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Check It Out Podcast

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Jan
25

Baby Rock

10:00am - 10:30am
Age Group: Kids

Baby Rock

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Jan 25, 2021
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Age Groups: Kids
Description
Monday, January 25, 2021, at 10 am. Video will remain posted to Facebook and YouTube for an extended period of time....
Jan
25

Teen Dungeons & Dragons

5:00pm - 8:00pm
Age Group: Teens

Teen Dungeons & Dragons

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Jan 25, 2021
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Age Groups: Teens
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On Roll20 & Discord...
Jan
26

Tuesday Tales

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Age Group: Kids

Tuesday Tales

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Jan 26, 2021
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Tuesday, January 26, 2021,at 10 am. Video will remain posted on Facebook and YouTube for an extended period of time....
Jan
26

Yoga with Julia

12:00pm - 12:45pm
Age Group: Everyone

Yoga with Julia

12:00pm - 12:45pm
Jan 26, 2021
Main Branch
Age Groups: Everyone
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On Facebook Live...
Jan
27

NPL Board Meeting

5:30pm - 8:00pm
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NPL Board Meeting

5:30pm - 8:00pm
Jan 27, 2021
Main Branch
Board Room
Age Groups: Everyone
Description
Our Board of Trustees is a group of seven Normal citizens who are chosen through local elections for six year terms. The Board meets once a month to discuss library issues and plans....
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Check It Out, a Normal Public Library Podcast

Check It Out is the Normal Public Library’s podcast that features book, audio, and movie recommendations, timely info about the library’s programs and services, and fun discussions with talented people. Listen to individual episodes below, or subscribe in iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts to download the latest episode automatically!

Episode Sixty-Four

Released: January 20, 2021

All of us read and books tell a variety of stories. The best among them will sometimes earn recognition by award. There are awards for all types of books and this month, Mari will speak with Kristi, Kathleen, Morgan, and Britni about some of the best titles that book awards have named over the recent past. Sit back and check it out as we look at award books in this sixty-fourth episode of Check It Out.

Episode Sixty-Three

Released: December 17, 2020

Baking food, making gifts, being creative! Jane, Laura, Kristi, and Mari discuss all things creative for December. Sharpen those pencils, get out the knitting needles, sit back, and check it out! And don't forget to talk to us by message: ask at normalpl.org

 

 

Episode Sixty-Two

Released: November 18, 2020

Mari discusses odd titles (and odd book covers) of No Reality November with Jane, Kristi, and Laura. Sit back and check it out!

Tell us what you think ask at normalpl.org!

 

Episode Sixty-One

Released: October 21, 2020

In our sixty first episode, Mari speaks with Kristi and Laura about books to read in this season of change. Falling leaves, crisp mornings, and warm beverages all pair well with a good story. Sit back, settle in, and Check It Out.

Enjoy what you hear? Let us know at ask at normalpl.org

 

Episode Sixty

Released: September 16, 2020

Graphic novels are booming in popularity for readers of all ages. Topics range from a young girl navigating the worlds of roller derby and middle school; teenagers disappearing into a fantasy role-playing game; and the life of civil rights icon John Lewis in the 1960s. Plus so much more! Our 60th episode features Mari, Jane, and Kristi exploring the world of graphic novels — check it out!

Titles in the podcast include:

  • Boxers and Saints by Gene Luen Yang
  • Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
  • Primates by Jim Ottaviani
  • Queen of the Sea by Dylan Meconis
  • The Mars Challenge by Alison Wilgus and Wyeth Yates
  • The Way of the House Husband, vol. 1 by Kousuke Oono 
  • The Phantom Twin by Lisa Brown
  • Die vol. 1 by Kieron Gillen and Stephanie Hans
  • March, books 1, 2, 3 by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, Nate Powell

 

 

 

Episode Fifty-Nine

Released: August 19, 2020

Mari talks travel on this episode. Hear from Laura, Jane, and Kristi about all things nonfiction and fiction related to making that journey—sometimes of the mind, the heart, and often around the bend. Leave the driving to us. Sit back and check it out!

Episode Fifty-Eight

Released: July 15, 2020

Mari, our library podcast host extraordinaire, speaks with Ally, Jennifer, Ron, and Laura about their summer reads and shares some insights about what makes it all so summer-like. So sit back, press play, chill down, and Check It Out.

Talk back to us. Please! ask at normalpl.org

 

Episode Fifty-Seven

Released: June 17, 2020

Our podcast host Mari McKeeth interviews Kathleen Kirk about quarantine reads and electronic formats. Kathleen Kirk is a library staff member, actor, poet, and avid reader. Sit back, continue to stay safe, and Check It Out!

Contact us about our podcast and let us know what you think! ask@normalpl.org

Episode Fifty-Six

Released: May 20, 2020

In this special episode of Check It Out! Mari and guests Jane, Kristi, and Laura talk about pandemic reads and comfort reads to stimulate the mind. Sit back, stay safe, and Check It Out!

Contact us about our podcast and let us know what you think! ask@normalpl.org

 

Episode Fifty-Five

Released: April 1, 2020

In this special episode of Check It Out! Mari and guests Jane, Kristi, and Laura talk about free resources for use at home while sheltering in place. Sit back, stay home, and Check It Out!

