Podcasts about public libraries

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Fayetteville Public Library v. Todd Murray

Fayetteville Public Library v. Todd Murray

Send us a text and chime in!Mesa's newest library, Gateway Library, has won a 2026 Library Interior Design Award from the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and the American Library Association (ALA). The biennial IIDA/ALA competition recognizes excellence in library interior design and promotes examples of creative design concepts in nine categories. Gateway Library, located at 5036 S. Eastmark Parkway in southeast Mesa, was one of two winners in the "Public Libraries-30,000 Square Feet and Under" category. Entries were reviewed by a jury of interior design and library professionals. "We are honored by this recognition and so proud to have this stunning library in Mesa," said...   For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/gateway-library-wins-design-award-in-mesa/ Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

Message us ANONYMOUSLYGuest cohost David Parke is seated and present to debate his pick “Class Act” (1992 d. Randall Miller). We name our hills to die on, talk about the granddaddies of movies that look “made for streaming,” style vs. substance making this more similar to “Frankenstein,” and “Oppenheimer,” than some may think, and the wildest movie ending in the history of The Review Review so far. All that, and Paul pays full and proper respect to the fine gentleman from Oakland, California. #pleasehammerdonthurtem 6/9!Support the show**All episodes contain explicit language**Main Artwork - Ben McFadden'Review Review Intro/Outro' Themes - Jamie Henwood"What Are We Watching?" & "Whatcha Been Doin'?" Themes - Matthew Fosket"Fun Facts" Theme - Chris Olds/Paul RootLead-Ins Edited/Conceptualized by - Ben McFaddenProduced by - Ben McFadden & Paul Root ("Shelf Help" - Paul Root)Podcast/Program Concept - Paul Root

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Newberg Public Library Director Korie Buerkle shares how the library serves our community, how it has evolved over the years, and why public libraries continue to play such an important role in helping people learn, grow, and connect.In our conversation, you'll learn: How Korie's journey led her to become Director of the Newberg Public Library  The many services and resources the library provides beyond books  How the library supports children, families, students, and seniors  The role libraries play in promoting literacy and lifelong learning  Some of the library's most popular programs and hidden gems  How the library is adapting to changing technology and community needs  Ways community members can get involved and support the library's mission Whether you're a lifelong library user or haven't stepped through the doors in years, this conversation offers a fresh look at one of Newberg's most valuable community resources.Links & Resources:To learn more or to support Newberg Public Library, visit: https://www.newbergoregon.gov/library/Subscribe to our newsletter for podcast notifications, Living in Newberg YouTube videos, local updates, and homeowner tipsThis podcast is brought to you by The Joyful Roberts Group, a local family-run real estate team led by Daniel Roberts. Whether you're looking to buy or sell your home anywhere around Newberg and beyond, we would love to serve as your real estate advisors. Feel free to learn more about us at TheJoyfulRobertsGroup.com.The Joyful Roberts GroupSupport the show

We talk about the Kenosha Public Library System with Sarah Townsend, Library Director, and Suzette Jaskie, President of the Kenosha Public Library Foundation.

Director of Library Services at the Northfield Public Library Natalie Draper discusses upcoming events at the library in June. 

Do you want this? Toronto police caught on tape tackling cyclist who allegedly disobeyed stop signGUESTS: Dr. Andrew Boozary - primary care physician, founder of this project, and founding executive director of the Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine at UHN

Today's Let's Talk Dallas County program features Perry's Youth and Adult Services Librarians Laura Pieper and Mindy Farmer as they discuss the summer reading program, which will officially kickoff during FamilyFest this Saturday, and look ahead to

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.We talk about Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the monthClosed on Sundays due to budget reductionClosed all day on Friday, June 19 for JuneteenthClosed all day Saturday, June 20 to make a long weekendLibrary events for June 2026In calendar order rather than by category this time aroundRegistration for those events required should be done through the Town website, Library page. There are nefarious folks trying to convince folks otherwise via Facebook. Be safe, use the official Town and Library pages.The show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended.The recording runs about 27 minutes, so let's listen in.--------------Mitzi Gousie's email - mgousie@minlib.net Franklin Public Library page - https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library Library event calendar - https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events June 2026 newsletter - https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/141 -------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.How can you help?If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We'll share and show you what and how we do what we doThrough this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot comThe music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.I hope you enjoy!------------------You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Over the years, the Boston Public Library has had all kinds of designs for their cards, but now, they're looking to add a few more. These designs, however, will be coming directly from the public. The BPL is running a contest, asking patrons to submit art that showcases what "Free to All", the mission of the Library, means to you. Bailey Watroba, Senior Public Relations Associate at the BPL, returns to the show with details on this contest, which is underway through June 15.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Troy Public Library provides a lot of great public resources in addition to a lot of great reading material! Patrick Kiley of The Troy Public Library came to the studio with his daughter to speak about book suggestions and library programming.

