Whoopi Goldberg, with Deborah Underwood ; illustrated by Maryn Roos
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1535170

The very fairy princess / by Julie Andrews & Emma Walton Hamilton ; illustrated by Christine Davenier
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1540073

Out of the ballpark / by Alex Rodriguez ; illustrated by Frank Morrison
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1450121

This is me : a story of who we are & where we came from / by Jamie Lee Curtis ; illustrated by Laura Cornell
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1772153

Snowball fight! / by Jimmy Fallon ; illustrated by Adam Stower
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1438182

If roast beef could fly [sound recording] / Jay Leno ; illustrated by S.B. Whitehead
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2069371

Please, baby, please / by Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee ; illustrated by Kadir Nelson
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1384530

The case of the time-capsule bandit / Octavia Spencer
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1611708

The book with no pictures / B.J. Novak
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1633352

She persisted : 13 American women who changed the world / written by Chelsea Clinton ; illustrated by Alexandra Boiger
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1813012

River Rose and the magical lullaby / Kelly Clarkson ; illustrated by Laura Hughes
http://lilink.org/record=b14173144~S0

Episode 222 - Touch-A-Truck & Museum Day

Thu, 12 May 2022 07:00:00 -0400

In-person programming is back and ramping up BIG TIME at the library! Join us for our Touch A Truck event on Saturday, May 14th from 11am to 1pm in the parking lot of our Centereach building. This unique event will feature large trucks and heavy equipment from law enforcement, fire department, commercial companies, industrial companies and more. Michelle is here to let us know what to expect!

Plus Deborah is here with a list of who will be exhibiting for our annual Museum Day. Local museums, historical societies, science and nature centers will be on hand to share information regarding their collections, programs and exhibits! It's a great way to plan out your summer activities.

Both events are free and open to all!

Episode 221 - Movie Chat Special : The Star Wars Saga (Part II)

Wed, 04 May 2022 07:00:00 -0400

May the 4th be with you!

On this May 4, 2022 we celebrate Star Wars with the second of our three part series on the Star Wars Saga. This week, we use the force on Nicole and convince her to watch the original three Star Wars films (or the "middle three" in story chronological order):

Star Wars : Episode 4 - A New Hope

Star Wars : Episode 5 - The Empire Strikes Back

Star Wars : Episode 6 - The Return of the Jedi

MCPL cardholders can take out the trilogy here : https://tinyurl.com/starwarsmc1

Want to listen to Part 1? Get it here:

https://www.mcplpodcast.com/e/episode-196-movie-chat-special-the-star-wars-saga-part-i/

Episode 220 - A Bit of Springtime Readers Advisory

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0400

Spring is in the air! Perhaps you'd like to sit outside when the weather finally gets warmer and enjoy a good read? Nicole and Sara are here to give you some suggestions!

Nicole mentions this article from Publisher's Weekly that might interest you:

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/89126-new-and-noteworthy-children-s-and-ya-books-april-2022.html

Sara mentioned just a few of the New York Times best sellers. Here is the current and complete list... if you have an MCPL card, you can reserve right from this page:

http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/search?/ftlist^bib40%2C1%2C0%2C31/mode=2

Episode 219 - BBC Shows + Homesteading

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 09:12:01 -0400

Sara *GASP* works at another library! And the staff there are big fans of BBC shows, so this week Sara will let us in on her fav BBC shows and her recommendations:

DCI Banks https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/search/?searchtype=t&searcharg=dci+banks&sortdropdown=-&SORT=DZ&extended=0&SUBMIT=Search&searchlimits=&searchorigarg=Ydci+banks%26SORT%3DD

Broadchurch https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/search?/tbroadchurch/tbroadchurch/1%2C15%2C18%2CB/exact&FF=tbroadchurch+television+program&1%2C4%2C/indexsort=-

Luther
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/search?/tLuther+%28Television+program%29/tluther+television+program/-3,-1,0,B/browse

Sharp Objects
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1912230

The Night of
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1804521

Top of the Lake
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1618706

Hoopla Digital BBC Series : https://www.hoopladigital.com/search?q=bbc&page=1&scope=TELEVISION&type=direct

Nicole is a big fan of Yellowstone, and she went down the rabbit hole and started researching Homesteading.

Start off by watching Yellowstone Season One http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us:2084/record=b1919535

Then take a look at some books on Homesteading (AKA Frontier & Pioneer Life) here:
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us:2084/search/d?Frontier+and+pioneer+life&search_code=a

Episode 218 - This Week in History : Titanic + Lincoln

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0400

We are excited about a new regular segment that we will be presenting titled "This Week in History."

Our very own history-loving librarian Jim Ward will join us to discuss historical events that happen to take place around the same time...but years apart.

This week, Jim chats about the Titanic disaster, which took place on April 14-15th, 1912 and coincidentally the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, who was shot on April 14, 1865 and died a day later.

Want to learn more about these historical events? Check out these great resources at your library:

A Night to Remember by Walter Lord
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1270213

"Unsinkable" : The Full Story of RMS Titanic by Daniel Allen Butler
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1308140

Titanic: The Complete Story (DVD)
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1578643

The Assassin's Accomplice : Mary Surratt and the plot to kill Abraham Lincoln by Kate Clifford Larson
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1477614

The Lincoln Conspiracy by Timothy L. O'Brien
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1580120

Episode 217 - April Book Horoscopes + Award Season Roundup

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0400

Nicole has some April Book Horoscopes...learn what to expect this month plus get a great book recommendation.

https://bookriot.com/april-2022-horoscopes-and-book-recommendations/

Sara has a wrap up of this year's "Award Season," the Oscars and the Grammy Awards.

https://www.grammy.com/awards

https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2022

Episode 216 - Women’s History Month Trivia

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0400

March is Women's History Month, and we are wrapping it up with some trivia. Listen and play along with Sara and Nicole!

Want to know how Sal comes up with his questions? He uses some of our wonderful online databases available here at Middle Country! Looking for biographical information on a women in history? Check out these links with your MCPL library card, or if you are in Suffolk County, New York, check out https://www.livebrary.com/database-information

Biography Resource Center + Lives & Perspectives
http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itweb/midcntry?db=BIC Credo Reference
http://0-www.credoreference.com.mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/ History Reference Center
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?authtype=ip,cookie,uid&profile=ehost&defaultdb=khh

Episode 215 - A Library of Things Update

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 06:55:00 -0400

Stephanie Vecchio is here to chat about our fabulous Library of Things collection. What is the Library of Things? How can patrons access this unusual and interesting collection? Listen to find out!

If you have an MCPL library card, you can browse and reserve items here:

https://www.mcplibrary.org/library-of-things/

Episode 214 - Addressing War with Children + Daylight Saving Time

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Nicole has a number of books that make it easier to discuss war with young children. Plus: As we've moved once again into Daylight Saving Time, Sara has some news about it becoming permanent.

This week's links:

Here's the Publisher's Weekly Blog on Books That Help Us Talk with Children About War http://blogs.publishersweekly.com/blogs/shelftalker/?p=33643

A Kid's Book About...War
https://akidsco.com/products/a-kids-book-about-war

Talking to kids about the war in Ukraine
https://www.apa.org/news/apa/2022/children-teens-war-ukraine

Why We Need Trauma-Informed Parenting More than Ever
https://www.pbssocal.org/education/parents/need-trauma-informed-parenting-ever

Britannica Academic : Daylight Saving Time
https://academic.eb.com/levels/collegiate/article/Daylight-Saving-Time/29565

US Senate Approves Bill to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-senate-approves-bill-that-would-make-daylight-savings-time-permanent-2023-2022-03-15/

Episode 213 - March Book Horoscopes + Iditarod Facts

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0500

It's time for March Book Horoscopes! Nicole has a few for you to ponder...if she doesn't mention your sign, let us know and she will next time!

Take a look at the list here: https://bookriot.com/march-2022-horoscopes-and-book-recommendations/

Sara discusses the Iditarod race, which is currently underway. Want to see the Race Map? Try here: https://iditarod.com/race-map/ and for more information on the race and it's origins, check this out: https://iditarod.com/.

Sara's book & DVD recommendations are:

Iditarod-- a far distant place

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1515260

Fast into the night : a woman, her dogs, and their journey north on the Iditarod Trail / Debbie Clarke Moderow

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1756801

Toughest race on Earth [DVD-videorecording] : Iditarod

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1515259

Winterdance : the fine madness of running the Iditarod / Gary Paulsen

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1756807

If you listen to us on YouTube, we'd love you to subscribe!

Episode 212 - Survivor + Wordle

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 06:10:00 -0500

The new season of Survivor is upon us, and Sara has some fun trivia for Nicole and Sal... see who's surviving on the island and who's "going astern."

