Cedar Mill & Bethany Libraries Podcasts

Our teen council talks about what makes a good book to movie adaptation.  In the age of streaming, is it better to adapt a book into a tv show?  Which teen books  need to get adapted next? Books and movies that get talked about are: Percy Jackson Harry Potter Hunger Games Throne of Glass Project Hail Mary This discussion was recorded on May 19, 2025

Deep into the school year, our teen council is immersed in school competitions for Model UN and their a capella group among other things. There is loads of homework as well. Listen to our crew discuss what they've been working on and how they do their best studying.  Do they listen to music?  Does it matter where they sit? And what to do about the distraction that is the phone.  Listen to the discussion about these topics and more.  Our teen council recorded the latest edition of Chowder Chat on April 14, 2025.

The teen council discusses the new Hunger Games book, Sunrise on the Reaping. Learn what they are looking forward to in the new book, which book is their favorite in the series and how far each of them think they would go in the Hunger Games.  Hint, most of them think hiding is a good idea.  Recorded on March 10, 2025.

The teen council kicks off their book club by reading and discussion Cinder by Marissa Meyer.  Is it a dystopian novel or a unique mix of scifi and fantasy? Does the familiarity of the Cinderella story make it more engaging or take away from the story? Should you read the sequals? Listen to this discussion to see what we thought. Other titles discussed are: Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini No No Boy by John Okada Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare Renegades by Marissa Meyer

The Teen Library Council chatted with members of the Youthline organization about their work with teens in crisis on January 13th, 2025. Genevieve and Monica explain what a peer to peer crisis line for teens is like, what their goals are, and how teens can volunteer with them if interested. You can find more info about Youthline at https://www.theyouthline.org/  Some of the other resources mentioned are below. 988 - https://988lifeline.org/ The Trevor Project - https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ Trans Lifeline - https://translifeline.org/ Black Line - https://www.callblackline.com/  

The Teen Council discusses their top reads of the year, what they are reading currently and what they are thankful for. Books discussed are: Cinder Daughter of the Deep 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Throne of Glass Court of Thorns and Roses (for older teens and adults) Amulet graphic novel Orphan X by Gregg Hurwitz (for older teens and adults) Slaughterhouse 5 (for older teens and adults) One House Left by Vincent Ralph Dune (for older teens and adults) Great Gatsby (for older teens and adults)

Our new season of Chowder Chat kicks off with a discussion of our teen council's favorite creepy books, movies and TV shows.  They also talk about library events, favorite Halloween memories and what they are currently reading. Some books mentioned are for older teens or adults. Books discussed are: Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson It by Stephen King Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz Severance by Ling Ma Roald Dahl's Book of Ghost Stories Goosebumps Westfallen by Ann Brashares The Watch That Ends the Night by Allan Wolf Babel by RF Kuang Dune by Frank Herbert

Three recent college graduates talked about their college experiences on June 6th, 2024.  They answered questions and shared their thoughts on how to handle homework, managing your own schedule, how to make friends, what to bring and what to leave at home among other things.

The Teen Council discusses what they have planned for the summer along with books they think are good summer reads and books that they are looking forward to reading. Don't forget to participate in our summer reading challenge too! https://librarycedarmill.beanstack.com/  Books mentioned in this episode. Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson Squire by Sara Alfageeh Ander and Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa When the Ground is Hard by Malla Nunn 14 Ways to Die by Vincent Ralph Nanny Wanted by Lizzie Barber Dead of Night by Simon Scarrow Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz This Book Kills  Dry by Neil Shusterman Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days Wool series Scythe by Neal Shusterman

The teen council discusses the book, We Are Not From Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez, which is one of the books in our Mark Oshiro reading challenge this month. Hear their reactions to this intense story about young Guatamalan immigrants in this recording. Other books discussed were: Lessons in Chemistry Lord of the Flies The Cost of Knowing Macbeth

The teen council met on March 11th to talk about what they've been reading and watching lately. Find out what they recommend this month and get ready for the Mark Oshiro reading challenge next month. News: Teen Art Contest ends on March 30th The Mark Oshiro Reading Challenge starts on April 1st Recommended reads: House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal Shift by Hugh Howey Recommended TV shows: Lupin on Netflix (rated for adults) Friends Community Next month's read: We Are Not From Here by Jenny Sanchez Torres  

The teen council met in February 2024 to discuss their favorite recent reads by Black authors.  Books discussed are: Legendborn by Tracy Deonn Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds Dangerous Ones by Lauren Blackwood (publishes in May 2024) Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms by Jamar Perry Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