On today’s program, we’re speaking with Winfield Public Library director Jacque Lake about the 2026 summer reading program.

The Left spent Memorial Day harassing ICE agents, plus Grace discusses Boston Public Libraries holding 19 Drag Queen story hours.  Visit the Howie Carr Radio Network website to access columns, podcasts, and other exclusive content.

Do you enjoy stories about Texas, or reading works by Texas authors? Then you're in luck! Check out the Wilson County Public Libraries Second Book Festival on Friday and Saturday, June 5-6, in Floresville. Friday's schedule runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Sam Fore Jr. Public Library, 1103 Fourth St., will be bursting with authors and their works as the library hosts its second-ever book festival, where folks can meet authors and ask questions, purchase books, enjoy activities, and mingle will fellow bibliophiles — all in one place.... Article Link

Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County presents What Are You Reading? A Podcast. In this episode, Christie and Katie discuss "One Night on the Island" by Josie Silver and "The High Tide Club" by Mary Kay Andrews.

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Several upcoming changes at the Public Library PLUS events on local foliage and GHOST TOWNS(?!) in southeastern MN.

Shamus Toomey, Editor in Chief and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on: Still Waiting For That Library Book You Put On Hold? Driver Shortage Is To Blame: The delay is due to a “temporary reduction in driver availability,” a Chicago Public Library official […]

This summer, The New York Public Library is partnering with The Public Theater for a special book club event, taking place on August 17 at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. Today on All Of It, Brian Jones, senior director of NYPL's Reading and Engagement department, announces the book club selection: The City We Became, by NK Jemisin. Photo by John Dillenbeck via Wikimedia Commons Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s program, we’re speaking with Kalona Public Library Director Olivia Kahler about the library’s summer reading program, beginning in June.

The Spokane Public Library opened its doors in 1905 and has been serving the greater Spokane community with knowledge ever since. Our conversation highlights how the library is more than just stacks of books at SPL; they have meeting spaces, media studios, and more for people to reserve. My conversation with the Spokane Public Library covers summer reading, summer events, and how adults can maintain a reading routine.Episode Sponsors:Vacay Whitefish: https://vacaywhitefish.com/Midé Integrative Therapies:https://www.mideintegrativetherapies.com/Spokane International Airport: https://spokaneairports.net/

On today’s program, we’re speaking with Columbus Junction Public Library Director Mandy Grimm about the library’s upcoming summer reading program, and other summer activities.

In observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, all city and county offices will be closed, including city halls in China Grove, Elmendorf, Floresville, La Vernia, Poth, St. Hedwig, and Stockdale. All Wilson County Public Libraries, including Sam Fore Jr. Public Library in Floresville, Jane Yelvington McCallum Public Library in La Vernia, and Sarah Bain Chandler Public Library in Stockdale, will be closed Saturday, May 23, through Monday, May 25. They will reopen on Tuesday, May 26. The Wilson County Courthouse, County Clerk, Appraisal District, and Tax Office will also be closed. The County Collections Facility will also be... Article Link