Nicole loves Wordle and has some history of the game as well as some books to improve your vocabulary and your score.

Looking for survival books? We have them!

Stay alive! : survival skills you need / John D. McCann.
613.69 MCCANN
Explains how to think like a survivor; discusses solutions for surviving emergencies during sport, adventures, and travel; and explores various skill categories including water, shelter, signalling, first aid, and navigation.

Bushcraft first aid : a field guide to wilderness emergency care / Dave Canterbury
616.0252 CANTERBURY
From wilderness expert Dave Canterbury and outdoor survival instructor Jason Hunt comes the next installment in the New York Times bestselling Bushcraft series--a go-to first aid resource for anyone headed into the woods. Out in the woods or on top of a mountain, there's no calling 9-1-1. Bushcraft First Aid teaches you how to be your own first responder. The authors' years of experience and training will help hikers and backpackers deal with a variety of emergency situations, from cuts and burns to broken bones and head injuries. You'll also learn what to pack and how to make bandages, dressings, and slings at a moment's notice. As bushcraft experts, Canterbury and Hunt explain how to use plants as medicine to treat various conditions. Bushcraft First Aid provides the lifesaving information you need to keep yourself and your fellow hikers safe on the trail"-- Provided by publisher

SAS survival handbook : how to survive in the wild, in any climate, on land or at sea / John "Lofty" Wiseman.
613.69 WISEMAN
A survival guide from the Special Air Service offers a complete course on how to be prepared for any type of emergency--from natural disasters to terrorist attacks to wilderness adventures--explaining how to adapt successfully to various climates, how to identify edible plants, and how to build a fire, with tips on first aid, campcraft, emergency preparation, and more. The SAS Survival Handbook is the Special Air Service's complete course in being prepared for any type of emergency. John Wiseman presents real strategies for surviving in any type of situation, from accidents and escape procedures, including chemical and nuclear to successfully adapting to various climates (polar, tropical, desert), to identifying edible plants and creating fire. The book is extremely practical and is illustrated throughout with easy-to-understand line art and diagrams.

Episode 211 - Movie Chat : Eagle vs Shark

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 07:00:00 -0500

Nicole's Movie Chat for this week is 2007's Eagle vs Shark, starring Loren Taylor and Jemaine Clement. Directed by Taika Waititi.

From IMDb : The tale of two socially-awkward misfits and the strange ways they try to find love: through revenge on high-school bullies, burgers, and video games.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0494222/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Reserve a copy with your MCPL library card here : http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1477010

Amazon Prime members, click here to watch instantly : https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Vs-Shark-Loren-Horsley/dp/B09FXSFV8Y/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3GN4V5I3TAJ3W&keywords=eagle+vs+shark&qid=1644955379&s=instant-video&sprefix=eagle+vs+shark%2Cinstant-video%2C46&sr=1-1

Episode 210 - Oscar Nominations, NYT Best Sellers, and More Black History Month Book Picks

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 06:30:00 -0500

We've been doing this for 4 years this week! Wow. Thanks for listening...

We have a packed show this week!

Nicole reminds everyone that we have a handy link on our website where you can see our NYT Best Seller lists in our catalog.

NYT Middle Grade Best Seller Book List : http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/search?/ftlist^bib38%2C1%2C0%2C13/mode=2

NYT Young Adult Best Seller Book List : http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/search?/ftlist^bib35%2C1%2C0%2C20/mode=2

Sara discusses this year's Academy Award nominations : https://abc.com/shows/oscars/collection/nominees

Finally, Sal has some picks for adult books for Black History Month. Here's the list:

Black Fortunes by Shomari Wills - http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1836863

Here's the episode of History Bites on CJ Walker : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfZiDjk1UMo

The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson - http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1543711

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates - http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1690873

Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly - http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1756680

March Trilogy by John Lewis - http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1618889, http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1773211, http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1773212

Out of Darkness, Shining Light by Petina Gappah - http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1958409

The Memory of Love by Aminatta Forna - http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1552383

Do you have any Black History Month book recommendations? Comment below and let us know!

Want to listen to our premiere episode? Find it here : https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-wybnf-ac253c

Episode 209 - Olympics Facts + Black History Month Books

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 06:45:00 -0500

The Winter Olympics have begun and Sara has some interesting facts about the Olympics as well as discussing her longing to be an Olympic Curling champion...

If you want to read the facts, check it out here:

https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/history/greece/facts-about-the-olympics/

It's Black History Month and Nicole has some great book recommendations for kids and teens. You can read the lists she used here:

Books for Black History Month

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/85638-children-s-and-ya-books-for-black-history-month-2021.html as well as here

New YA Books by Black Authors

https://www.epicreads.com/blog/new-ya-books-black-authors/

Episode 208 - Happy Lunar New Year!

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 06:30:00 -0500

We celebrate the Year of the Tiger by chatting about the Chinese Zodiac and Lunar New Year.

As a bonus, Nicole has this month's Book Horoscopes!

Here are Your Zodiac Animal Book Recommendations from Penguin Random House that Sara mentioned. Plus information on the Chinese Zodiac here and history of Lunar New Year here.

PLUS - Take a look at your Book Horoscopes for February.

Episode 207 - Doth Thou Speaketh Shakespeare?

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 10:16:36 -0500

Did you know you might be quoting Shakespeare? Nicole discusses a Mental Floss article (https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/60264/21-phrases-you-use-without-realizing-youre-quoting-shakespeare) and Sara has some opinions about it. Plus Sara has a preview of next month's DVDs.

Want to read some Shakespeare? Check him out here: http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/search?/ashakespeare%2C+william/ashakespeare+william/1%2C3%2C707%2CB/exact&FF=ashakespeare+william+++++1564+++++1616&1%2C704%2C

Looking for the new DVD list? Reserve your copies here: http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/search?/ftlist^bib02%2C1%2C0%2C6/mode=2

Plus some housekeeping: The Youth Services Department now has an excellent way of organizing their collection. Next time you visit, you'll see items broken up into easy-to-browse categories: Favorites, Action/Adventures, Historical Fiction, Mystery & Suspense, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, and General Fiction. Check it out on your next visit to MCPL!

Episode 206 - Food Trivia

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 07:00:00 -0500

Join us for another trivia episode that may just make you a little bit hungry...

Did you know you can visit the library to access an amazing database that includes The Oxford Companion of Food, An A-Z of Food and Drinks, An Encyclopedia of Food & Drinks in America, and more? Come down and ask a librarian on how you want access these resources.

Plus don't forget the hundreds of books related to cooking, food history, and diet recipes in our collection, including The Encyclopedia of Food and Culture, The Cambridge World History of Food, and the classic Joy of Cooking. All of this and much more is available using that little powerful piece of plastic in your wallet: your MCPL library card!

Also...comment and let us know if you think Taco Bell is the best fast food restaurant.

Episode 205 - World of Color

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 11:37:17 -0500

Nicole remembers illustrator Steve Jenkins; Sara asks what your favorite color is and what it means. PLUS There's plenty to do this winter at the library, both virtually and in person! Make sure to check out our online programming catalog for all the wonderful things we have to offer at MCPL!

Steve Jenkins https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-authors/article/88266-obituary-steve-jenkins.html

Check out one of his many books at the library : https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/search?/ajenkins%2C+steve/ajenkins+steve/1%2C5%2C84%2CB/exact&FF=ajenkins+steve+++++1952&1%2C69%2C

Want to learn more about Color Psychology? Take a gander at this e-book with your MCPL library card: https://livebrary.overdrive.com/media/2679348

A reminder: VITA is virtual once again this year and provided by our friends at Bethpage Federal Credit Union. Registration opens on 1/18/22. Use this link to get more information and to apply for an appointment: http://lovebethpage.com/vita

Episode 204 - Movie Chat : The Matador (2005)

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 07:00:00 -0500

We kick the new year off with a movie chat!

Sara's cinephile co-worker suggested this one: The Matador, from 2005 starring Pierce Brosnan, Greg Kinnear, and Hope Davis. Written and directed by Richard Shepard.

Julian Noble is an unshaven, unnerved and unpredictable freelance assassin, who happens to encounter desperate businessman Danny Wright in the bar of a modern Mexico City hotel. Danny is intrigued when Julian reveals that he's a "facilitator of fatalities," and his wife becomes equally fascinated when Julian shows up unexpectedly, six months later, at Danny's home in Denver. Having lost his touch as a reliable hit-man, Julian needs Danny's help with "one last job," but the logistics of Julian's lethal profession brings them both in contact with other employees out to get Julian.