On January 8, 2024, the Teen Library Council interviewed the student writing group, Ad Meliora. They talk about what writing contests they have and the workshops they teach.  They also share some of their favorite reads. Ad Meliora website Books discussed: Babel Minor Feelings Pachinko Homegoing Anne of Green Gables Lie Tree Eragon and Murtaugh One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest Grace of Kings Poppy War

The Cedar Mill & Bethany Teen Council discusses some of their favorite winter reads and holiday movies as they prepare for Winter Break 2023.  Join our Winter Reading Challenge Books discussed are: Monster Orphan Spy by Matt Killeen Night Circus by Erin Morgensten (book for adults) Love in Winter Wonderland by A Bello Wool by Hugh Howey (book for adults) A Dance with Dragons by George RR Martin (book for adults) Mistletoe Promise by Richard Paul Evans (made for adults) Movies discussed are: Anastasia Home Alone How the Grinch Stole Christmas Horton Hears a Who California Christmas Christmas Chronicles  

Teen council dives into all things Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes as we eagerly await the movie to come out.  We also discuss books with many narrators and how these can be somewhat confusing unless handled well.  There are many things we are thankful for this year, which we discuss as well. Don't miss our tips for students studying for AP and IB tests (Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate). Books and websites discussed: Winter Reading Poet X - Elizabeth Acevedo RevisionDojo IB (help with IB testing) Guest List - Lucy Foley A Game of Thrones - George Martin Shadow and Bone - Leigh Bardugo Kahn Academy  Dry - Neil Shusterman Long Way Down - Jason Reynolds Infernal Devices - Cassandra Clare Cat Farris presentation Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes - Suzanne Collins

Find out more about your child's literacy development and their progress towards becoming an independent reader. Learn how the Science of Reading can help you support your child's literacy development in Kindergarten through 3rd grade. Presented by Rachell Keys. Rachell Keys is a School Psychologist currently working for the Northwest Regional Education Service District. Over the past twenty years she has worked to improve literacy outcomes in Oregon and nationally. She has pursued her passion to help all kids become successful readers in a variety of ways. Rachell taught courses on reading instruction at Portland State University, worked as the Literacy Coordinator for the Tigard-Tualatin School District, supported schools in Oregon as part of the Reading First initiative and tutored individual students during the pandemic.  This recording is part of our 2023 Parent Information Series. Slides of the presentation are available on our website.

Chowder Chat is back with an episode about some favorite spooky shows along with a few books. We'll cover Stranger Things, Locke & Key, Sawkill Girls, Percy Jackson and more.  Hear about some upcoming events and some of our favorite things to do in October.

The teen council discusses books for Pride, what they are looking forward to this summer, and what they've been reading lately.  This is the last episode for this school year. Titles and events discussed: In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé Across the Spiderverse and the soundtrack Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Oppenheimer Guardians of the Galaxy 3 Song: Best Day of My Life by American Authors Singer Lizzie McAlpine Her song Ceilings Freedom Festival in Portland Kesha Ajose Fisher Kim Johnson What we're reading: Verify by Joelle Charbonneau Fahrenheit 541 by Ray Bradbury Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi    

This month, we talk about study tips and mental health, two closely related subjects for many teens, particularly this time of year (Spring). We also talk about our recent reads. Books discussed are: Legendborn by Tracy Deonn Animal Farm by George Orwell Educated by Tara Westover The Likeness by Tana French Farrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

New York Times bestselling Young Adult author Ellie Marney joins the Teen Council via Zoom from Australia to discuss her books and the writing process. This interview took place on April 10, 2023. Ellie Marney is a crime writer and author of None Shall Sleep, The Killing Code, and many other series and standalones. Her newest book, the second installment of the None Shall Sleep series– Some Shall Break– will be released in June 2023. Marney has lived in many places around the world including Indonesia, India and Singapore– but now she lives in Australia with her family. To promote Australian women authors, she helped create the LoveOzYAbookclub and advocates for others to help them find their voice. You can find her at elliemarney.com or @elliemarney on Instagram and Twitter!   Authors and books mentioned in this podcast: Steig Larrson Lee Childs Susan Hill Nightbirds by Kate Armstrong    

The council discusses graphic novels that they have enjoyed this month in honor of the library's Crosshatch reading challenge which runs through May 6, 2023. Titles discusses are: Archie comics vs. the Riverdale TV show Amulet Darth Vader comics American Born Chinese Persepolis X-men Hawkeye Excalibur Big Nate