Danny Gillane, Director of the Lafayette Public Library System, joins Discover Lafayette for a timely conversation about the evolving role of our parish libraries and the tax renewal on the ballot Saturday, May 16, 2026. Gillane has served Lafayette's library system for nearly two decades, following earlier work with public and academic libraries including UL-Lafayette and the Louisiana State Library. He earned a master's degree in library science from Louisiana State University. Serving Lafayette Parish through nine branches, the system has grown steadily over the past two decades, with major regional libraries in Carencro, Youngsville, Scott, and Lafayette, alongside smaller satellite locations embedded in community centers. Gillane emphasizes that the system's mission extends far beyond books and is a community asset offering a treasure trove of resources. “The whole community pays for the library. So we are a shared resource,” he explains. “There's no money transaction when you walk through the door.” That shared investment delivers a remarkable range of services. In addition to physical and digital books, including downloadable audiobooks comparable to commercial platforms, the library offers free access to meeting rooms, study spaces, and technology resources. In 2025 alone, “over 35,000 people booked a study room or a meeting room,” and the library system hosted more than “3,800 programs with over 80,000 attendees.” Programming spans all ages and interests: technology training, genealogy research, makerspaces with 3D printers and laser cutters, and even recreational offerings like Zumba and mahjong. Library members can also check out musical instruments such as violins, guitars, and accordions for 30 days, providing families a low-risk way to explore new interests. “Before you know if it's going to stick,” Gillane notes, “let's check this out.” One of the library's most popular and lesser-known benefits is free access to local cultural institutions. With a library card, patrons can reserve passes to destinations such as the Hilliard Art Museum, Vermilionville, Alexandre Mouton House/Lafayette Museum, Lafayette Science Museum and the Children's Museum, with admission covering an entire household. The system has also recently partnered to provide free parking access at Moncus Park. Additional llibrary membership resources include online access to training and test prep courses such as Udemy, Mometrix Test Preparation, LinkedIn Learning, and Learning Express Library. Gillane describes the library as an essential “third space” in the community: “It's a good space for people to come together. There's no discriminating who comes in, no judging. Check out what we have, book a room, hang out.” This community-centered mission is directly tied to the upcoming May 16, 2026 ballot, where voters will consider renewal of a 3.12 mill property tax that funds approximately 65% of the library's operating revenue. If approved, the renewal would extend funding for ten years beginning in 2027. The tax generates about $8.89 million a year for operation and maintenance of buildings and services and for personnel “It pays for the operation of the library, maintenance of the buildings, any capital improvements, everything is encompassed in these two taxes,” Gillane explains, referencing the system's two dedicated millages. He stresses the importance of voter awareness: “We are at the bottom of the ballot, so keep going.” The stakes are significant. The library system operates on an annual budget of just over $14 million and has recently moved from a $1 million deficit in 2021 to a more stable financial position through cost-cutting and increased tax revenues. That stability is now enabling long-delayed projects, including major renovations to the South Regional Library, expansion of the North Regional Library in Carencro, and plans for a new Northeast Regional Library near the Holy Rosary site which is anticipated to open around early 2028. Gillane underscores that community input remains vital to the system's future. “If you ever go in the library and there is something you wish we had, please reach out. We don't hear from enough people, and we want to be there for everyone in our community.” For those who haven't visited recently, his message is simple: “Please come in. We'd love to see you. There's plenty to see.” As Lafayette Parish prepares for the May 16 vote, this conversation offers a clear reminder that the public library is not just a place for books—it is a dynamic, community-funded resource that continues to evolve with the needs of Acadiana.

The punks, despite all the best efforts of society and time, are still kicking around, and we love that for them/us. This week on the pod, J. Hunter Bennett, author of "More Punk than the Public Library," joins Joe and Elly to talk about middle-aged punk life, starting a little free punk rock library during the pandemic outside his house on a well-trafficked corner of Chevy Chase, D.C., and more.Get J. Hunter Bennett's book and zines here: https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/artist/j-hunter-bennett************Thank you for catching the People's Guide to Publishing vlogcast!  We post new episodes every Thursday about publishing, authors, and the book industry. You can also listen via your preferred podcast app, or by visiting linktree.com/microcosmGet the book: https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/books/3663Get the workbook: https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/zines/10031More from Microcosm: http://microcosmpublishing.comMore by Joe Biel: http://joebiel.netMore by Elly Blue: http://takingthelane.comSubscribe to our monthly email newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gIXT6vFind us on social media:Facebook: http://facebook.com/microcosmpublishingBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/microcosm.bsky.socialInstagram: http://instagram.com/microcosm_pub************

Director of Library Services at the Northfield Public Library Natalie Draper discusses upcoming events at the library in May, including events for AAPI Heritage Month, community partners hosting events, and more. 