You can watch this movie instantly with your MCPL library card and a free Hoopla Digital account here: https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/13972517

Or if you like, you can watch it (albeit with commercials) here at IMDb TV: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.3b587200-4047-43a5-a9d5-2e14714f7f51?ref=imdb_web&autoplay=1&ref_=imdbref_tt_wbr_fdv&tag=imdbtag_tt_wbr_fdv-20

Also available from our vast DVD collection. Reserve a copy here: http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1434144

If you want to read trivia or see detailed information about this film, check out the IMDb record https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0365485/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Episode 203 - Looking Forward to 2022

Thu, 30 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0500

As we wrap up 2021, we look forward to what's coming in 2022. The podcast team presents their picks!

Nicole is looking forward to:

Top Gun: Maverick
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1745960/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Perfect Equation / Elizabeth Everett
https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-593-20064-3

Reminders of Him / Colleen Hoover
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/colleen-hoover/reminders-of-him-hoover/?page=2

Pam and Tommy (Hulu)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13659418/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

House of the Dragon (HBO Max)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11198330/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

The Continental (Starz)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6486762/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Sara is looking forward to:

The Agathas
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/678467/the-agathas-by-kathleen-glasgow-and-liz-lawson/

The Fervor
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/667268/the-fervor-by-alma-katsu/

Refused - Songs to Fan the Flames of Discontent
https://www.officialrefused.com/

Jurassic World Dominion
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8041270/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9419884/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

John Wick: Chapter 4
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10366206/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2

Ambulance
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4998632/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

The Bad Guys
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8115900/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

Sal is looking forward to:

Tears for Fears - Tipping Point
https://tearsforfears.com/

Wild Rivers - Sidelines
https://www.wildriversmusic.com/

Ink Black Heart Galbraith
https://robert-galbraith.com/

Andor (Disney+)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9253284/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Obi Wan Kenobi (Disney+)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8466564/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

The Lord of the Rings (Prime TV)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7631058/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_6

Only Murders in the Building Season 2 (Hulu)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12851524/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

Thor: Love and Thunder
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10648342/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse - Part One
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9362722/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4123432/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

What are you looking forward to? Comment or e-mail us and let us know!

Wishing you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year!

Episode 202 - Our ”Favorite Things” of 2021

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 06:45:00 -0500

It's that time of year once again when the podcast team discusses their favorite things of the year.

Here's the list:

Books

Act your age, Eve Brown / Talia Hibbert
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2045961

The Christmas pig / J.K. Rowling
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2056566

30 / Adele
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2077625

Nothing But Thieves
https://www.nbthieves.com/music/

The Metallica blacklist / Metallica
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2069205

Equals / Ed Sheeran
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2072200

Megan Thee Stallion
https://megantheestallion.com/

The Bridge / Sting
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2074345

Starting Now / Toad the Wet Sprocket
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2079974

I Just Don't Know What to Do with Myself / Colin Hay
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2079973

Star Climber / 7and5
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kfxHfQXRmHabLyqT8W4w--H3LumZ7TNFM

Ultra Chill / Mars Lasar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bY4gx7InJc

Halcyon / Ryan Farish
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFmZ48BR3vY&list=PLDnNz0AN_2can1oqydqUpoVvQU8hT-ujQ

Television

Squid Game
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10919420/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Mare of Easttown
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2076260

Shadow and bone / Leigh Bardugo
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2403776/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1578787

Wheel of Time
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/search?/tThe+wheel+of+time+%3B+0/twheel+of+time++++++++0/-3,-1,0,B/browse

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7462410/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

Arcane
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/search?/tAn+Arcane+Society+novel+%3B+1/tarcane+society+novel++++++++1/-3,-1,0,B/browse

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11126994/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Reservation Dogs
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13623580/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Only Murders in the Building
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12851524/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Loki
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9140554/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Wandavision
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9140560/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Falcon and the Winter Soldier
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9208876/?ref_=fn_al_tt_3

Movies

Shang-Chi and the legend of the ten rings
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2079689

Dune Part I
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1160419/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

Pig
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2075995

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11003218/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Free Guy
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2073463

BONUS - Nicole's TikTok Obsession:

Best of MLB Mic'd Up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHCUsmldRNE

Episode 201 - More Book Horoscopes + Cozy Murder Mysteries

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 06:30:00 -0500

Once again Nicole digs deep into the huge bag of goodies that Book Riot sends her to pull out another set of Book Horoscopes! This week she concentrates on our summer-born listeners. If your horoscope isn't mentioned, no worries... here's the link where you can view all of December's Book Horoscopes from our friends at Book Riot : https://bookriot.com/december-2021-horoscopes-and-book-recommendations/

Plus Sara is here to warm up our cold nights with some cozy murder mysteries for the holiday season.

Sara's picks (use the link to reserve or download your copy with your MCPL library card):

Holiday buzz / Cleo Coyle http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1590422

Homicide for the holidays [electronic resource eBook] / Cheryl Honigford http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1843083

Christmas cupcake murder / Joanne Fluke http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2021747

Mrs. Claus and the Santaland slayings / Liz Ireland http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2025359

The diva wraps it up [electronic resource eBooks] / Krista Davis http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1694162

Cruel winter : a County Cork mystery / Sheila Connolly http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1777814

Murder at an Irish Christmas / Carlene O'Connor http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2025526

What's your favorite murder mystery series? Let us know in the comments!

Episode 200 - Two Hundred!

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 11:15:54 -0500

For our 200th episode, we thought we'd just...chat. So sit back and prepare to dig deep into the inner recesses of Sara, Nicole, and Sal as they answer the burning questions you've all been afraid to ask.

We cover a lot in this episode, so here are some of the links to the things mentioned:

All our Movie Chats are here : https://www.mcplpodcast.com/?s=movie+chat

Sara's least favorite commercial : https://youtu.be/_o_st1zmDHw

Sal's favorite long form commercial : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52roM4-5GWs

Sal's favorite commercial : https://youtu.be/hQKoOSy-8C0

You can watch Xanadu on Tubi for free : https://tubitv.com/movies/469625/xanadu

This is Nicole's Cartoon Crush : https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0140749/

Keanu Reeves, just because : https://people.com/tag/keanu-reeves/

Episode 199 - Banksy + New DVDs

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0500

Nicole discusses elusive street artist Banksy...there's a new children's book available that you might be interested in:

Banksy : graffitied walls and wasn't sorry / Fausto Gilberti
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2052167

Here's some info on the artist : https://banksyexplained.com/

Plus, the TikTok account of the woman who may or may not have an original : https://www.tiktok.com/@colalex?

Banksy also directed a film which we have in the collection : Exit Through The Gift Shop
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1545743

And speaking of DVDs...Sara has a preview of the new DVD list!

Episode 198 - Thankful for...Romantic Comedies!?

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0500

Happy Thanksgiving, listeners! As is tradition here at the podcast, we pull out some trivia for Thanksgiving week. But this year we are doing something a little different: unbeknownst to Nicole, Sara and Sal will try to stump her with romantic comedy descriptions!

Is Nicole the Romantic Comedy Queen of MCPL? Listen to find out...and maybe find your next movie to take out at the library for the long holiday weekend.

A reminder that while the library is closed on Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021, we are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If you want to skip the busy stores and sales, come visit us!

Listen to our other Thanksgiving episodes:

Episode 41 - https://mcpl.podbean.com/mf/play/2vrs49/wp-content_uploads_podcast_mcpl_episode_41.mp3

Episode 94 - https://mcpl.podbean.com/mf/play/vju7uq/mcpl_episode_94.mp3

Episode 146 - https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/qacurg/mcpl_episode_146.mp3

Episode 197 - This Week in History, Aruba, and the Price of Turkey

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0500

Sara has interesting history to chat about that happened this week; Nicole is relaxed after her trip to Aruba and has facts to share; Sal and the team discuss the increase in price of this year's Thanksgiving meal.

This week in History:

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/baby-fae-dies

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/oklahoma-enters-the-union

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/railroads-create-the-first-time-zones

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/lincoln-delivers-gettysburg-address

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-heidi-bowl

Aruba Facts

https://www.aruba.com/us/our-island/island-facts

Culturegrams

Trouble Free Travel with Children

Thanksgiving Dinner Costs 21% More Than it Did in 2020 https://www.thebalance.com/thanksgiving-dinner-cost-5209487

Thanksgiving Dinner Money-Saving Tips https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2021/11/09/thanksgiving-budget-tips/

Do you or someone you know need help getting a meal this Thanksgiving? Check out these resources:

Food Pantries on Long Island (211 Database)

Island Harvest

Episode 196 - Movie Chat Special : The Star Wars Saga (Part I)

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0500

Star Wars, which can arguably be called one of the greatest cinematic series of our time, has recently become a somewhat divisive subject among fans. Even more unbelievable, our very own Nicole had not seen the majority of the movies. This is the first episode of a three part series in which Sara and Sal try to "make it right." (By forcing Nicole to watch!!!)

