L-Town Radio

Amy interviews Joe about being named one of Library Journal's "Movers & Shakers," about how storytelling can strengthen community bonds, and how a screening of "Pulp Fiction" changed their life forever. Plus, Jessica spotlights some of the most anticipated books hitting our shelves this month, Hongmei talks about beachy music to get you in the summer spirit, and Archana highlights some of the great programs on our June calendar. (To hear the "Horseneck Riot" episode mentioned during the interview, visit here: https://soundcloud.com/livingstonpubliclibrary/l-town-radio-ep-5-september-2020 )

Joe talks with Dave Gebroe of the Discograffiti podcast about growing up in Livingston, about the rough road he traveled between directing films and producing podcasts, and about his fascination with Moby Grape. Plus, Archana tells us about some of the great programs on our May calendar, Hongmei talks about the therapeutic power of Tibetan flute music, and Jessica highlights some of the most anticipated new books hitting our shelves this month.

Joe chats with "Weird NJ" founder/editor Mark Moran about growing up in Livingston; about exploring & discovering weird stuff in his youth (including a terrifying experience involving a mysterious and sinister cult); and about how an article he wrote may have inspired the creation of "The Sopranos." Plus, Hongmei talks about a timeless pop/rock song, and Jessica fills us in on the most anticipated books hitting our shelves this month.

Our annual Poetry Month episode features Ken Ronkowitz, a poet and educator who taught in Livingston for 25 years. Ken shares some of his poetry and talks about his experiences as an English teacher, about the form of poetry he invented called the "Ronka," and about how writing a poem is like "finding the angel within." Plus: Nick, Jessica, Amy, Lisa, and Joe recite some well-loved poems; Archana highlights some of the great programs on our April calendar; Hongmei shares a clip of a poetic song; and Jessica previews some of the most anticipated books headed to our shelves this month.

Joe talks with community superstar Fang Gong (Livingston Multicultural Parents Association, Livingston Chinese Association, Arts Council of Livingston) about her journey from graduate student to "Class Mom" to a seat on the Livingston Board of Education; Jessica tells us about the most anticipated new books headed to our shelves this month; Hongmei plays some beautiful meditative music; Archana highlights some of the great programs on our March calendar.

Joe talks with three-time Livingston Mayor Al Anthony about his work in environmental law, what it's like to serve as Mayor for one year at a time, and a few of his favorite books. Plus, Archana highlights some of the great programs on our February calendar; Hongmei shares a clip of a song by the world's most famous recording artist; and Jessica tells us about the most anticipated books hitting our shelves in the coming month.

Joe chats with Reggie Sims, writer and former Assistant Prosecutor with the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, about his experiences as a Black teen in '60s suburbia, working as a substitute teacher, and enjoying retired life in Livingston. Plus, Hongmei shares a clip of a classic pop-rock tune, and Jessica spotlights the most anticipated books hitting our shelves in December.

Joe talks with artist and art teacher Hugh Mahon about his work with the Arts Council of Livingston, his experiences as an art teacher, and his artistic philosophies. Plus, Archana highlights some of the great programs on our November calendar, Jessica tells us about the most eagerly awaited books hitting our shelves this month, and Hongmei plays a clip of a lovely autumnal song.

Joe interviews writer / DJ / producer / music historian Chuck Granata, author of "Sessions with Sinatra: Frank Sinatra and the Art of Recording" and "Wouldn't It Be Nice: Brian Wilson and the Making of the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds." Plus, Hongmei shares an adorable rendition of a classic hit song; Jessica tells us about some of the most anticipated books hitting our shelves this month; and Archana highlights some of the great programs on our October calendar.

Jessica, Gail, and Joe share resources & tips for strengthening our information literacy skills; Archana highlights some of the great programs on our September calendar; Jessica tells us about upcoming reads hitting our shelves this month; Hongmei shares a clip of a very memorable song.

Joe talks about the life & mind of Roger Tsien, Livingston's only Nobel Prize winner; Jessica tells us about the hottest new books hitting our shelves in August; Hongmei plays a clip of a powerful performance from this year's Olympics.

Joe talks with Heidi Blum, Livingston's "Food Czar" and the host of the "Behind the Counter" podcast, about culinary memories, great local restaurants, and favorite food-related TV shows. Plus, Archana highlights some of the exciting programs on our July calendar, Hongmei shares a special summertime song, and Jessica fills us in on the most anticipated books headed to our shelves this month.

Joe talks with our own Amy Babcock about her lifelong love of libraries, her journey to becoming Director of the Livingston Public Library, and her vision for the LPL's future. Plus, Hongmei shares a song about nostalgia, and Jessica tells us about the most anticipated books headed to our shelves in June.

