Vespasian Warner Public Library Podcast

Get a preview of what's happening for Summer Reading 2025.

Children's clerk Olivia Totten recommends her five favorite movies.

The Vespasian Warner Library is now offering three new ways for patrons to learn new things.

Business Manager Kyle Taylor recommends his five favorite underrated films.

In the late 1800s, Jonathan Way and later George Hiter attempted to escape justice by fleeing the state.

Library Clerk Adara Meyen recommends her five favorite YA/Jr high book series.

Get to know the library's new catalog search.

C.H. Moore is well-known figure in Clinton and this episode is just a brief overview of his life.

Get to know the library's newest resource for ebooks and audiobooks.

Director Bobbi Perryman recommends five of her favorite lesser known books.

Get to know Kanopy, the library's new streaming service.

Maintenance Supervisor Lucas Snow explains the need for and what can be expected from this extensive and expensive project.

Youth Services Manager Melissa Snow and Adult Program Coordinator Emily Dunham provide a behind-the-scenes look at how much work goes into Summer Reading.

The first murder trial in Clinton, IL in 1840 also featured a future president and his political rival.

Luna the Bearded Dragon is the Vespasian Warner Library's superstar library pet.

The children's floor in the library has recently undergone some changes to make for a better experience for kids and families.

In 1964, the small town of Wapella in Dewitt County was the site of the largest weapons bust in the country outside of Florida at the time.

Find out more about the Friends of the Warner Library, a wonderful group of volunteers who support the library.

As head librarian for 50 years, Miss Lillian Kent helped to shape the Vespasian Warner Library into what it is today.

The staff of the Vespasian Warner Library have some recommendations that might not all be sweet, but will be short and definitely worth your time.

Learn more about the history of the Vespasian Warner Library building.

The staff of the Vespasian Warner Library have some recommendations to help you lighten up.

Colonel Thomas Snell was one of the wealthiest men in the county. However, his unusual will triggered legal battles that lasted for years.

The Vespasian Warner Library belongs to a system of libraries that allows patrons access to an even wider selection of items.

The tragic death of Margherita Trainor in the Magill House in Clinton, IL in 1913 due to complications from an abortion saw a well-known local doctor and the young man who'd allegedly gotten her into trouble on trial for her demise.

Local history is an important part of the Vespasian Warner Library and there's a whole section dedicated to it that patrons can explore.

In 1895, the village of Weldon, IL was rocked by a shooting involving two of the town's most prominent citizens-- Postmaster John A. Pace and State Representative Dr. W.H. Taylor. And the reason behind the shooting was just as shocking.

Thanks to Vespasian Warner Library Program Coordinator Marie Maltby, Cassandra Meyen of the DeWitt County 4-H, and the 4-H volunteers, the library's sunken gardens got a much needed beautification.

In July of 1910, Night Captain Tony Musser witnessed the murder of Clinton, IL police chief John Struble. Three years later, after his own stint as police chief, Musser would testify at Struble's murder trial. And only weeks after that Tony Musser would be shot dead, in part due to a rumor about his involvement with Chief Struble's death.

Thanks to the combined efforts of The Vespasian Warner Library, the U of I Extension Office, and the DeWitt County Master Gardeners, the dream of the library having its very own pollinator garden is now a reality.

In July of 1910, Clinton, IL police chief John Struble was murdered attempting to apprehend a sneak thief. It would take years before a man was brought to trial for the crime, but the verdict did little to solve the mystery.

Find out more about the library apps patrons should be using to enhance their library experience.

Though now mostly forgotten, Clinton mayor Dr. B.M. Pugh once led the headlines with his economic savvy, his dedication to John Warner Hospital, and his political and personal scandals.

The library offers many free services to better serve and support the community.

The railroad was a popular and convenient method of traveling and shipping in DeWitt County in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and it was a source of employment for many local residents as well. However, there were times that working and riding the rails could be dangerous -and even deadly.

Learn a little more about the Weinberg Collection and the man who donated the books, Dr. Harold Weinberg.

Two unlikely 14 inch rainfalls caused massive flooding in Clinton almost exactly seven years apart. Listen to learn a little more about what happened during those floods.

Read or seen anything good lately? Well, the staff of the Vespasian Warner Library have. Here are a few recommendations that the staff have read or watched within the last year as they discovered -or rediscovered- some great reads and watches.

Learn about the book discussion groups hosted by the Vespasian Warner Public Library District.

Libraries are magical places, but the Vespasian Warner library is truly enchanted. Learn a little bit about our library fairies.

On May 15, 1968, a tornado devastated the town of Wapella, heavily damaged Waynesville, and caused some destruction in Farmer City. Listen to learn a little more about that terrifying spring evening.

In this episode, learn a little bit about the history of DeWitt County's third courthouse, which stood in the center of the Square for nearly 100 years.

You don't have to wait until Halloween to enjoy something spooky, scary, creepy, or gory. Check out these screams that the staff recommend.

Listen as Circulation Clerk Rachel Deavers discusses the work she does at the Vespasian Warner Library.

In this episode, the responsibilities of the part-time evening clerks of the Vespasian Warner Library are detailed.

Listen as Youth Services Assistant Melissa Snow discusses a few of her duties for the Vespasian Warner Library.

Listen as Circulation Clerk Wendy West describes her typical week at the Vespasian Warner Library.

Listen as Assistant Business Manager Logan Janicki explains how his work impacts the Vespasian Warner Library.

Listen as Maintenance Supervisor Lucas Snow explains everything he does to keep the Vespasian Warner Library in shape.

Listen as Program Coordinator Marie Maltby explains what it takes to make a great program as well as her other responsibilities at the Vespasian Warner Library.

Listen as Circulation Supervisor Aric Monkman outlines his duties for the Vespasian Warner Library.