Join us for a super-sized and downright lively Movie Chat as the team discusses the first three chapters of the Star Wars Saga: The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith.

We have so many things Star Wars in our collection, from movies to books to much more. You can check it all out here: http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us:2084/search/?searchtype=Y&searcharg=star+wars&sortdropdown=-&SORT=D&extended=0&SUBMIT=Search&searchlimits=&searchorigarg=aa

Episode 195 - A Chat with Author Douglas A. Bass

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 06:15:00 -0400

We are thrilled to have Middle Country native and author Douglas A. Bass on this week's show to chat about his novel Ebenezer: The True Life Story of Ebenezer Scrooge.

MCPL patrons can reserve their copy to read here: http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1808142

You can also get your own copy: https://amzn.to/3BBFsUs

See him on Good Morning, Rochester here!

Also: Our Annual Scales & Tails Pet Fair is back for 2021! Join us on Saturday, November 13th from 11am to 2pm in Centereach for a fun and educational day centered around the health and safety of Long Island's pet population. Exhibiters from local and regional organizations including rescue groups, shelters and pet therapy groups will be in attendance. No registration is required.

Episode 194 - Happy Halloween with the MCPL Horror Movie Queen!

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 06:15:00 -0400

It'll probably be a futile attempt, but to celebrate Halloween this year, Sal and Nicole will try to stump Sara with horror film descriptions. Will she prevail? Hey, it's Sara...she's the Queen of Horror Movie Trivia at MCPL!

Happy Halloween, everyone!

Episode 193 - More Scary Stories...

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 06:00:00 -0400

Last year we read from some spooky stories to get you into the mood for Halloween... you can listen to that episode here: https://www.mcplpodcast.com/e/episode-141-scary-stories/

This year we have some more scary stuff to share. If you'd like to read them yourself, check this out:

Sara's picks:

The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

The Hunger by Alma Katsu

Nicole's picks:

Dia de los Muertos—the Day of the Dead

More Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz

R.L. Stine's Fear Street Series

Carrie by Stephen King

Sal reads Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's Haunted Houses

Episode 192 - Movie Chat : The Descent

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 06:00:00 -0400

Our next Movie Chat is a spooky one just in time for Halloween: The Descent (2005) starring Shauna Macdonald, Natalie Mendoza, and Alex Reid. Directed by Neil Marshall. This UK horror flick is sure to stir up some emotions...but be warned: there be big spoilers ahead!

Watch the film on demand using your MCPL library card on Kanopy here. Or reserve a DVD copy here.

Here is the alternate ending (also known as the "UK" ending or the "better" ending) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kxz2ueA3ok

Episode 191 - MGM Comes to Kanopy

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 06:40:00 -0400

Kanopy, the streaming service available to MCPL patrons, has recently announced the addition of the majority of the MGM catalog! We discuss some of the films that you might like. Plus Sara has a few additional picks from the Kanopy library.

To browse what MGM titles are available, click here.

Episode 190 - Banned Books & Baking

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 06:45:00 -0400

It's a week of "B" words!

It's the American Library Association's Banned Books Week. Check out their information site here.

Nicole has a list of the top 10 "banned and challenged" books of last year, you can also read it as well.

Sara started watching the new season of the Great British Baking Show and wanted to discuss some of the interesting baking words that are used that we may not quite be familiar with, along with some great books here at the library.

A baker's life : from childhood bakes to five-star excellence / Paul Hollywood

The great British baking show: Love to bake / project editor, Judy Barratt

The big book of amazing cakes / Linda Collister

You can also catch up on older seasons (DVD) here.

Episode 189 - Upcoming Programming + October DVD List Preview

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0400

Do you, or someone you know, face obstacles in getting to the library? If so, please contact us to learn more about the possibility of having library materials delivered to your home. In addition to the library’s continuing service for homebound patrons, the library will be starting a three-month trial this fall of an additional delivery service, specifically designed for patrons who have difficulty getting to the library, such as those dealing with transportation or mobility issues. Please contact 631-585-9393 ext. 302 for more details.

For more information on the Stony Brook Healthy Libraries Program, click here.

There are still seats for a number of great teen and children's programs at the library, check out our new handy dandy online calendar for more information!

Sara is here to delight us with another preview of October's New DVD list...and it's pretty solid this time.

Episode 188 - Movie Chat : John Wick

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 08:59:08 -0400

This week we discuss the popular 2014 flick, John Wick starring Keanu Reeves.

Here's the IMDb listing: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2911666/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Have a card with MCPL? Reserve your copy here : https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1665922

Episode 187 - What Does Your Birthday Mean + Mansions of Newport

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0400

Sara has some interesting things to share regarding our birthdays... take a look a the books she discussed on today's episode:

The Secret Language of Birthdays

The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need

Plus if you'd like to check out more books like the ones above, check this out in our catalog.

Nicole recently came back from a lovely vacation touring the mansions of Newport, Rhode Island. If you'd like to check out more information about them, as well as the wonderful mansions we have here on Long Island, use these resources:

http://www.newportmansions.org

https://www.thirteen.org/program-content/a-guide-to-long-islands-gold-coast-mansions/

https://www.discoverlongisland.com/listings/mansions-arboretums/

You can also check out books here. Plus don't forget to take advantage of our Museum Pass program!

Episode 186 - Name that Movie

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 12:57:27 -0400

Sal tries to stump Sara and Nicole to see if they can identify movies just by their official descriptions from Internet Movie Database.

Episode 185 - Theme Park Movie Rides + Tom Cruise Appreciation

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 07:00:00 -0400

Nicole has an interesting list of some theme park attractions/rides that have been made into movies (and visa-versa) plus Sara convinces us how wonderful Tom Cruise is. Do you agree?

Get some movies at the library that are also rides or attractions:

Pirates of the Caribbean

PLUS: Tom Cruise movies at the library are here.

Episode 184 - Are You Ready for Some Football?!?

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 09:59:57 -0400

Football season is upon us. Get ready with some interesting football facts.

Here's some books to get you in the mood:

The ultimate Super Bowl book : a complete reference to the stats, stars, and stories behind football's biggest game-- and why the best team won / Bob McGinn ; foreword by Michael MacCambridge.
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1540736

In life, first you kick ass : reflections on the 1985 Bears and wisdom from Da Coach / Mike Ditka, with Rick Telander

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1437610

Badasses : the legend of Snake, Foo, Dr. Death, and John Madden's Oakland Raiders / Peter Richmond.

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1547366

And of course, there are great football movies for you to check out: https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/essential-football-movies/

The season starts Thursday, Sept. 9th, 2021.

Episode 183 - Free Comic Books + Olympics Wrap-up

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 11:00:00 -0400

We have a jammed-packed episode for you this week!

National Free Comic Book Day is Saturday, Aug. 14th. Come down to the library to grab yours. Sara has some interesting Comic Book trivia...

Nicole is here with wrap-up of the Olympics plus a list of some interesting "firsts."

Jim Ward gives us the lowdown on what to expect at next week's first MCPL Music Under the Stars featuring the country band Southbound. The concert takes place in the parking lot on Tuesday, Aug. 17th at 7pm. (Doors open at 5:30p) Come down early for line dancing instruction at 6pm!

Episode 182 - Your Own Asian Film Festival + August Book Horoscopes

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 09:31:11 -0400

The 20th Annual NY Asian Film Festival starts this weekend, and if you can't make it to the city, how about creating your very own at home with a great selection of movies we have here at the library in our Foreign Film DVD collection! Sara can get you started with a few of her favorites.

Plus it's the beginning of the month and Nicole is thrilled to once again use her absolute favorite website, Book Riot, to clue us in on our Book Horoscopes for August. Want to check yours out? Click here.

Episode 181 - National Night Out is Back!

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 11:42:07 -0400

National Night Out is a community-police awareness-raising event in the United States, held the first Tuesday of August. We are pleased to have our colleague and Coordinator of Outreach Services Deborah Hempe here to chat with us about this year's event taking place on Tuesday, August 3rd from 5:30-8:30pm at the Centereach Pool.

The local NNO event is a partnership between the 6th Precinct of the SCPD, Councilman Kevin LaValle at the Town of Brookhaven, and MCPL.

While not required, registration for the event is highly recommended. Visit http://brookhavenny.gov/nno to RSVP.

If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact the Councilman LaValle's office at 631-451-6647.

Episode 180 - Movie Chat : The Birthday Cake

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 08:44:32 -0400

Another movie chat, and this time Nicole has spun the wheel to land on a new flick, The Birthday Cake. Is it delicious or deadly? Listen to find out. PS - there will be spoilers, obviously!