Contact us about our podcast and let us know what you think! ask@normalpl.org

 

 

 

Episode Fifty-Four

Released: March 18, 2020

It's bracket time! Four Normal Public Library librarians share their bracket picks for best book and the finish is an all out book-off! Join Mari, Krisit, Jane, and Laura in March madness with book bracketology.

Let us know what you think after you check it out! Message us!

 

Episode Fifty-Three

Released: February 19, 2020

This episode includes Mari and Laura discussing Academy Awards and related titles, an annual episode topic. Books discussed:

  • "I Heard You Paint Houses": Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran and Closing the Case on Jimmy Hoffa — by Charles Brandt
  • Little Women — by Louisa May Alcott
  • The Pope: Francis, Benedict, and the Decision That Shook the World — by Anthony McCarten
  • Caging Skies — by Christine Leunens

Let us know what you think after you check it out! Message us!

Episode Fifty-Two

Released: January 15, 2020

Join us this episode as we hear from Mari, Laura, and Kristi on all of their favorites of 2019 and the last decade! Books, films, and fun for your listening enjoyment all included in this episode. Some of the items discussed:

  • Amazing Grace/Aretha Franklin movie
  • Last Policeman series by Ben H. Winters
  • Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
  • Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward
  • One Day: The Extraordinary Story of an Ordinary 24 Hours in America by Gene Weingarten

Let us know what you think after you check it out! Message us!

 

 

Episode Fifty-One

Released: December 18, 2019

Winter is a time that features holidays celebrated around the world -- Hannukah, Christmas, Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, Los Posadas, Eid-al-Adha, Diwali, and many, many more. There is celebrating of the light, friends, culture, feasting, and giving to others. Today Kristi, Laura, Rachel and Mari will be talking about some favorite gifts - books, music, or film - that they have received, or given.

Let us know what you think after you check it out! Email us!

Episode Fifty

Released: November 20, 2019

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Welcome to our fiftieth episode of Check It Out! We celebrate Normal Public Library and our favorite, favorite reads with several staff visiting back to the studio.

  • (Jane) Alice in Wonderland, and Through the Looking Glass — Lewis Carroll
  • (Kristi) The "Queen's Thief" series — Megan Whalen Turner
  • (Laura) Something Wicked This Way Comes — Ray Bradbury
  • (Lyndsey) Tuck Everlasting — Natalie Babbitt
  • (Jennifer) The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks — E Lockhart
  • (Becca) The Harry Potter series — JK Rowling
  • (Sophie) The Secret History — Donna Tartt; Olive's Ocean — Kevin Hankes
  • (Mari) Book: Complete Stories — Flannery O'Connor; Films: Harold and Maude; West Side Story; Carol

Let us know what you think after you check it out! Email us!

Episode Forty-Nine

Released: October 16, 2019

Our 49th episode may chill you to the bone. Please join our co-hosts Kristi Cates and Mari McKeeth as they talk with Laura Golaszewski about some of the most frightening titles available on our shelves. It's an episode of horrors to fill you with fear. This episode has a listener advisory at the top, so please be aware that some material discusses sensitive topics. Your discretion is advised. Pull the covers over your eyes, bite your lower lip, and check it out... if you dare.

  • Death's Acre: Inside the Legendary Forensic Lab the Body Farm by William Bass
  • A False Report: A True Story of Rape in America by T. Christian Miller
  • Where the Woods End by Charlotte Salter 
  • A Taste for Monsters by Matthew J. Kirby
  • Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff

Music in this episode...Deep Space by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Let us know what you think after you check it out! Email us!

 

Episode Forty-Eight

Released: September 18, 2019

We don't know how you did. But you did it. You found our 48th episode, the mystery episode. Co-hosts extraordinaire Kristi Cates and Mari McKeeth talk about all of their favorite mysteries this time of year. It's an episode for the mystery seeker and you don't want to miss it. So grab a magnifying glass and a deerstalker hat, settle back and Check It Out! 
 
Every Secret Thing — Laura Lippman
The Lady in the Lake — Laura Lippman
Wolf Pack — CJ Box
Bitterroots — CJ Box
The Dry — Jane Harper
Force of Nature — Jane Harper
Lost Man — Jane Harper
Black Ascot — Charles Todd
Cruel Deception (out in October 2019) — Charles Todd
American Agent — Jacqueline Winspear
One of Us is Lying — Karen McManus
City of Saints and Thieves — Natalie C. Anderson
The Cheerleaders — Kara Thomas

Let us know what you think after you check it out! Email us! Tweet at us!

Episode Forty-Seven

Released: August 21, 2019

It's our 47th episode! Co-host Kristi Cates and Jane Jankowski talk about all of their favorite podcasts and books about podcasts. It's an episode for the podcast lover and you don't want to miss it. So settle back and Check It Out! 

Let us know what you think after you check it out! Email us! Tweet at us!

Episode Forty-Six

Released: July 17, 2019

Summertime, the living is easy, the reading is beachy. Quite often the beachy reading choices are fiction. However, Mari McKeeth and Laura Golaszewski will recommend some fascinating nonfiction books to read during the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. Don't be afraid—nonfiction is great!