The teen council discusses romance books in Young Adult  and when adding romance to an adventure story elevates both genres.  They also discuss what they are currently reading. Books discussed are as follows: In the Woods by Tana French As Long as the Lemon Tree Grows by Zoulfa Katouh Dark Matter by Blake Crouch Plague by Michael Grant The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini Diviners by Libba Bray Legendborn & Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn Mondays Not Coming by Tiffany Jackson We also include a snippet of our interview from January 2023 with Librarian Jen Blair. Most of the audio was unusable but a full transcript can be read at https://library.cedarmill.org/teens/chowder-chat-interview-district-librarian-jen-blair/ 

The Teen Council met on Dec. 12, 2022 to discuss their favorite books, movies and music of the year. Some of the titles mention are as follows: Books The Good Girl's Guide to Murder - Holly Jackson Touching the Void - Joe Simpson Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs - Steve Brusatte Throne of Glass - Sarah J. Maas City of Bones - Cassandra Clare Eragon - Christopher Paolini The Light in Hidden Places -  Sharon Cameron All My Rage - Sabaa Tahir Kaikeyi - Vaishnavi Patel Lobizona - Romina Garber Movies & TV In the Heights The Swimmers Wednesday Friends The Private Affair The Great British Bake Off Is It Cake Adventures of Merlin Grey's Anatomy The Conjuring How to Get Away With Murder Evolution of Lactose Stranger Things Black Panther 2 Riverdale Marvel TV shows The Batman Batman the Dark Knight Music Midnights - Taylor Swift Yet to Come - BTS Pink Venom - Blackpink Jung Kook - Dreamers Shut Down - Blackpink Anson Seabra Phoebe Bridgers Harry Styles Conan Gray James Arthur Heartbreak Anniversary, For Tonight, Lie Again - Giveon

Staff from the Cedar Mill & Bethany Libraries gather in December 2022 to discuss our favorite books, movies, TV, games, music and more from 2022. You can place holds on these titles on our website. Topics discussed are: 1:12 Our favorites: Tomorrow, Tomorrow & Tomorrow – Mark  Nona the Ninth – Christine The Monk & Robot series – Marti Vespertine - Sabrina The Darkness Outside Us – Will Isla to Island – Laura B. 7:42 Bethany Library Favorites The Stars Did Wander Darkling - Christine Demon Copperhead  Nightmare Alley and Cabinet of Curiosities  11:03 Books for Children Mel Fell - Laura B. The Used-to-be Best Friend The Marvellers  13:26 Books for Teens Iron Widow – Will  Firekeeper's Daughter – Christine All My Rage - Mark Teen Council favorites - Mark  17:11 Graphic Novels and Manga Devils Candy – Sabrina and Christine   The Well – Mark The Nice House on the Lake – Marti Play It Cool, Guys – Christine The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza - Laura B. 22:10 Fiction for Adults The Spear Cuts Through Water – Marti Less is Lost – Will Remarkably Bright Creatures – Laura B.  24:36 Nonfiction for Adults Confessions of a Bookseller - Christine  Worn: A People's History of Clothing- Sabrina The Flag the Cross and the Station Wagon – Will Emma Dreams of Stars (GN) – Laura B. 28:15 Movies, TV and Streaming Bullet Train - Marti Turning Red Everything Everywhere All At Once Andor – Mark The Offer - Mark  33  Music and Podcasts The World ep 1: Movement - Sabrina   Cool People Who did Cool Stuff - Mark  35:22 Video Games & Online Games Unrailed! - Sabrina  Redactle - Sabrina  37:15 Board Games Wingspan - Mark  Terraforming Mars – Mark  38:34 Our Favorites part 2 I Must Betray You – Mark  Home is Where the Heart is (Good Dog) - Laura B.  Princess Floralinda and the Forty Flight Tower- Sabrina  This Is Not a Book About Benedict Cumberbatch - Christine 

The teen council discusses book facts, news and their favorite YA historical fiction and nonfiction in this month's episode of Chowder Chat.  Books discussed include A Brief History of Time, Meemaw, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Cellar, The Diviners, Light in Hidden Places, Bamboo People, Night, I Survived..., and the Lovely War.

Our teen council recommends their favorite scary reads and spooky films in this month's 5th season kick off podcast. Find a new favorite like Sawkill Girls. Maybe one of their favs will lead you to a new favorite as well.

The teen council talks about summer reading and how you can participate along with some of their favorite series to read in the summer like Sarah Maas.

The Teen Council discussed their current reads and presented dueling book facts in this episode recorded in April 2022.