Joe spotlights some of the greatest musicians who ever lived in Livingston, including: Alan Cooper of Sha Na Na; electronic music pioneers Gino Piserchio and Larry Fast; Broadway stars Nikki James, Stephen Oremus, and Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer; and master pianists Luba Vasilyeva, Larysa Maliutina, and Ellie Lee. Also, Hongmei plays some meditative music; Jessica fills us in on the hottest new books headed our way in May; and Archana discusses some of the great programs on our calendar this month.

In celebration of National Poetry Month, Joe talks with poet Susan Rothbard, the award-winning author of "Birds of New Jersey" and a former Livingston school teacher; Lisa, Amy, Jessica, Gail, and Joe recite some of their favorite poetry, including works by Nick Flynn, Pablo Neruda, Taylor Swift, Emily Dickinson, Caitlin Seida, and Conor Oberst; Hongmei plays a clip of an Oscar-winning song; Jessica spotlights the most anticipated books headed to the library in April.

Joe chats with "Weird NJ" founder/editor Mark Moran about growing up in Livingston; about exploring & discovering weird stuff in his youth (including a terrifying experience involving a mysterious and sinister cult); and about how an article he wrote may have inspired the creation of "The Sopranos." Plus, Hongmei shares a clip of a timeless song, and Jessica fills us in on the most anticipated books hitting our shelves this month.

Joe tells the story of Livingston's Chris Jacobs, who overcame addiction to win gold at the 1988 Summer Olympics; Hongmei shares a clip of a song to commemorate our first episode of the new year; Jessica fills us in on the most anticipated books hitting our shelves this month; Archana talks about programs on our February calendar in honor of Abraham Lincoln and Black History Month.

Joe digs into the Local History Archive and shares an illuminating conversation about author C.S. Lewis, which took place between two former Livingston Library staff members nearly 50 years ago; Archana highlights some the of the great programs on our December calendar; Jessica fills us in on the most highly-anticipated books headed to our shelves this month; and Hongmei plays a clip from a folk-rock classic.

Joe digs into our Local History Archive to share the profound philosophical musings of artist Richard Straley (1927 - 2008), who owned and operated an art gallery in Livingston back in the 1970s and '80s. Plus: Jessica previews the best books headed our way in November, and talks about our "Hooks & Needles" program; Gina fills us in on what the Youth Services Department has planned for this month; and Hongmei plays a bit of relaxing autumnal music.

Joe chats with Karen Trachtenberg of the West Essex Tribune about growing up as the daughter of a politician, about working for a local newspaper, and about the time she helped get a cat out of a tree. Plus, Archana and Jessica highlight some of the exciting programs on our October calendar; Hongmei shares a beautiful rendition of a classic Broadway song; and Jessica previews some of the best new books headed to our shelves this month.

Joe digs into the life story of Ludwig Muhlfelder, a Livingston resident of nearly 50 years who escaped Nazi Germany with the help of a legendary Hollywood movie producer; Archana and Jessica highlight some of the exciting programs on our September calendar; Hongmei shares a song to celebrate Classical Music Month; and Jessica previews some of the best new books headed to our shelves this month.

Joe spotlights new music by PJ Harvey, Jessie Ware, Deer Tick, and Jenny Lewis; Jessica shares her thoughts on Taylor Swift's new version of "Speak Now"; Hongmei celebrates "Elvis Week"; Jessica previews some great new books headed to library shelves in August

Joe chats with Livingston Board of Education President Vineeta Khanna about improving students' mental health, appreciating the work of Rabindranath Tagore, and the joys of living an "unwritten" life; Jessica talks about our Adult Summer Reading program, as well as the most anticipated books hitting our shelves in July; Archana highlights some of the excellent programs on our July calendar; and Hongmei shares a relaxing rendition of a familiar folk-rock tune.

Joe and Christine talk with Cleise, Seher, Kerstin, and Naina from our ELL program about their experiences learning English, adjusting to life in America, and forging friendships in the Livingston community; Jessica tells us about the most anticipated books headed to our shelves in June; Archana highlights some of the excellent programs on our June calendar; and Hongmei plays a very sweet song by a New Jersey legend.

Joe chats with Evan Marshall of Livingston High School's "AM Wired;" Archana tells us about some of the exciting programs at the library in the month ahead; Hongmei plays a clip from one of the most popular songs of the year; and Jessica fills us in on what great new books are headed to our shelves this month.

Amy, Melanie, Jessica, Joe, and Danielle recite some of their favorite poetry; Joe digs into our Local History Archives to present a conversation about poetry, recorded in 1976, between former Livingston Librarian Viola Stagg and former Library Director Ruth Rockwood; Archana and Jessica talk about some of the exciting programs on our April calendar; Hongmei plays a Springtime song; and Jessica fills us in on what great new books are headed to our shelves this month.