  • Daily Rituals: Women at Work by Mason Currey
  • Fashion Climbing: A Memoir with Photographs by Bill Cunningham
  • Vivian Maier: A Photographer's Life and Afterlife by Pamela Bannos
  • Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee   by Casey Cep
  • More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say)   by Elaine Welteroth

Let us know what you think after you check it out! Email us! Tweet at us!

Episode Forty-Five

Released: June 19, 2019

June: a month of reading in the sun. It's time for Episode Forty-Five of Check It Out and your hosts Mari McKeeth and Kristi Cates joined by Children's Librarian Jennifer Williams as she reviews and recommends some new and interesting titles for teens and tweens. Summer reading means adventure, treasure, romance, and mystery. Click play and Check It Out!

Let us know what you think after you check it out! Email us! Tweet at us!

Episode Forty-Four

Released: May 15, 2019

Wow. Is it already time for Episode Forty-Four?  Yes it is, and joining us today are NPL staff members Laura Golaszewski and Julia Cozad-Callighan, here to tell you about some of the newest nonfiction and young adult titles. We also highlight a local event, the Next to Normal Story Slam.

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • In Extremis: The Life and Death of the War Correspondent Marie Colvin by Lindsey Hilsum
  • The Moth Presents Occasional Magic: True Stories about Defying the Impossible, edited by Catherine Burns
  • Enchantée by Gita Trelease
  • Skyward by Brandon Sanderson
 

 

Episode Forty-Three

Released: April 17, 2019

Congratulations! You have found Episode Forty-Three of the Normal Public Library podcast, Check It Out! Mari McKeeth welcomes children's librarian Lyndsey Carney to the show as Lyndsey interviews visiting author Lisa McMann. Lyndsey and Lisa talk books, art, acting, and British baking shows! 

Events with Lisa coming up at the library include: 

  • Double Identity: A Night of Discovery featuring Lisa McMann
  • Unwanteds
  • Going Wild
  • Lisa's books

Let us know what you think after you check it out! Email us! Tweet at us!

Episode Forty-Two

Released: March 20, 2019

Are you looking for Episode Forty-Two? It's here! Co-hosts Kristi Cates and Mari McKeeth talk newest in teen fiction with a little insight into what we find interesting, a preview along the way (Lisa McMann), and a few laughs. We even have a book about a cactus!

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling

Sadie by Courtney Summers

Geekerella by Ashley Poston

The War Outside by Monica Hesse

Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram

Let us know what you think after you check it out! Email us! Tweet at us!

Episode Forty-One

Released: February 20, 2019

You found our forty-first episode! Co-hosts Kristi Cates and Mari McKeeth celebrate the return of Oscar season in this all-things-Oscars episode. And the winner is...!

Let us know what you think! Email us! Tweet at us!

 

Episode Forty

Released: January 16, 2019

It's our 40th episode! Co-hosts Kristi Cates and Mari McKeeth celebrate the return of Check It Out! by highlighting staff favorites from 2018. Some of our library staff have provided an eclectic list of books, music, and films—and all are available for checkout or streaming from Normal Public Library.

Some of the items discussed in this podcast:

  • Running Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix
  • On Writing by Stephen King
  • Sweetener by Ariana Grande
  • Kingdom of the Blind by Louise Penny
  • The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
  • Clock Dance by Anne Tyler
  • The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
  • Juliet, Naked
  • Broadchurch: Season 1

 

Let us know what you think! Email us! Tweet at us!

 

Episode Thirty-Nine

Released: July 21, 2018

Check It Out host Mari McKeeth examines Normal Public Library's science fiction offerings with Kristi Cates, our Teen Librarian and resident SciFi reader and advisor. She also buys all of our SciFi, by the way! Pretty cool job, huh?

Titles that our host and guest discuss include:

  • All Systems Red by Martha Wells
  • Space Opera by Catherynne Valente
  • The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal
  • Sea of Rust by C. Robert Cargill
  • Lock In and Head On by John Scalzi
  • An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon

Let us know what you think! Email us! Tweet at us!

 

Episode Thirty-Eight

Released: June 15, 2018

Check It Out host Mari McKeeth examines Normal Public Library music offerings with four guests: Amy, Kristi, Cedric, and John. John talks folk and trombones, Kristi talks some film, and more! Tim Burton soundtracks? You'll find out all this, about Make Music at Normal Public Library (June 22-23), and what Mari likes in music when you Check It Out with Mari!

Let us know what you think! Email us! Tweet at us!

Episode Thirty-Seven

Released: May 18, 2018

Check It Out host Mari McKeeth examines all things tea with our resident barista and tea sommelier, Ben Mills. Ben's favorite tea is revealed, he talks tea, tea geography, tea books, and he advises on tea sipping be it local or afar. Melons and tea? Who knows? Give it a listen and give it a read:

  • Tea: History, Terroirs, Varieties
  • The Art and Craft of Tea by Joseph Uhl
  • Tea Bliss by Theresa Fancis-Cheung
  • The Book of Tea by Kakuzō Okakura

Let us know what you think! Email us! Tweet at us!