MCPL patrons can reserve a copy here: http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2064580

Here's the IMDb listing: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10719958/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

That scene from Family Guy : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvpNdwh__Fc

Episode 179 - Norse Mythology + Attracting Butterflies

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 10:30:00 -0400

Nicole's been watching Ragnarok and Loki which has piqued her interest in Norse Mythology...she has some interesting books to check out next time you are at the library.

Check out these books on Norse Mythology:

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Treasury of Norse mythology stories of intrigue, trickery, love, and revenge by Donna Jo Napoli

Plus some Norse God-themed fiction:

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard - Sword of Summer

Valhalla Rising (DVD)

Plus Sara is here to talk butterflies and the best way to attract them and their mouth parts to your yard:

A resource on Butterflies in the US

The Rarest Butterfly on Earth

Attracting Butterflies

Parts of a Butterfly

Episode 178 - New DVDs are not for Composting

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 10:20:01 -0400

Where else can you hear about new DVD releases at the library plus interesting info on composting?

Sara has an update on new DVD releases this month. If you'd like to view the current list, click here.

Nicole has started a new project at the library: a worm composting bin. While it's currently in the beginning stages out of view, it will soon be available to see at our Nature Explorium.

If you'd like to start your own Indoor Worm Composting Bin, check this out.

Here is interesting information from Cornell on composting: Worm Composting Basics.

There are also great books to be seen here.

Want to get hyper-local weather info? Check out the library's weather station page here, or our Twitter feed here.

Episode 177 - Let's Go Camping!

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 09:30:00 -0400

It's the time of year when many folks go camping...so why not we take a look at interesting facts from Statista on camping in the U.S. Just a reminder... Statista is an amazing online resource that gives you access to statistics and demographics on market and consumer data from around the world. It's available to all MCPL cardholders as well as our Miller Business Center members. For more information, visit http://www.statista.com

Here are some resources for you if you are interested in going camping this summer:

Kampgrounds of America https://koa.com/

Good Sam https://www.goodsam.com/

Reserve America https://www.reserveamerica.com/

NYS Parks https://parks.ny.gov/camping/

Home to the Largest NYS Park https://enchantedmountains.com/facts/home-largest-new-york-state-park-11

Want to find a book or eBook on camping? Click here.

Episode 176 - Summer Programming is Here!

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 09:29:58 -0400

We are so happy to let you in on some amazing programming coming this summer, both in person and virtual, for our patrons. Plus did you know we have discount tickets to some great attractions? Listen and find out.

Read about all the programs mentioned in this episode here: http://www.mcplibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/MCPL_Quarterly.pdf

See where you can get discounted attraction tickets here: https://www.mcplibrary.org/discount-tickets-area-attractions-mcpl/

Here's the information on where Nicole took a nice walk, Storm King Art Center.

Episode 175 - Summer Reading Club 2021

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 06:00:00 -0400

The 2021 MCPL Summer Reading Club starts next week! We are happy to have Jessica, Michelle, Amber and Alex join us to talk about what to expect for this year's club throughout the library.

Get all the details as well access Beanstack to sign up for this year's event here: https://www.mcplibrary.org/summer-reading-club/

Episode 174 - Water Safety + New DVDs

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 11:00:00 -0400

Summer is upon us and so are opportunities to cool down in either a pool or at the beach. Nicole has some information on water safety along with sobering facts.

Here are some resources to check out before diving in:

National Drowning Prevention Alliance

Red Cross Water Safety

Watersports Safety and First Aid reserve it here

Make my World Safe - Around Water reserve it here

PLUS: Sara has a new coming soon DVD list to share...it's not all that bad!

Episode 173 - Pride Month 2021

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 10:55:04 -0400

Sara has some interesting history on how Pride Month came to be; Nicole has some resources for you to check out.

History of Pride Month: https://www.them.us/story/the-complete-history-of-pride

LGBTQ+ Children's Literature: https://csulb.libguides.com/childrens/lgbtq

Stonewall Book Awards: http://www.ala.org/rt/rrt/award/stonewall/honored

Great LGBTQ+ Books for kids and teens: https://www.readbrightly.com/9-great-lgbtq-books-kids/

YA Books: https://www.epicreads.com/blog/lgbtq-ya-books-pride/ and http://www.yapride.org

Episode 172 - Trivia Showdown 2021: Part II

Thu, 27 May 2021 07:00:00 -0400

Did you know patrons of the library have access to almost 200 online resources and databases to help with homework, research, business building, trivia and so much more? What better way to showcase some of them by having Sal ask Sara and Nicole another round of trivia questions? Can you guess the answers before they do? Listen and play along!

Patrons of MCPL can browse our extensive list of resources here.

Listen to Part I of our Trivia Showdown here: https://www.mcplpodcast.com/e/episode-162-trivia-showdown-2021-part-i/

Episode 171 - Virtual Museum Day 2021

Thu, 20 May 2021 07:00:00 -0400

Happy Museum Day (or day after Nicole's birthday day)!

On this episode, Sara has some unique New York City museums you might be interested in visiting; Nicole has a list of museums that will be doing virtual online events for today; and Sal reminds listeners about a fantastic resource to MCPL patrons, Museum Passes.

Here's the list Nicole was mentioning regarding virtual events:

https://www.mcplibrary.org/museum-day-2021-museum-resources-at-home/

Here's what Sara was talking about: New York’s quirkiest museums (timeout.com)

Want to visit one of the museums Sal mentioned and have an MCPL library card? Click here.

Episode 170 - Movie Chat : Dreamland

Thu, 13 May 2021 07:00:00 -0400

"Did you actually watch this movie, Sal?!"

That... plus much more from the podcast team as we discuss 2019's Dreamland, starring Margot Robbie and Finn Cole!

If you haven't seen the film yet and want to know what we are talking about (and confirm whether or not Sal actually WATCHED the film), you can reserve it with your MCPL card:

DVD http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2041216

BluRay http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2041217

IMDb listing: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5294522/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2

Episode 169 - Mother's Day Movie Picks + Horror Books You Should Know About

Thu, 06 May 2021 07:00:00 -0400

Nicole has some great movies you can watch with mom this Mother's Day.

Here are some ideas: https://parade.com/1204242/stephanieosmanski/mothers-day-movies/

Sara has a list of Horror Books that you may (or may not) have missed reading last year.

You can click on the link and use your MCPL library card to reserve a copy:

Vampires never get old : tales with fresh bite / edited by Zoraida Cordova and Natalie C. Parker
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2041373

Horrid [electronic resource eBook] / Katrina Leno
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2048654

The Hollow Places
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2016975

Burn Our Bodies Down
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2005613

Empire of Wild
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2016800

Ring Shout
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2021870

The Year of the Witching
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2011530

Survivor Song
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2016323

Plain Bad Heroines
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2022109

If It Bleeds
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2004506

Mexican Gothic
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2004467

The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1986262

The Only Good Indians
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2005497

The Deep
http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1980062

Episode 168 - May 2021 New DVD List Preview + Another Book Riot Quiz

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 09:33:03 -0400

Next month's new DVD release list actually sounds pretty good this time...Sara has the details.

You can view and reserve the new DVD list (when it's published) here

And once again Nicole reaches out to her "friends" at Book Riot for another quiz...this time, find out what great new nature themed children's book we should be reading...

Take the Book Riot Quiz here

And hey...have you registered to comment yet? You should! Visit our podcast page on Podbean, whydontcha? And if you are already here...hey, subscribe and register to comment!

Episode 167 - What's Available for Teen Community Service + Get Ready to Be Out There

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 09:08:03 -0400

In housekeeping this week: Lynda.com, one of our most popular resources here at the library, is now LinkedIn Learning. Check out the amazing online video classes you can take with your library card or Miller Business Center membership.

Nicole has a great list of community service opportunities for MCPL teens. Plus Sara has a couple of great books to prepare you for getting out there again in the world as the pandemic restrictions start to ease. Would you be ready to present yourself at a job interview, public speech, or even a date? Check out what Sara has to say about her selections:

Pitch perfect : how to say it right the first time, every time / Bill McGowan and Alisa Bowman

Effective business speaking / by Judith A. McManus

Episode 166 - Movie Chat : Tesla

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 11:46:39 -0400

Nikola Tesla was a brilliant man whose research and inventions led the way to the pleasantries in life we take for granted today. We spun the Movie Chat Wheel and it landed on Tesla (2020) starring Ethan Hawke and Eve Hewson. Was it everything we hoped for? Eh...not so much, but it's worth a listen to this week's discussion and you can decide for yourself.

If anything, this week's episode will perhaps pique your interest in Tesla.

Tesla is available at the library for MCPL cardholders to take out in DVD format here: http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2046217 and BluRay here: http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2046218. You can also watch on Hulu, if you subscribe.