Joe interviews ChatGPT about how artificial intelligence could shape the future of public libraries; Jessica fills us in on some of the most anticipated books headed to our shelves in March, and tells us about the various book club discussions we have coming up this month; Archana highlights some of the programs on our March calendar; and in honor of St. Patrick's Day, Hongmei plays a clip from a song by renowned Irish musician Sinead O'Connor.

Joe interviews Livingston's new Mayor, Michael Vieira; Annie and Victoria from the Teen Advisory Board tell us what they have planned for 2023; Jessica fills us in on the most anticipated books headed to our shelves in February; Gina asks patrons what they love most about the Livingston Library; Hongmei tells us about feng shui, and plays some feng shui music for balance and inner peace.

Joe explains why "Everything Everywhere All At Once" is their favorite thing of 2022; Archana talks about upcoming programs on "A Christmas Carol," genealogy, and Jewish New York; Jessica fills us in on the best new books coming in December; Hongmei shares a favorite song; Jason recommends three great YA titles; Joe looks at pop music history through Tom Breihan's book "The Number Ones"

Joe shares more turkey tales from the "School Bell" archives; Jessica highlights the best new books coming out this month; Archana fills us in on our November programs; Hongmei shares a special song; Jessica picks her favorite lyrics from Taylor Swift's "Midnights;" Joe discusses new releases by George Saunders, Quentin Tarantino, and PJ Harvey

Joe tells the story of the Livingston Library ghost; Jessica highlights the most anticipated books coming in October; Archana fills us in on upcoming programs on dragons, Italian composers, and more; Hongmei shares some happy accordion music; the crew recommends great books to read this month.

Joe celebrates the massive talent of actor Nicolas Cage; Archana discusses upcoming programs about Jewish images in cinema, Latin American artists, and floral design; Jessica highlights which exciting new books are coming out in September; Hongmei plays one of Chopin's nocturnes; the crew share the literature, films, and music that get them in the mood for Fall.

Joe reads Freeman Harrison's "No Greater Love," about the short & heroic life of Livingston resident Clara Maass; Jessica fills us in on what books are headed to the library in August; Hongmei shares a song by Lewis Capaldi; the crew recommends some of their favorite recent reads.

Joe digs into our Local History archive to play a recording from a Bicentennial concert held in Livingston in 1976; Jessica previews some great new books on their way to the library in July; Hongmei shares a special patriotic song; Archana tells us about an upcoming Jersey Shore-themed presentation; the crew talk about their favorite ocean-themed books, films, and music.

Joe plays excerpts of old interviews with Edith DeCamp, one of the library's founders, and Captain Ernie Alinger, a Livingston police officer from 1948 - 1979; Jessica highlights exciting new books coming to the library in June; Archana fills us on in upcoming programs about wardrobe building, LGBTQ artists, Winslow Homer, and World War II heroics; Hongmei shares some delightful harmonica music; and the crew talks about their favorite ways to exercise their brains.

Joe talks a bit about book censorship; Jessica highlights the hot new books headed our way in May; Archana tells us about some programs on our May calendar; Hongmei celebrates baseball season with a song; the crew shares their favorite books, songs, and films about motherhood.

Joe highlights the music of Grammy winners Jon Batiste, Silk Sonic, and Olivia Rodrigo; Jessica tells us about some of the best new books headed to the library in April; Archana discusses programs on next month's calendar; Hongmei shares a special Springtime song; the crew shares some of their favorite poetry.

Joe talks about some favorite Western novels; Jessica fills us in on what great new books are headed our way this month; Hongmei shares a song and poem inspired by the late Thich Nhat Hanh; Archana discusses some of the women-centric programs on our March calendar; the crew share some favorite books to celebrate Women's History Month; Joe gets excited to read Stephen Graham Jones' "My Heart is a Chainsaw"

Joe learns about William Livingston, our town's "rascally" namesake; Jessica previews some of the best books hitting our shelves this month; Archana discusses upcoming programs about Sammy Davis, Jr., and the history of rock n' roll; Hongmei shares a special song by Josh Groban & Celine Dion; the crew shares their favorite fictions about politics and leadership.

Joe talks about the new Beatles documentary "Get Back," and other Beatle-related content available from the library; Archana tells us about programs on our January calendar; Hongmei shares a song about New Year's Resolutions; Jessica, Archana, and Joe share what books and shows they're looking forward to in 2022.

Joe reads Christmas-themed stories written by Livingston children in the 1940s; Karen talks with the Livingston Teen Advisory Board; Hongmei plays some special winter music; Katie fills us in on what hot new books are coming our way this winter; Jessica, Archana, Katie, Hongmei, and Joe share their favorite books, films, shows, and music from 2021.