 

Episode Thirty-Six

Released: April 14, 2018

Check It Out host Mari McKeeth takes time out to speak with Children's Librarian Lyndsey Carney as she discusses reading and visiting with Margaret Peterson Haddix coming up soon on April 28, 2018. Our visiting author series is sponsored by the Normal Public Library Foundation and other wonderful local sponsors.

Some Haddix titles mentioned are:

  • Among The Hidden
  • Running out of Time
  • Turnabout
  • More!

Let us know what you think! Email us! Tweet at us!

 

Episode Thirty-Five

Released: March 28, 2018

Check It Out welcomes guest host Ben Mills as he discusses all things Oscars with Mari McKeeth. This episode we discuss all films nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay.

  • Call Me By Your Name
  • Disaster Artist
  • Logan
  • Molly's Game
  • Mudbound

Let us know what you think! Email us! Tweet at us!

Episode 34

Released: February 18, 2018

Check It Out welcomes new host Mari McKeeth. Kathleen Kirk (1:02) speaks about upcoming WWI Centennial events at the library, including our gallery display, Poetry is Normal Series, our WWI Film Festival, and more about the WWI speaker series; Kristi Cates talks about author Gene Luen Yang and his visit on March 7 (7:04).

Books by Gene Luen Yang:

  • American Born Chinese
  • Boxers and Saints
  • Secret Coders

Let us know what you think! Email us! Tweet at us!

 

Episode 33

Released: October 22, 2017

Ben Mills recommends a cookbook full of year-round farm-fresh recipes (11:12); Silvia Schuh talks October and November arts and crafts (7:57); and Mari McKeeth recommends some epistolary novels, with the help of the host (19:07). Ben recommends:

Dishing Up the Dirt by Andrea Bemis

Mari recommends:

  • Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
  • Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn
  • World War Z by Max Brooks
  • The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
  • Giliad by Marilynne Robinson

Jared recommends:

Possession by A.S. Byatt

Let us know what you think! Email us! Tweet at us! Download Episode 33

Episode 32

Released: September 28, 2017

In this episode, Tori Lieggi introduces us to a unique and quirky travel book (9:31), and Kristi Cates recommends a stack of young adult historical fiction (17:16). Plus, we interview visiting antique and fine art appraiser Mark Moran (11:17). Mark Moran's website is here. Tori recommends:

Atlas Obscura by Joshua Foehr, Dylan Thuras, and Ella Morton

Kristi recommends:

  • The Great Trouble: A Mystery of London, the Blue Death, and a Boy Called Eel by Deborah Hopkinson
  • The Wicked and the Just by J. Anderson Coats
  • Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith
  • Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee

Email us! Tweet at us! Download Episode 32

Episode 31

Released: August 24, 2017

In this back-to-school-themed episode, Laura Rocco gives us one last school-themed recommendation before heading back to school herself (17:43); Silvia Schuh ushers in the fall semester with September arts and crafts (6:51); and Mari McKeeth takes us all to school with some quirky and educational nonfiction (15:10). Laura recommends:

The Magicians by Lev Grossman

Mari recommends:

  • Away With Words by Joe Berkowitz
  • The Not-Quite States of America by Doug Mack
  • The Physics of Everyday Things by James Kakalios
  • How to Hygge by Signe Johansen
  • The Photo Ark by Joel Sartore

 

Mark Moran Register for Mark Moran's What's It Worth? session by calling NPL on the old-fashioned (but classic!) telephone at (309) 452-1757 (registration opens on August 30th). Email Mark to schedule a private session at moranm1953@gmail.com. (A portion of his fee benefits NPL.) Email us! ask@normalpl.org Tweet at us on Twitter! @NPLTweets Download Episode 31

Episode 30

Released: July 28, 2017

In this, our thirtieth episode, Kathleen Kirk recommends an especially literary cookbook (7:29); Ally Byerly puts out the call for submissions to our Normal Library Extraordinary Stories project (6:11); and Kristi Cates sorts some YA novels into their appropriate wizarding houses (23:20). Kathleen recommends:

Feast: Poetry and Recipes for a Full Seating at Dinner, edited by Diane Goettel and Anneli Matheson

Kristi recommends:

  • Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
  • Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey Whaley
  • The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart
  • Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Have an NPL memory you'd like to share? Normal Library Extraordinary Stories wants to hear from you! Have a podcast-related opinion? Hit us up! Email: ask@normalpl.org Twitter: @NPLTweets Download Episode 30

Episode 29

Released: June 30, 2017

In this episode, Kathleen Kirk previews a very special visiting poets event (11:31), and Mari McKeeth recommends a pile of novels based on the works of Shakespeare (14:57). Plus, we reveal the name of the new recurring cookbook segment (spoiler alert: it's a really geeky librarian in-joke). Kathleen recommends:

  • Via Negativa (Purveyors of fine poetry since 2003.)
  • Night Willow and Ode to the Heart Smaller than a Pencil Eraser by Luisa A. Gloria

Jared recommends:

The River Cottage Meat Book by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

Mari recommends:

  • A Thousand Acres by Jane Smiley
  • Fool by Christopher Moore

From the Hogarth Shakespeare Project:

  • The Gap of Time by Jeannette Winterson
  • Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler
  • Hag-seed by Margaret Atwood
  • New Boy by Tracy Chevalier

Email! ask@normalpl.org Twitter! @NPLTweets Download Episode 29

Episode 28

Released: June 14, 2017

In this episode, Silvia Schuh talks summer arts, crafts, and events (11:29); Laura Rocco recommends a cookbook in an as-yet-unnamed recurring segment (9:12); and Kristi Cates recommends some books she loves that are great for Teen Summer Reading (19:03).