Huangshan public library 黄山市图书馆 - tourist Anhui, China, 202604The Ultimate Traveler's Hub | Huangshan Public Library Hello dear friends, Today we're at the Huangshan Public Library, and it is everything a modern traveler needs. This place is pristine clean, incredibly quiet, and designed for those of us on the move. If you need to catch up on work or upload photos, you'll love the fast internet and the abundance of charging facilities—from convenient desk outlets to dedicated tech zones. It's the perfect spot to recharge your devices while you recharge your spirit in a beautiful, modern setting.Today's Highlights:✨ Pristine, modern study and lounge spaces.✨ High-speed Wi-Fi and plenty of power outlets for your gear.✨ The best quiet sanctuary in Huangshan City.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye, Neighbors! A Royal Reminder from Your Local Bug Man By Fred Talley, Faith Pest Control Well, howdy neighbors! Fred Talley here from Faith Pest Control, right here in our beautiful corner of North Georgia. If you're like me, you're already looking forward to those long summer days and the community spirit that makes Jasper such a special place to call home. I'm writing to you today because there's a mighty big event coming to town that you won't want to miss. It's time to dust off your tunics and polish your armor, because the Ga. Mt. Charity Camelot-Fest is returning to Jasper this June! A Weekend of Medieval Magic in Our Own Backyard Mark your calendars for June 20 and 21, 2026. The festival will be held right here at the Chattahoochee Tech Conference Center (100 Campus Dr.). This isn’t just your average weekend outing; it's a full-blown trip back to the days of King Arthur. We're talking about: Live Knights and Performers: You'll see roaming bards, stage acts, and maybe even a wizard or two wandering through the crowd. The Artisan Market: Plenty of handcrafted treasures and traditional festival food (yes, you can feast like royalty!). Games for the Littles: From archery-style games to knightly quests, there's plenty to keep the kids entertained. A Great Cause: The best part? All the proceeds go directly to support our local Public Library. Cosplay is highly encouraged, so don't be shy about dressing up as a knight, a noble, or even a forest fairy. It's all in good fun for a great community cause. Don't Let Uninvited Guests Ruin Your Summer Feast Now, while we're all excited about the knights and the fair ladies coming to Jasper, there are some other “guests” trying to make their way into our homes this summer that aren’t nearly as welcome. I'm talking about those nasty North Georgia spiders, ants, and termites that think your kitchen is their personal banquet hall. Listen… I want to be YOUR BUG MAN! Nothing spoils a summer evening like finding a black ribbon of ants marching across your counter or hearing that “scritch-scritch-scritch” in the walls. Termite and pest control is serious business—it involves protecting your home, your family, and your four-legged friends. At Faith Pest Control, we don't just “spray and pray.” We use common-sense, pet-friendly methods to put the treatment where the bugs live and your pets don't. My Personal “Make You Happy” Guarantee I am so confident in my expertise that I'm willing to place MY NAME and MY MONEY on the line. If you hire me to get rid of your pest problem and, at the end of 30 days, you are not 100% HAPPY, I will come back and retreat your home for FREE. If you're still not happy, I'll give you back every penny of your money, plus an additional $25.00 for your time and trouble. Period. So, go enjoy the Camelot-Fest and support our library! Just remember, if you come home and find that the only “dragons” in your house are the roaches under the fridge, don’t you hesitate to give me a ring. Give us a call at 770-823-9202. Let’s keep the pests out and the tails waggin’! Have a great day, neighbors, Fred Talley, Owner/Operator Faith Pest Control, Jasper, GA 770-823-9202The post A Royal Reminder from Your Local Bug Man Ga. Mt. Charity Camelot-Fest first appeared on Faith Pest Control.