Some interesting links:

Tesla on IMDb

The Oatmeal : Why Tesla was the Greatest Geek Who Ever Lived

Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe

Episode 165 - National Poetry Month

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 09:30:03 -0400

It's National Poetry Month!

Nicole and Sara have some great resources for you to check out this month. Plus we get Sara reciting some poems about wine and dogs...how much better can it get? Listen and find out.

Check these out:

The Poetry Foundation

Academy of American Poets

Columbia Granger's World of Poetry (Use your library card to access)

10 of the Best and Most Famous Opening Lines in English Poetry

Episode 164 - Kanopy + Let's Go Bicycling

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 07:00:00 -0400

A reminder that the Library Budget Vote takes place on April 6th, 2021 from 9:30am to 9:00pm at the Centereach building.

April is here and we have new theme song...no foolin'!

On this episode: Sara lets everyone know why Kanopy is such an amazing service for our patrons! Click here for details.

Nicole gets us into the warm-weather mood to discuss bike riding and how to be safe...plus we have a great program coming up that's being presented by the New York Coalition for Transportation Safety that's all about biking and hiking on Long Island. Register here: https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=g1015208

How well do you know the bicycling rules in New York? Take the quiz. Plus there are safety resources here for you to peruse.

Episode 163 - It's Award Season

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 07:00:00 -0400

It's awards season once again, and Sara and Nicole are chatting about the Oscars and the Audie Awards.

To see the Audie winners for 2021, visit https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/awards-and-prizes/article/85874-2021-audie-award-winners-announced.html

To see a list of Oscar nominations, visit https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2021

A reminder that the Library Budget Vote takes place on Tuesday, April 6th from 9:30am to 9:00pm. You can click here for detailed information about this year's budget.

Episode 162 - Trivia Showdown 2021: Part I

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 07:00:00 -0400

Sara and Nicole go head-to-head for an Ultimate Trivia Showdown! Who will win this round? Listen to find out.

We did something different this time, as there is no single subject. Let us know in the comments what you think of this format. This is the first Showdown...stayed tuned for Part II coming up soon.

Sal uses Statista to create his trivia questions. Statista is an excellent resource for small business owners, students, and more. Visit the Miller Business Center at our Centereach building to access this database. Or to take a look at some of their complimentary features, visit www.statista.com.

Episode 161 - Women's History Month & Irish-American Heritage Month

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 07:15:00 -0500

This month is both Women's History Month AND Irish-American Heritage Month. Nicole and Sara have some suggestions to celebrate both.

Nicole's Book list:

https://www.internationalwomensday.com/ReadingList-Schools

Music of Ella Fitzgerald Take and Make:

https://youtu.be/JKz8FTaeNDY.

Sara's Irish Movie Picks:

In America

http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1400962

Brooklyn

http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1721531

Far and Away

http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1584346

Angela’s Ashes

http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1358733

Top 10 Reasons To Visit Ireland In 2021

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziszt1UZSPI

Plus: Sara thinks that Anakin Skywalker in Attack of the Clones was using his Jedi powers on Padme to make her fall for him. Agree? Send us a comment!

Episode 160 - Movie Chat : Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 16:21:23 -0500

Nicole, Sara, and Sal try to make sense of the 2011 suspense flick, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy starring Gary Oldman.

Here's a well done YouTube video explaining the ending: https://youtu.be/TBo6yJmSwHI

Maybe you have another opinion? Let us know!

Reserve your copy here: http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1573777

Episode 159 - Centereach Renovation News, Podcast Recommendations + Library of Things Update

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 13:14:08 -0500

Sara has exciting news about the upcoming renovations happening in Centereach. Nicole has some podcast recommendations for Black History Month. Stephanie is here to give us an update on what's new with our Library of Things collection.

Take a look at renderings of the renovations here.

Here's where you can listen to and subscribe to the podcasts Nicole discussed:

https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2021/02/black-history-month-podcasts-race-social-justice-history

https://www.forbes.com/sites/courtstroud/2021/02/11/12-podcasts-to-download-during-black-history-month-and-beyond/?sh=701923d43db0

Take a look at our Library of Things collection.

Episode 158 - Special Episode : History Bites & Martin Luther King, Jr.

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 07:00:00 -0500

Jim Ward is back to discuss our YouTube series, History Bites. In honor of Black History Month, we present a listen to the History Bites episode celebrating the rise of civil rights pioneer Martin Luther King, Jr., narrated by our very own Sara.

To watch this episode of History Bites on YouTube, visit https://youtu.be/IszM2ig4dgs

Browse other History Bites episodes here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtHm7OODwmnZOdhMYzxTdkMU6Q-BzFIvZ

Episode 157 - Valentine's Day to President's Day

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 07:00:00 -0500

Happy Valentine's Day...and Happy President's Day!

It's that time of year again... Nicole is soooo happy to talk about romance novels and romantic movies. Plus our own in-house history buff Jim Ward is tested on his knowledge of Presidential trivia by Sara. Will he prevail? Listen to find out.

Episode 156 - Suggestions for Black History Month 2021

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 14:26:45 -0500

This week we are kicking off this year's Black History Month with some suggestions of movies, books, and music highlighting African-American authors, actors, musicians, and more.

Here are links to what we discussed in this episode:

Kevin Hart's guide to black history [DVD-videorecording] / directed by Tom Stern

I am not your Negro [DVD-videorecording] / Magnolia Pictures presents ; directed by Raoul Peck.

And still I rise : black America since MLK : an illustrated chronology / Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Kevin M. Burke

Bartlett's familiar black quotations : [5,000 years of literature, lyrics, poems, passages, phrases and proverbs from voices around the world] / Retha Powers, general editor ; foreword by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

Black Gotham : a family history of African Americans in nineteenth-century New York City / Carla L. Peterson.

Black roots in Smithtown : a short history of the Black community / by Bradley Harris

The music of black Americans: a history

Julian Bond's time to teach : a history of the southern civil rights movement / Julian Bond ; edited by Pamela Horowitz and Jeanne Theoharis ; foreword by Pamela Horowitz ; introduction by Jeanne Theoharis ; photographs by Danny Lyon ; afterword by Vann R. Newkirk II

The entertainer [sound recording] / Scott Joplin

Howlin' Wolf the Definitive Collection [sound recording] / Howlin' Wolf

4Ever [sound recording] / Prince

The Centennial Collection [sound recording] / Robert Johnson

Hollywood Africans / Jon Batiste

Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners

Episode 155 - How did this get (re)made?

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 07:56:59 -0500

After our Little Women movie chat, Sal got to thinking what the original was like so he watched... and loved it. Even moreso than the remake. So this week we talk about movies that should not have been remade. (Plus we will throw a book or two that should not have been made into a movie in there for good measure)

Episode 154 - Presidential Books for Kids + New DVD Preview

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 08:00:00 -0500

With the inauguration of our new president and vice president, Nicole has some great book selections for kids about the White House, Presidents of the United States, and more. Plus Sara has a sneak peak of next month's new DVDs.

Episode 153 - Movie Chat: Little Women (2019)

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 07:00:00 -0500

Sara spins the Wheel of Movies and lands on 2019's Little Women. Prepare yourself for a lively discussion on this unique version of the classic story.

Little Women stars Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern, Timothée Chalamet, Tracy Letts, Bob Odenkirk, Louis Garrel, Meryl Streep and Chris Cooper.

Here's the IMDb listing: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3281548/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

MCPL cardholders can reserve a copy here: http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2013899

Episode 152 - New Year Resolutions

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 13:55:27 -0500

Sara and Nicole have some ideas to support your New Year Resolutions for 2021!

Lose weight like crazy even if you have a crazy life! : life lessons and a breakthrough 30-day nutrition and fitness solution! / Autumn Calabrese

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2029682

Stay positive : encouraging quotes and messages to fuel your life with positive energy / Jon Gordon, Daniel Decker

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1976843

How to say no without feeling guilty : and say yes to more time, more joy, and what matters most to you / Patti Breitman and Connie Hatch

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1343865

Don't panic! : how to manage your finances and Financial anxieties during and after Coronavirus : tips, tricks, and guaranteed ways to secure your future / Christine Ibbotson

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2012834

The 30-day money cleanse : take control of your finances, manage your spending, and de-stress your money for good / Ashley Feinstein Gerstley

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1871898

The art of happiness at work / His holiness the Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1393546

The art of happiness : a handbook for living / the Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1322286

How to be a conscious eater : making food choices that are good for you, others, and the planet / Sophie Egan ; illustrated by Iris Gottlieb

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2013130

Intuitive eating : a revolutionary anti-diet approach / Evelyn Tribole, MS, RDN, CEDRD-S, Elyse Resch, MS, RDN, CEDRD-S, FAND

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2025374

Fitness Professional's Manual

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1719030

PLUS:

Dance Class Programs

https://www.myplate.gov/life-stages/preschoolers

Keeping Kids Active While Homeschooling

https://www.dhs.gov/employee-resources/blog/2020/09/22/keeping-kids-active-while-homeschooling

Kids Active Indoors

https://discoveries.childrenshospital.org/kids-active-indoors/

Teens can participate in health library programs here: https://bookriot.com/read-harder-2021/?amp_js_v=0.1

Sal also has some wild "holidays" celebrated in January... check them out, along with the rest of the year, here:

https://nationaltoday.com/national-day-calendar/

Episode 151 - Looking Forward to 2021

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 07:00:00 -0500

There's lots to look forward to in 2021 right? Let's see what the podcast team is looking forward to in terms of movies, music and more.