Laura recommends:

Will It Waffle? by Daniel Shumski

Kristi recommends:

  • You’re Welcome, Universe by Whitney Gardner
  • Exo by Fonda Lee
  • The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy by Kate Hattemer
  • A Face Like Glass by Francis Harding

Have an idea for a great name for our recurring cookbook segment? Tell us via email (ask@normalpl.org) or Twitter (@NPLTweets). Thanks!

Download Episode 28

Episode 27

Released: May 25, 2017

In this episode, Laura Rocco recommends a classic narrative that blends fiction and nonfiction (9:52); Kristi Cates gives us the rundown of the library’s summer programs for teens (15:06); and Mari McKeeth talks about some 2016 books that won Major Awards (15:30).

Laura recommends:

The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien

Some of Kristi’s Summer Programs For Teens™:

Teen Summer Reading (and all the Summer Reading)

Teen Maker Wednesdays

Mari recommends:

  • The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
  • Evicted by Matthew Desmond
  • Lab Girl by Hope Jahron
  • A Great Reckoning by Louise Penny

Email us, please! ask@normapl.org Tweet at us, pretty please! @NPLTweets

Download Episode 27

Episode 26

Released: April 29, 2017

In this episode, Silvia Schuh talks May arts and crafts (7:41); Julia Cozad-Callighan explains the library’s Lunchtime Yoga program (2:49); and Kristi Cates recommends some YA novels full of murder and mayhem (18:14).

Kristi recommends:

  • Fake ID by Lamar Giles
  • White Cat by Holly Black
  • The Caged Graves by Dianne K. Salerni

Tell us what you think! Complete our short survey, email us at ask@normalpl.org or tweet us @NPLTweets!

Download Episode 26

Episode 25

Released: April 7, 2017

In this special episode, Bloomington-Normal artist Rashod Taylor talks about his work as a photographer specializing in the wet plate collodion process. Taylor’s work is on display at the Normal Public Library through July 2017. An artist reception will be held on April 7th, 2017 from 4:30 to 6:30 in the gallery.

You can find Rashod’s work here: rashodtaylor.com

Email us and tell us what you think!

Episode 24

Released: March 27, 2017

In this episode, Julia Cozad-Callaghan gives us an update on her Read Harder 2017 reading challenge (12:26); Silvia Schuh updates us on March and April crafts, and puts out a call for some charitable knitting (9:07); and Mari McKeeth talks 2017 Oscar Nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay (22:05). Plus, we ask for your feedback!

Julia recommends:

  • The Surrender Tree by Margarita Engle
  • Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
  • Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
  • The Red Umbrella by Christina Gonzalez
  • Princess Princess Ever After by Katie O’Neill
  • Princeless: Raven the Pirate Princess by Jeremy Whitley

Mari recommends:

  • Arrival: screenplay by Eric Heisserer, based on “Story of Your Life” in Stories of Your Life by Ted Chiang
  • Fences: screenplay by August Wilson, based on his play Fences
  • Hidden Figures: screenplay by Allison Schroeder and Theodore Melfi, based on Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
  • Lion: screenplay by Luke Davies, based on A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierly
  • Moonlight: screenplay by Barry Jenkins, based on the play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue by Tarell Alvin McCraney

Tell us what you think! Complete our short survey, email us at ask@normalpl.org, or tweet us @NPLTweets!

Download Episode 24

Episode 23

Released: March 4, 2017

andropia-cover-199x300.jpg

In this very special episode, we present a two part interview with local author and educator Scott William Foley. First, Scott recommends a novel that blurs the line between fiction and nonfiction (11:41); and then he talks about the rewards and pitfalls of balancing the roles of working writer, high school English teacher, and family man (23.03).

Some books Scott talks about:

  • Moonglow by Michael Chabon
  • The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon
  • Andropia by Scott William Foley
  • Scott’s website is scottwilliamfoley.com.

Email us! ask@normalpl.org
Tweet us! @NPLTweets

Thanks for listening!

Episode 22

Released: February 7, 2017

In this episode, Tori Lieggi recommends a memoir that comes to terms with family and mental illness with sharp wit and a lot of heart (8:02); Silvia Schuh gives us the lowdown on February (and some March) arts and crafts (6:43); and Kristi Cates recommends a handful of books for teens and adults that serve as funny diversions during the doldrums of February (14:55). Plus, we invite young writers to the Teen Writer’s Workshop.

Tori recommends:

Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson

Silvia recommends:

  • Brainfuse Help Now
  • Brainfuse Job Now

Kristi recommends:

  • No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman
  • Going Bovine by Libba Bray
  • Into the Wild Nerd Yonder by Julie Halpern
  • Nimona by Noelle Stevenson

As always, we’d love to hear from you!