In this episode of Capital for Good, we speak with Tony Marx, the president and CEO of the New York Public Library, the nation's largest library system and the world's preeminent public research library. Marx's reimagination of this storied institution builds on his transformative leadership in higher education when he served as president of Amherst College. A distinguished scholar and political scientist, Marx's education — in the power of education — was forged by his experience in South Africa in the 1980s. We begin this wide ranging conversation with Marx's beginnings: his childhood in New York City's Inwood neighborhood, high school at Bronx Science, the intellectual care and attention he received from professors at Wesleyan and Yale, and his early passion for political science, inspired by his involvement in the anti-apartheid movements on campus and the "excitement of being involved in something bigger than myself, and thinking about social justice at scale." Marx would soon move to South Africa, where he helped create Khanya College, a free, residential liberal arts college for Black South Africans to prepare them for entry and success in the country's top universities, where they had long been excluded. Marx notes that his years in South Africa were "life changing," allowing him to live and work with "people who were living and dying for the rights of democracy that we take for granted," and teaching him how one year of high-quality education at Khanya could "undo" twelve years of a stunting K-12 system. "The power of the human mind, the power of education to feed the human mind, should never be underestimated," Marx says. These lessons would define his career and life's work. Back in New York, Marx's scholarship on Africa and questions of nationalism earned him tenure at Columbia, where he and his family spent thirteen fruitful years. Without extensive administrative experience or ties to Amherst, Marx was surprised to find himself a serious candidate in the presidential search of the country's leading liberal arts college, but soon discovered that Amherst's board was ready to lean into change from its position of strength. "When you're at the top of the game is when you should take risk," Marx believes. "It's a wild way of thinking, but it's the right way of thinking, but nobody thinks that way." With the board's support, Marx undertook a number of groundbreaking initiatives that would make Amherst an even stronger institution; he is best known for his efforts to increase significantly the economic diversity of the student body, improving the school's racial diversity, and academic standing, in the process.   In 2010, the New York Public Library came calling. Marx saw in the library's unusual combination of assets — a branch system that served millions of people in person each year (the most trusted and visited civic institution in the city) and the world's most used public research library — a 130-year-old educational institution ripe for "innovation at scale." Over fifteen years, Marx and his colleagues have invested significantly in the branch libraries, transmuting them into community centers, which today are, after the schools and CUNY, the city's largest provider of educational services, all free, from early literacy and career training to English language and technology instruction. In Inwood, Marx's childhood branch, the NYPL has partnered with various public development agencies and philanthropies to build 175 units of affordable housing atop a new library and community center, a model they are pursuing at other sites across the city. In wifi "deserts," the team has worked with internet service providers to beam broadband from local libraries into the neighborhoods. Technology has also been crucial to expanding global access to the research libraries, starting with vast and copyright-respecting digitization efforts. "The notion is that every book ever written should be available to anyone on the planet for free through their library — that's the aspiration and we're building it," Marx proclaims. He has not shied away from the promise of artificial intelligence to support this work, if AI can be harnessed in ways consistent with the institution's values including "privacy, veracity, and respect." "Even more than books, trust is our greatest asset" Marx says. He therefore holds that institutions like the New York Public Library have a role to play in shaping the responsible evolution of these new technologies, and to ensure equitable access to information and knowledge. "It all goes back to the same lesson I learned in South Africa… that the world learned in the Enlightenment," he concludes. "We have to respect everyone. We have to be compassionate towards everyone. We have to understand that everyone has the capacity to learn, to create, to inspire, to inspire others, to have empathy, so that we can live in the world we want to live in." Mentioned in this Podcast Khanya College Lessons of Struggle: South African Internal Opposition, 1960-1990, (Oxford University Press, 1992) Making Race and Nation: a Comparison of South Africa, the United States and Brazil, (Cambridge University Press, 1997) Amherst College The New York Public Library Neighbors Fight Affordable Housing, But Need Libraries. Can't We Make a Deal?, (Michael Kimmelman for the New York Times, 2024)

The Trump administration settled a lawsuit this month challenging its year-long effort to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and agreed to honor past grants that were clawed back last year forcing public libraries across the country (including tribal libraries) to scramble for alternative funding, cut programming, lay off employees, or close their doors. Tribal libraries get numerous grants from the IMLS and, while library directors and advocates welcome reinstated IMLS funds, they are looking to strengthen funding and support for the long term. On National Library Week, we’ll get an update from tribal library advocates about the longevity of these much-needed programs and facilities. We'll also learn about continued efforts to keep all books (including those written by Indigenous writers) on public and school library shelves. A handful of states passed legislation that reduces the risk of books being banned in schools and public libraries. This is in response to numerous book ban controversies in states like Texas and Florida that pit librarians and authors of books about certain LGBTQ2+, racial, and historical subjects against conservative Christians. Now, a bill that would ban similar books has been introduced to Congress. GUESTS Jennifer Himmelreich (Diné), senior consultant for the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums' Tribal Library Council Cassandra Osterloh (Cherokee), New Mexico State Library tribal libraries program coordinator Laurel Goodluck (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Tsimshian), author and member of the Freedom to Read New Mexico coalition Break 1 Music: Dee Zee (song) The Delbert Anderson Trio (artist) MANITOU (album) Break 2 Music: Feels Like [feat. Sheena Shandea] (song) Nataanii Means (artist)