Episode 150 - Our "Favorite Things" of 2020

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 08:00:00 -0500

The podcast team picks their "favorite" things of 2020. It's a strange episode. Stick with us.

Here are pictures of Sara's "interesting animal facts":

Venezuelan Poodle Moth

Tenrec

Panda Ants

Nicole's Favorite Things:

Love Island

The Undoing

Megan Thee Stallion

Sal's Favorite Things:

The Magic of the Animal Kingdom

Izzy's Koala World

Bluey

Troubled Blood by Robert Galbraith

Dear Happy - Gabrielle Alpin

Pacific Blue - Nicholas Gunn

Life on the Flipside - Jimmy Buffett

Weather - Huey Lewis and the News

Episode 149 - Movie Chat: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 07:00:00 -0500

In this very seasonal movie chat, we discuss 1989's holiday classic, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation!

MCPL cardholders can reserve their copy here: http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1366526

Episode 148 - Some Book Recommendations

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 08:00:00 -0500

Sara and Nicole have some book recommendations to wrap up your 2020.

Sara's picks:

The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2016627

Little bookshop of murder / Maggie Blackburn
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2005930

The last story of Mina Lee / Nancy Jooyoun Lee
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1998246

Earthlings / Sayaka Murata ; translated from the Japanese by Ginny Tapley Takemori
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2022308

The cold millions / Jess Walter
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1998399

Anxious people / Fredrik Backman ; translated by Neil Smith
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1986156

Nicole's Picks (via BookRiot):

Hershel and the Hanukkah goblins / written by Eric A. Kimmel ; illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1344522

Leave me alone / Vera Brosgol
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1762820

Grandma's gift / Eric Velasquez
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1547499

Li'l Rabbit's Kwanzaa / Donna L. Washington ; illustrated by Shane W. Evans
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1547500

Ramadan moon / Na'ima B. Robert ; [illustrations by] Shirin Adl
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1527822

The mitten [electronic resource eBook] / a Ukrainian folktale adapted and illustrated by Jan Brett
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1765175

The Lotterys more or less / Emma Donoghue ; illustrated by Caroline Hadilaksono
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1904175

Seven spools of thread : a Kwanzaa story / by Angela Shelf Medearis ; illustrated by Daniel Minter
https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2039672

Santa’s Husband by Daniel Kibblesmith and AP Quach
Coming Soon!

Episode 147 - Holiday Movies + Women's EXPO 2020

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 07:00:00 -0500

It's that time of year when you may feel like watching a holiday or winter-themed flick...this is the episode to hear Sara and Nicole's picks!

Holiday DVDs are now available to browse and check out for MCPL cardholders. Ask a librarian for details.

Nicole's picks came from Common Sense Media. For those lists, go to https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/best-holiday-movies-for-kids or https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/best-winter-break-movies-for-kids

Sara's picks are:

Jack Frost

http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1359538

Four Christmases

http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1526112

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1480622

Disney’s A Christmas Carol

http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1541140

The Christmas Bunny

http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1706956

Scrooged

http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1368579

Plus... Elizabeth is here to talk about this year's Virtual Women's EXPO 2020! If you want to register to attend this virtual event and shop to support local women-owned businesses, visit http://www.womensEXPOli.org. And it you'd like to participate in this year's fab raffle, go here: https://go.rallyup.com/wexpoli20

Episode 146 - Thanksgiving 2020

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 08:54:26 -0500

What's become a bit of a tradition here at the podcast...Sal asking Nicole and Sara silly questions about food and such.

Listen to our other Thanksgiving episodes, including the infamous first trivia episode where Sara questions the veracity of our data and the true cost of a Thanksgiving Day meal.

Episode 41 (2018)
Episode 94 (2019)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Episode 145 - Movie Chat : Winged Migration

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 09:50:57 -0500

Nicole's turn to pick a flick! This week it's our first "documentary," 2001's Winged Migration. It's about birds. And migration. But is this your typical documentary? Listen to find out.

Reserve your copy here with your MCPL library card: https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1393767

IMDb listing here : https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0301727/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

A fantastic article about making the film by Patricia Thomson: https://www.patriciathomson.net/home/winged-migration

Episode 144 - Desert Island Picks

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 12:02:15 -0500

Imagine this. You are stuck on a desert island. Not because you are banished. Being banished is bad...

Maybe a plane crash? We don't know. What book, music, movie, thing would you hope to have with you? The podcast team tells us what they would want.

Episode 143 - Do you know your cell phone trivia?

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 10:00:00 -0500

Want another fun trivia episode? Sure, why not! And this time we are talking cell phones. It's that time of year when Apple introduces a new line of phones...but are they the most popular? Do you know what the average cost is for the alternative, and Android phone? Listen and find out.

As usual, Sal's questions come from one of our fabulous resources here at the Miller Business Center, Statista! You can access a plethora of information from this amazing database by visiting one of our branches. Ask a librarian for assistance in logging in!

Episode 142 - Spooky Movie Night Suggestions

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 15:45:02 -0400

We wrap up this special series of podcasts highlighting the library's 31 Days of October with a few suggestions from Sara and Nicole to satisfy your Spooky Movie cravings!

Sara's Picks are listed here, along with links to reserve for MCPL cardholders:

Crazies:

The Strangers- 2008

Scream- 1996 Wes Craven

Summer of 84- 2018

Pyscho- 1960 Alfred Hitchcock

Ghosts:

The Shining- Stanley Kubrick 1980

Beetlejuice- 1988 Tim Burton

The Ring- Gore Verbinski

Poltergeist- 1982

Vampires:

Bram Stoker’s Dracula- 1992 Francis Ford Coppola

Blade 1998

Lost Boys 1987 Joel Schumacher

Interview With a Vampire- 1994 (Anne Rice)

Zombies:

Dawn of the Dead- 1978 George Romero

Re-Animator- 1985 Stuart Gordon

Shaun of the Dead- 2004 Edgar Wright

Train to Busan- 2016 Yeon Sang Ho

Nicole recommends flicks from Common Sense Media here.

Episode 141 - Scary Stories to Listen to on the Podcast

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 13:20:15 -0400

Sara and Nicole read some scary stories to get you into a spooky mood. Part of MCPL's 31 days of October series.

Salem's Lot

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

This week's music credits:

The Chamber by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4486-the-chamber

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Past The Edge by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4997-past-the-edge

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Wizardtorium by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4639-wizardtorium

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Episode 140 - Movie Chat : The Thing (1982)

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 07:00:00 -0400

Sara has just the right movie for us to watch on this week's Movie Chat... 1982's The Thing, starring Kurt Russell and directed by horror legend John Carpenter. Be warned! There are spoilers ahead...

MCPL card holders can reserve the DVD here

Listen to Ennio Morricone's soundtrack via Hoopla Digital instantly here

Check out the IMDb listing

Episode 139 - Scary Kids TV Shows + Is this a real horror movie plot??

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 09:00:00 -0400

Nicole has a list of the top scary TV shows for kids (mostly from the late 90s, early 2000s) that you might be interested in...plus she reveals her top 5 favorite Are You Afraid of the Dark episodes.

10 Kids Shows that Were Actually Pretty Scary

Are You Afraid of the Dark?

Sara has a bit of a challenge for Nicole and Sal : she has cleverly created fake horror movie plots. Can they tell the difference between Sara's and the the real plot? Listen to find out!

Episode 138 - Spooky Kids Reads, Scary Adult Reads, and Horror Flicks!

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 10:20:26 -0400

Welcome to the 31 days of October! All this month we will be highlighting the spooky, scary, and sometimes silly.