Email us: ask@normalpl.org
Tweet us: @NPLTweets

Episode 21

Released: January 21, 2017

steam-club.jpg

In this first episode of 2017, Julia Cozad-Callaghan recommends a unique reading challenge to start off the new year (9:55); Randi Sutter talks up the Children’s Department’s new S.T.E.A.M. Club (6:14); and Mari McKeeth recommends a couple of 2016 books that stood out from the rest (14:55).

Julia mentioned:

  • The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo
  • Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
  • Swygert by Jeffrey Harold Utterback

Find the details of the challenge here at BookRiot.com.

Mari recommended:

  • Becoming Wise by Krista Tippett
  • The Trespasser by Tana French

Email us! ask@normalpl.org
Tweet us! @NPLTweets

Episode 20

Released: December 30, 2016

In this final episode of 2016, Laura Rocco recommends an unusual fantasy perfect for reading at night (12:18); Silvia Schuh explains why January is Scarf Month at NPL (4:53); and Kristi Cates recommends an assorted trio of adventure books and explains the library’s local schools “book talk” programs (17:00).

Laura recommends:

  • The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Kristi recommends:

  • The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
  • Surrounded By Sharks by Michael Northrop
  • Walk On Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson

Tell us what you think!

Email: ask@normalpl.org
Twitter: @NPLTweets

Episode 19

Released: December 6, 2016

In this episode, we hear a selection of poems from the RHINO 40th Anniversary Poetry Reading at the library, organized by Kathleen Kirk; Silvia Schuh talks December arts and crafts; and Alec Gramm recommends some books that open up the worlds of Dungeons & Dragons.

Our RHINO poets were:

  • Stephen Frech
  • Jannett Highfill
  • Tim Hunt
  • Matthew Murrey
  • Valerie Wallace

Find more great poetry in the library’s collection of RHINO and at the RHINO website.

Alec recommends:

  • Of Dice and Men by David M. Ewalt
  • Dungeons & Dragons Player’s Handbook
  • Dungeons & Dragons Dungeon Master’s Guide
  • Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual

We know you have opinions about the podcast, and we’d love to hear them!

Email us: ask@normalpl.org
Tweet us: @NPLTweets

Bonus Episode

Released: November 28, 2016

In this bonus segment of Check It Out, Marketing Assistant Nakia Worrell talks about the library’s past and present Giving Tuesday campaigns.

Helpful links:

  • More information about the 2016 Normal Public Library Giving Tuesday campaign

We’re thankful to have so many enthusiastic community patrons to serve! Please contact us if you have questions or feedback of any kind. Our email is ask@normalpl.org, and you can reach us on Twitter at NPLTweets.

Episode 18

Released: November 14, 2016

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In this episode, Laura Rocco recommends a chilly gothic novel for long cold nights (8:30); Kathleen Kirk previews the RHINO Magazine 40th Anniversary poetry reading (10:53); and Mari McKeeth recommends a range of holiday-themed genre fiction (15:17).

Laura recommends:

  • The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

Kathleen recommends:

  • Where We Live Illinois
  • RHINO Magazine

Mari recommends:

  • The Twelve Dogs of Christmas by David Rosenfelt
  • Smoke and Mirrors by Elly Griffiths
  • Santa Cruise by Mary Higgins and Carol Higgins Clark

Tell us what you think!

Email: ask@normalpl.org
Twitter: @NPLTweets

Episode 17

Released: October 25, 2016

In this Halloween Pumpkin-spice-infused episode, Silvia Schuh previews upcoming arts and crafts programs (7:24); Julia Cozad-Callaghan and Kristi Cates introduce NPLay, a new recurring library event for cosplay enthusiasts (4:28); and Kristi recommends a few delightfully creepy novels for young (and old) adults (14:50).

Kristi recommends:

  • The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff
  • Anna Dressed In Blood by Kendare Blake
  • Tell the Story to Its End by Simon P. Clark

Tell us what you think! We read every email and every tweet. Email us at ask@normalpl.org, or talk to us on Twitter at @NPLTweets.

Episode 16

Released: September 29, 2016

In this episode, Laura Rocco recommends a serial graphic novel with a childlike premise but an adult sensibility (9:30); Kristi Cates talks with Teen Advisory Council member Isabel about a couple of young adult novels (5:17); and Mari McKeeth and Jared recommend a classic dystopian novel in honor of Banned Books Week (15:56).

As always, we’d love to hear from you! Email us at ask@normalpl.org, or find us on Twitter @NPLTweets.

Laura recommends:

  • Locke & Key by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez

Isabel recommends:

  • Ingo by Helen Dunmore
  • Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George

Mari and Jared recommend:

  • Lord of the Flies by William Golding

It's Novel (To Me)

Released: September 16, 2016

In each episode of this new spinoff podcast, Normal Public Library staff discuss a novel they’ve never read before, but should have. In this inaugural episode, Alec Gramm, Jared Johnson, Holli Kober, Ben Mills, Laura Rocco, and Pam Schuett discuss Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s 1864 novel, Crime and Punishment.