Joe reads Thanksgiving stories written by Livingston children in the 1940's and '50s; Katie gives the scoop on eagerly-awaited upcoming reads; Hongmei shares a special song by Mary Chapin Carpenter; Archana tells us about exciting programs on our November calendar; the crew shares what stories they love sharing with their families; Joe reads an excerpt from "The Time Traveler's Wife," the subject for the next meeting of our "Unstuck in Time" book club

Joe reads ghost stories written by 3rd grade students from Livingston in 1955; Katie gives the scoop on some of October's best upcoming reads; Hongmei shares a soothing song; Archana tells us about the great programs on our October calendar; Katie, Joe, Archana, and Jessica talk about some fictional characters they wish they could befriend; Joe discusses "Something Wicked This Way Comes"

Joe talks about Alfred Hitchcock's "Notorious" and our new classic movies series; Katie highlights some of the most anticipated reads coming to the library in September; Hongmei shares another inspiring song; Jessica, Katie, Amy, and Joe discuss some of their favorite school-related books and films; Archana tells us about some of the exciting programs we have in September; Joe discusses Margaret Atwood's "Oryx and Crake," the subject for the next meeting of the Unstuck in Time book club

Joe talks with the children in our "Book Buddies" program; Katie gives us a glimpse of the most anticipated books heading to the library in August; Hongmei shares a clip of one of her favorite uplifting songs; Joe previews "The Father" and "Nomadland," the final films in our "Weekends with the Oscars" series; Jessica tells us about an upcoming program on helping our dogs adjust to life after lockdown; the crew shares some of their favorite dog-related books and films; Joe discusses Daphne du Maurier's 1938 novel "Rebecca," the next subject of our "Unstuck in Time" book club.

Joe spotlights recent additions to our indie collection by Livingston authors Annette Choy, Loren Svetvilas, and David Klonsky; Katie previews some of the most anticipated books coming in July; Jessica, Katie, and Joe share what they're excited to read this summer; Joe talks about the return of "Weekends with the Oscars"; Hongmei highlights recent posts from the library's blog; Joe talks about William Goldman's "The Princess Bride," the next topic for the Unstuck in Time book club.

Joe spotlights some poetry books by Jennifer MacBain-Stephens, Jennifer Maritza McCauley, and Jessie Janeshek from indie publisher Stalking Horse Press; Archana talks about upcoming programs on Art Nouveau, the American Flag, basic makeup skills, and home food preservation; Jessica tells us about the beaded Pride pins we'll be making for our June Pinterest craft; the crew shares some of their favorite books, films, and music by and about LGBTQ people, including Madeline Miller's "Song of Achilles," the writing of David Sedaris, Hansal Mehta's "Aligarh," Leslie Jordan's "How Y'all Doing," the music of Husker Du, and Ezra Furman's book on Lou Reed's "Transformer;" Joe sings the praises of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," the next topic of the "Unstuck in Time" book club.

Joe talks about the library's new "Indie" collection, including books by Devin Kelly and Bud Smith; Archana tells us about upcoming programs on Beatrix Potter, Colonial and Victorian fashion, Medal of Honor winners, and opera; Katie lists some of the most eagerly-awaited books coming in May; Jessica talks about the next "Bookish Vibes" club meeting with author Susan Wiggs; the crew shares what books and music are best for their mental health, including works by Ravi Shankar, Colleen Hoover, Kristin Hannah, Mary Alice Monroe, The Rolling Stones, Nirvana, and Erik Satie; Joe discusses why Toni Morrison's "Beloved" is the topic for May's "Unstuck in Time" book club

Joe discusses the poetry of musicians Lana Del Rey and Leonard Cohen; Katie talks about the most anticipated books coming in April; Archana tells us about some environmentally-minded programs offered by the library this month; the crew shares what books, films, and music make them feel most in touch with nature; Jessica discusses some of the very bookish programs on our April calendar; Joe talks about Shirley Jackson's "The Haunting of Hill House"

Love is in the air on the latest episode of L-Town Radio, the Livingston Library podcast! Jessica, Katie, and Joe share their affection for the romantic work of Colleen Hoover, Walt Whitman, and Emily Dickinson; Archana tells us about upcoming programs on Black artists, US Presidents, and movie stunt performers; Katie looks at some of February's most anticipated books; Jessica chats about Bookish Vibes' upcoming visit from author Beth Harbison; Joe discusses sci-fi titan Philip K. Dick and his novel The Man in the High Castle.

Katie, Jessica, Archana, and Joe talk about their favorite books and music of 2020, and what they're looking forward to in 2021. Plus, we have our first patron contribution, as Livingston resident Partha reads some powerful poems on grief and hope by Nobel Prize-winning writer Rabindranath Tagore.