Nicole has a nice collection of kids spooky books from the NYPL:

https://www.nypl.org/blog/2018/10/24/kids-halloween

Sara has selected some brand new fiction books that are meant to spook you:

Cruel acts / Jane Casey
The Poison Garden
The boatman's daughter
The patient / Jasper DeWitt
The hollow ones / Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan
Don't turn around / Jessica Barry

Want to SEE something scary? Check out Sal's horror movie list:

Carrie
Halloween
The Ring
2 Lava 2 Latuna
Ma
Don't Breathe
The Shining
The Omen
Night of the Living Dead
A Quiet Place
6 Souls
Psycho
Dead Silence
Texas Chainsaw Massacre
The Green Inferno
Rosemary's Baby
Get Out
Deathgasm
Silent Hill
Saw
Alien

Listen to our Movie Chat : Alien episode here

Bonus: Here is the episode of How Did This Get Made that Nicole mentioned!

Episode 137 - Movie Chat : Ratatouille

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 07:00:00 -0400

Sal's pick for the next movie chat is Disney/Pixar's 2007 gem, Ratatouille starring the voice talents of Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm, and Janeane Garofolo.

Have an MCPL card? Reserve the BluRay here.

Ratatouille on IMDb

10 Things You Probably Didn't Know about Ratatouille

Episode 136 - Video Game Trivia

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 07:00:00 -0400

Can you guess what the best selling console video game of all time is? Do you think Sara and Nicole can get it? Listen to find out as Sal tests them both with some video game trivia from Statista. Plus learn about our great video game collection at the library!

Statista is available to anyone who visits the library during normal business hours. Just ask a librarian for assistance in getting you on.

Did you know that we have a huge collection of video games for Nintendo, XBOX, and Playstation? Browse our catalog here.

Episode 135 - Fall Recipes, September Horoscopes + Eat this, not that

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 09:27:59 -0400

Sara is making us hungry with some recipes she downloaded from the great resource, RBDigital, available to MCPL cardholders. Nicole once again shares some book horoscopes, plus Sal is trying to lose some weight before gaining weight during the holidays.

Download some cooking magazines plus much more at RBDigital https://www.rbdigital.com/middlecountrylibraryny/service/magazines/landing?

Bite-Size Salted Caramel Cheesecakes- Rachel Ray
Flourless Chocolate Tarte- A Taste of Home
Chocolate Cake in a Pumpkin- Food Network
Cauliflower with Anchovies and Oil-Cured Olives- Eating Well

September Book Horoscopes are here

Need to lose weight? Try MyFitnessPal or LoseIt

Eat this, Not that! by David Zinczenko

Eat this, Not that Supermarket Survival Guide by David Zinczenko (eBook)

Episode 134 - Movie Chat : Just Mercy

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 08:00:00 -0400

This week it's Nicole's turn to pick a film, and she used an MCPL Teen's recommendation: 2019's Just Mercy, starring Michael B. Jordan and Jaime Foxx.

The film is based on a true story, and this book by Bryan Stevenson. MCPL cardholders: Use these embedded links if you'd like to reserve the DVD or BluRay.

If you'd like to learn more about the organization depicted in the film, the Equal Justice Initiative, click here.

If you want to take a look at the original 60 minutes interview mentioned in this episode, click here.

Episode 133 - Digital Detox + National Dog Day

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 09:34:57 -0400

Nicole has some info on detoxing your family's digital use; Sara has some fun trivia about dogs on National Dog Day.

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/dog-facts/

Episode 132 - Binge Watch Some TV Shows + 100 Year Anniversary of Women's Suffrage

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Sara has a fantastic list of new DVD seasons available at the library. Why don't you binge watch one or two?? Here's the list for MCPL card-holders:

Hawaii Five-O https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1949586

Deadwater Fell Season 1 https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2017181

Killing Eve https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1898144

Mr. Mercedes https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1886956

Magnum P.I. https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1954984

Young Sheldon https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1890734

Seal Team https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1902397

S.W.A.T. https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1966057

NCIS New Orleans https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1691181

NCIS Los Angeles https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1562923

The Good Doctor https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1902383

Nicole has some great books about Women's Suffrage which celebrated it's 100th anniversary this week.

Here are links to the articles she mentioned:

https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=11827

https://bookriot.com/suffrage-in-ya-fiction/

https://bookriot.com/books-about-black-women-in-the-suffrage-movement/

PLUS: watch the fabulous presentation by our very own Stephanie Vecchio and Jim Ward for this week's History Bites:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PE9lZESstk

Episode 131 - First Paragraphs (New Book Picks!)

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 06:26:00 -0400

Sara and Nicole read the first paragraphs from their current picks for new book releases in this slightly different formatted episode.

Sara's Picks:

Stranger in the Lake by Kimberly Beale

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us:446/record=b2013750

Sin Eater by Megan Campisi

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us:446/record=b1992258

Thin Girls by Diana Clarke

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us:446/record=b2011213

Threshold by Rob Doyle

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us:446/record=b2005503

The Golden Wolf by Linnea Hartsuyker

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us:446/record=b1958408

The King’s Beast by Eliot Pattison

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us:446/record=b2004274

The King’s Evil by Andrew Taylor

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us:446/record=b1971281

Nicole's Picks:

The Voting Booth

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2016314

Crying Laughing

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1970189

The Gravity of Us

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1980341

Changing the Equation: 50+ US Black Women in STEM

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1990489

Curse of the Nightwitch

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2004478

King and the Dragonflies

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1977165

Blueberries for Sal (Wonderbook)

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b2013568

Malala: My story of standing up for girls' rights (Wonderbook)

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1986039

It Began with a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way

https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1959877

Episode 130 - Library Trivia

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 07:00:00 -0400

How about we do another trivia episode and this time, we will chat about our favorite subject...libraries and librarians!

Statista is one of our fantastic online resources available to visitors of the Miller Business Center here at the library. For more information on the Miller Business Center, visit http://www.millerbusinesscenter.org.

Episode 129 - Movie Chat : Alien

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 14:16:55 -0400

"In space, no one can hear you scream!"

It's Sara's turn to pick a movie, and she's selected the 1979 Sci-Fi Horror classic, Alien.

After a space merchant vessel receives an unknown transmission as a distress call, one of the crew is attacked by a mysterious life form and they soon realize that its life cycle has merely begun. The film stars Tom Skerritt, Sigourney Weaver, John Hurt, Ian Holm, Veronica Cartwright, Yaphey Kotto, and Harry Dean Stanton. It is directed by Ridley Scott.

Have an MCPL card? Reserve your copy of Alien here!

Episode 128 - John Lewis + Tell the World a Story: Folktales from Around the Globe

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 14:41:07 -0400

We remember Civil Rights Activist John Lewis.

Want to learn more about John Lewis and his life? Check out these resources:

Biography of John Lewis via Gale
John Lewis - March on Washington Speech text or video

Books to check out:

March. Book one / John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, Nate Powell
Selma's Bloody Sunday : protest, voting rights, and the struggle for racial equality / Robert A. Pratt, University of Georgia, Athens
Walking with the wind : a memoir of the movement / John Lewis with Michael D'Orso
Across that bridge : a vision for change and the future of America / Congressman John Lewis with Brenda Jones

Books about the Civil Rights Movement

Thanks to Deborah Hempe for coming on the show to talk about the new exhibit at the Museum Corner! Want to make a reservation to visit? Call us at 631-585-9393. You must have an MCPL library card. For more info, check out the webpage:

https://www.mcplibrary.org/children/museum-corner/

Episode 127 - Card Games + Take & Make

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 07:00:00 -0400

Nicole has once again dived deep into the bowels of Book Riot to find some great resources you can share with your family this summer; Sara updates us on a new virtual programming feature: Take & Make!

YouTube Books for Kids:

https://bookriot.com/youtube-books-for-kids/

10 Kid Friendly Card Games

https://www.todaysparent.com/family/activities/10-kid-friendly-card-games/

Take & Make programming

Episode 126 - Movie Chat : His Girl Friday (1940)

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 07:00:00 -0400

His Girl Friday is our next Movie Chat!

Starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell, this 1940 film is on many "Best of" and "Top 50" movie lists. It's available to view on Hoopla Digital for free with your library card. Does the podcast team like it? Listen and find out.

IMDb Listing is here

Stream the film for free with your MCPL card here. Description: "A newspaper editor uses every trick in the book to keep his ace reporter ex-wife from remarrying." Directed by Howard Hawks.

Episode 125 - Special Episode : 2020 Summer Reading Club - Part II

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 07:00:00 -0400

This week's episode is part 2 of our chat about the 2020 Summer Reading Club! This week we have Jessica, Liz, Kaity and Nicole here to fill us in on what we are doing for families, kids, and teens.

Episode 124 - Special Episode : 2020 Summer Reading Club - Part I

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 07:00:00 -0400

This is part one of our two part series on the 2020 Summer Reading Club. Alex and Amber are here from the Adult Department to tell us how patrons can participate in this year's very unique Summer Reading Club.