We’d love to hear from you! Email us at ask@normalpl.org, or find us on Twitter at @NPLTweets.

Episode 15

Released: September 6, 2016

In this episode, Pam Schuett and I geek out over the films of Hiyao Miyazaki (14:04); Kristi Cates recommends some books for middle school kids who are starting to outgrow middle school books (15:32); and we preview the library’s latest podcast, It’s Novel (To Me).

Pam recommends:

  • Films written and/or directed by Hayao Miyazaki

Kristi recommends:

  • The Great Greene Heist by Varian Johnson
  • I Kill the Mockingbird by Paul Acampora
  • Cuckoo Song by Frances Hardinge

Contact us about absolutely anything by emailing us at ask@normalpl.org, or find us on Twitter @NPLTweets.

Episode 14

Released: August 1, 2016

In this episode, Kristi Cates talks about the library’s Anime Clubs for Teens and for Adults (7:12); Silvia Schuh is back to talk about August arts and crafts programs (3:41); and Mari McKeeth highlights a few of the many magazines the library carries, and explains how patrons can use Zinio to download magazines to read on a digital device (12:47). Plus, I invite listeners to join us for a rousing discussion of Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment, which will be featured in the first episode of our spinoff podcast, It’s Novel (To Me).

As always, we love to hear from you! Email us at ask@normalpl.org, or contact us on Twitter @NPLTweets. And thanks for listening!

Episode 13

Released: July 15, 2016

After a bit of a hiatus, Check It Out is back! In this episode, Mari McKeeth explains how the library chooses items to add to its adult print collection (10:59); Laura Rocco recommends a funny book about a Depressing topic (8:59); and Kristi C. talks up two YA sports novels with universal themes (12:05). Plus, we invite you to read along with us in preparation for our upcoming spinoff podcast.

Laura recommends:

  • Tobacco Road by Erskine Caldwell

Kristi recommends:

  • Losers Take All by David Klass
  • Being Sloane Jacobs by Lauren Morrill

The library’s new podcast stars will discuss:

  • Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

As always, we’d love to hear from you! Our email is ask@normalpl.org, and we can be found on Twitter @NPLTweets.

Episode 12

Released: May 12, 2016

In this episode, Kristen Bauder and host Jared Johnson talk about what a “library assistant” does, Silvia Schuh gives the rundown of May arts and crafts and previews the plans for summer, and Mari McKeeth recommends two very different books that both have a Muslim protagonist.

Mari recommends:

  • The Unquiet Dead, by Ausma Zehanat Khan
  • The Badass Librarians of Timbuktu, by Joshua Hammer

As always, please contact us with praise, criticism, or random musings. Our email is ask@normalpl.org, and you can tweet us on Twitter @NPLTweets.

Episode 11

Released: April 21, 2016

In this episode, Rachel Weishar talks about Poetry Is Normal, a new semi-regular poetry reading event held in the library’s cafe (6:34); Amy Kubica explains the Staff Picks and Patron Picks programs (5:06); and Kristi Cates recommends three recent prize-winning young adult novels (12:05). Plus, we inaugurate a new segment in which we talk to a kid about the library. (This week, it’s Montana’s turn. Thanks, Montana!)

Amy recommends:

  • Before We Go (2015)

Montana recommends:

  • The Princess and the Pig, by Jonathan Emmett and Poly Bernatene

Kristi recommends:

  • Bone Gap, by Laura Ruby (Printz Award)
  • Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda, by Becky Albertalli (Morris Award)
  • Challenger Deep, by Neal Shusterman (National Book Award for YA Lit)

Please tell us what you think! Our email is ask@normalpl.org, and you can find us on Twitter @NPLTweets.

Episode 10

Released: April 4, 2016

In this episode, Kristi Cates explains how the Teen Advisory Council contributes to the library’s mission (4:33), Silvia Schuh talks up April’s arts and crafts programs and fills us in on National Library Week activities (6:19), and Mari McKeeth makes some recommendations to fill the Downton-Abbey-shaped gap in patrons’ lives (13:46). Plus, there’s a new classic first line challenge!

Take a look at the Teen Advisory Council schedule and sign up for April arts and crafts using our Activity Calendar.

Check out Mari McKeeth’s Downton-Abbey-style recommendations:

  • Below Stairs, by Margaret Powell
  • Gosford Park, directed by Robert Altman
  • The Remains of the Day (novel), by Kazuo Ishiguro
  • The Remains of the Day (film), directed by James Ivory

 

As always, please contact us about anything and everything using our email, ask@normalpl.org, or check out our Twitter account, @NPLTweets!

Episode 9

Released: March 9, 2016

In this episode, Rebecca Gopinath invites us to attend a screening of the hit Bollywood film Bajrangi Bhaijaan (5:38); Jennifer Williams gives the rundown of kids’ spring break activities that we’re calling Spy Training (6:01); and Kristi Cates recommends two great but often overlooked young adult novels (8:30).

Check out our activity calendar to register for Spring Break programs.