Parent Information Series 2022

Local writer Afton Nelson is interviewed by the Teen Council about what it takes to write as a profession. She talks about how to be a freelance writer, what it's like to be a ghostwriter, how she approaches writing for publications and writing her own novel.

The Teen council discusses some recent gothic horror books, Spiderman No Way Home and the Book of Boba Fett Star Wars show.

The teen council discusses fun winter picks and then recaps how 2021 went and what some of their favorites from the whole year were. Yes, Marvel and Disney Plus are prominently represented.

The Teen Council interviews author Jenny Jiang about her self published picture book, Just Like Flowers. Why did she decide to write and  her own picture book? What tools did she use to write it? What's the reception been like?  All of these questions and more are asked and answered in this episode of Chowder Chat.  Place the book on hold too.

The teen council dives deep into the history of junk food, the new Loki tv shows and what movies they are eager to see.  Summer Break is upon us as season 3 concludes.  Looking forward to Season 4 in the Fall.

The teen council goes over the Cedar Mill & Bethany Teen summer reading program in this episode. They share a great set of fantasy books to dig into along with some popular TV shows for teens, fun facts, dad jokes and more.

In this Chowder Chat, our teen council delves into their favorite Young Adult mysteries, we get a fun fact about book publishing in Norway, we hear about a Netflix horror show called Locke and Key and we get the monthly Marvel report on Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

On this Chowder Chat, we discuss some of the best dystopian series for teens. In our book spotlights, Your Inner Fish and Hero Next Door are highlighted.  And in our musical feature - we look at Julian Lage as an acoustic guitarist.  Of course, we have dad jokes and the Marvel report as usual.

This month, each teen council member talks about something that they are passionate about, from WandaVision to great historical fiction to good/bad Dad Jokes with some music suggestions thrown in for good measure. It's an eclectic mix, so tune in to find out what's on their radar this month.

The teen council discusses some of their goals for the new year and they pick out the newly published Young Adult book that has them the most excited for January.

Our teen council reviews some of the Young Adult books that they are looking forward to and they share some of their holiday traditions that may look a little different in this year of COVID. 

Four staff members at our libraries discuss their favorite reads and media from 2020. We also share some favorites from other staff members who couldn't join us. Add some great choices to your 'to read' pile after listening to this conversation.

The teen council picks the new book releases that are exciting them this month from the latest from Marissa Meyer to a new post apocalyptic adventure. They also share their Thanksgiving tradition and debate what the best Thanksgiving food is.

The teen council members look at a list of the best Horror books out there and select a few that they might actually read. Most of them shy away from scary tales, but these 'jumped' out at them. These are not the typical choices either. 

Librarians from around Oregon met in early September 2020 to discuss graphic novels, comics and manga - what we like, what gets checked out and issues that come up when buying comics for our libraries. We recommend many great things to read as well.

Our teen council is back with another podcast episode from their pandemic lives. Plans spoiled, older books read and more origami along with what the first day of online school was like in this new school year.  The song used for the intro is "Traveling horse by Lobo Loco" courtesy of a creative commons license.

Oregon librarians from Tigard, Beaverton, Aloha and Cedar Mill discuss comics and graphic novels: what we like, what got us interested in comics and what library users are asking for these days. Aloha Library services: https://alohalibrary.org/ Beaverton City Library services: https://www.beavertonlibrary.org/437/BCL-To-Go Cedar Mill & Bethany Libraries services: https://library.cedarmill.org/services/ Tigard Library services: https://www.tigard-or.gov/library.php

Independent College Counselors, Eric Delehoy and Devon Simpson, share what to think about when you are writing a college application essay. They include lots of practical advice as well as how to approach this writing activity.  Recorded on July 8, 2020.

Our teen council discusses what they've been doing during the pandemic from home besides school. Books were read and shows were watched. Someone even created a massive origami project. One show discussed is for mature audiences.

Listen to a recording of Megan Barella's Toddler Talk workshop- Learn how to understand your toddler's world and make raising a toddler more enjoyable using brain science, tools, modeling and more! Follow along with the Toddler Talk slides from her presentation.

Several staff members gather to talk about what it means to read about food.  We cover a lot of ground in talking about food in adult fiction, literature for kids and depictions of food in graphic novels.  Maybe we'll talk about one of your favorites.

Cedar Mill & Bethany Library staff recommend some favorite or recent audiobooks available to download through our Overdrive and Libby service.  We throw in a few podcast favorites as well as we discuss what to listen to right now.