Check out Kristi’s recommendations:

  • The Year of Secret Assignments* (print) by Jaclyn Moriarty
  • The Year of Secret Assignments* (audiobook)
  • The President’s Daughter by Ellen Emerson White

As always, please tell us what you think! Our email is ask@normalpl.org, and we’re on Twitter @NPLTweets.

Episode 8

Released: March 3, 2016

Jennifer Williams talks about Mo Willems’ new chapter book, The Story of Diva and Flea (5:45); Silvia Schuh gives us the lowdown on March arts and crafts programs (3:50); and Mari McKeeth recommends Val McDermid’s latest mystery, Splinter the Silence (12:33). Plus, Mari talks about two services for finding great books: Novelist and eSequels.

Please tell us what you think by emailing us at ask@normalpl.org, or tweeting us @NPLTweets!

Episode 7

Released: February 11, 2016

In this episode, Perry Kaufman explains the difference between “hard” and “soft” science fiction and makes a couple recommendations (13:21), and Kristi Cates talks about books that readers of The Martian might also like (13:39). Plus, there’s a new prize challenge.

Perry’s recommendations:

  • Blindsight by Peter Watts
  • Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds

Kristi’s recommendations:

  • The Mars Trilogy by Kim Stanley Robinson (Red Mars, Green Mars, Blue Mars)
  • Packing For Mars by Mary Roach
  • Alone In Antarctica by Felicity Aston
  • Adrift: Seventy-Six Days Lost at Sea by Steven Callahan

Please let us know what you think! You can email us at ask@normalpl.org, or tweet us @NPLTweets.

Episode 6

Released: January 27, 2016

In this episode, Meghan Rogers explains the Adult Winter Reading Program, and Mari McKeeth talks about all the great books that were turned into movie scripts and nominated for this year’s Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar:

  • Brooklyn, by Colm Tóibín (screenplay by Nick Hornby)
  • The Martian, by Andy Weir (screenplay by Drew Goddard)
  • The Price of Salt, by Patricia Highsmith (adapted as Carol, screenplay by Phyllis Nagy)
  • The Big Short, by Michael Lewis (screenplay by Adam McKay and Charles Randolph)
  • Room, by Emma Donoghue (screenplay by Emma Donoghue herself)

And as always, you can register for library programs on our website. Please write us at ask@normalpl.org and tell us what you think!

Episode 5

Released: January 13, 2016

In our first episode of 2016, Silvia Schuh recommends the All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness, starting with the first novel in the series, A Discovery of Witches. Holli Kober recommendsSuicide Squad, a series of comics that patrons can access through Hoopla. Plus, we talk February arts and crafts (register here), and we bring our first literary interpretation challenge to a close.

The translation of Dante’s Inferno by Mark Musa referenced in this episode is excellent, by the way.

Comments, questions, suggestions, and random thoughts are welcome at ask@normalpl.org!

Episode 4

Released: December 30, 2015

In the final episode of 2015, Amy Kubica recommends the Black Jewels trilogy by Anne Bishop, Laura Rocco recommends The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet by Bernie Su and Kate Noble (which is based on a popular Youtube series), and I have some thoughts about libraries as we bring 2015 to a close. Plus, we check in on last episode’s literary challenge.

The book I refer to in my editorial is Among Others by Jo Walton. You can see pictures of the remarkable JT and EJ Crumbaugh Memorial Library here.

To respond to the literary challenge or to give us feedback, please contact us at ask@normalpl.org.

Episode 3

Released: December 16, 2015

In this week’s episode, we explore the wonders of the library’s 3D printer, eLearning programs you can access through our website, and January’s arts and crafts programs (register now!). Also, we talk about some books that Star Wars fans might have a good feeling about. Plus, a new and better way to win the episode’s weekly prize.

Books we recommend in this episode:

  • Star Wars: Verily, A New Hope by Ian Doescher
  • The Pluto Files by Neil DeGrasse Tyson
  • Young Miles by Lois McMaster Bujold
  • A Beautiful Friendship by David Weber
  • Expiration Day by William Campbell Powell

This episode features the “Sunrise” opening to Also Sprach Zarathustra by Richard Strauss, performed by the University of Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Barbara Schubert, available at the Internet Archive. For over one hundred different performances of Strauss’s Also Sprach Zarathustra, why not check out Naxos Music Library? It’s free, and all that’s required is a Normal Public Library card (which is also free). Plus, Naxos Music Library offers streaming access to more than 109,960 CDs with more than 1,609,000 tracks of many musical genres including classical, jazz, world and pop/rock.

Episode 2

Released: November 30, 2015

In this episode, we talk about The Black House by Peter May, the first in a trilogy of mysteries set on a remote Scottish island. Also, we talk about the library’s arts and crafts programs coming up in December, how to download audio and video content using the internet and your trusty Normal Public Library card, and our Giving Tuesday fundraiser, which aims to raise enough money to fund a mobile maker space for our teen patrons. Plus, another chance for our loyal podcast listeners to snag a prize!

Episode 1

Released: November 18, 2015

In this inaugural episode, we talk about the young adult novel The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson, the library’s collection of James Bond films, November’s arts and crafts programs, and how to download ebooks using your Normal Public Library card. Plus, our brilliant listeners get their first chance to win a prize.

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