In Books: A Manifesto (Weidenfeld) subtitled How to Build a Library, poet and critic Ian Patterson reflects on a life spent with and formed by books. Now, as he constructs the last of many libraries, he makes an impassioned case for the radical importance of reading in our lives - from Proust to Jilly Cooper, from golden-age detective novels to avant-garde poetry. He talked about books and libraries with the novelist Ali Smith who, in Public Library and Other Stories, explored our many-faceted fascination with the book.

Libraries are often thought of as quiet repositories. But at their best, they are living, evolving spaces where culture is preserved, interpreted, and reimagined. Brent Reidy serves as the Andrew W. Mellon Director of the Research Libraries at The New York Public Library—one of the most expansive and dynamic cultural collections in the world. With a career that spans musicology, consulting with arts institutions, and nearly a decade at NYPL, Brent brings a unique perspective on how libraries function not just as archives, but as active participants in the cultural ecosystem. In this episode, Brent reflects on what it takes to engage new audiences; how digitization efforts intersect with access and institutional mission; and how preserving the past can help shape a more inclusive and imaginative future for the arts. ----- LINKS: The New York Public Library: https://www.nypl.org/  The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts: https://www.nypl.org/locations/lpa  StoryCorps Archive: https://archive.storycorps.org/ 

Americans are reading less than ever. Policymakers know this is a problem, but they rarely look to public libraries for solutions. Instead, libraries have embraced an agenda of redundancy, morphing into technology centers, daytime homeless shelters, and all-purpose community centers. It's time for libraries to return to their traditional mission: offering Americans serious books and a place for quiet study.Guest Stephen Eide joins us to discuss how refocusing public libraries could help reverse America's reading decline.Stephen Eide is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute. He has visited more than 300 public libraries.This podcast discusses themes from Stephen's essay in the Spring 2026 issue of National Affairs: “The Mission of Public Libraries.”

On April 15, The New York Public Library kicks off their annual World Literature & Arts Festival, with a series of events and author talks spotlighting excellent fiction from around the world. Plus, 12 translated titles will be available to borrow as e-copies immediately, in unlimited quantities. Erica Parker, the NYPL associate director of adult cultural programming, previews the festival, and the 12 novels available to borrow. Plus, listeners share their favorite translated works. Photo by Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Sara Billiet joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about upcoming events in April at the Kewanee Public Library. The Kewanee Public Library is gearing up for a busy April with new programs for all ages. Adults can join the Page Turners Book Club or the new Curious Minds nonfiction group. There's also a Tabletop Club for board game enthusiasts. For young adults, the library offers weekly video gaming and a monthly Dungeons & Dragons event. Junior high and high school teens can participate in blackout poetry crafts this month. Children's programming includes crafts like coded name bracelets and blue pinwheels for child abuse prevention. The library's summer reading program, themed “Plant a Seed, Read,” launches May 26 with a festive kickoff and activities for all ages, and getting a library card is fast and free for local residents.

Emerging Technology Librarian Tyler Gardner from the Northfield Public Library discusses upcoming events at the library, including the library being closed today and this weekend for some renovations and so staff can attend a Public Library Association Conference in Minneapolis, Library Page applications now open, the screening of Join or Die at St. Olaf College next weekend, and much more. 

#hauntedhistory #ghosthunting #thewillardGet the FULL Willard Experience by joining the Parajunkie Fam on Patreon! (Plus SO much more, like no ads, and an incredible community) www.patreon.com/hauntedcitypodcastTake a look at the ghost cams here! https://www.willardlib.org/ghost-camsThe veil is thinning in Evansville, Indiana! In this episode, Madison Timmons, Chris Soucy, and JT Timmons prepare for our upcoming live investigation of the legendary Willard Library on May 23rd!As the oldest continuously operating library in Indiana, the Willard is a stunning piece of American Gothic architecture—but its red brick walls hold more than just books. From a 1930s janitor encountering a veiled figure in the basement to modern-day "book-chucking" spirits, we're digging into the "Ghost Packet" to uncover the truth behind the Gray Lady.Is she the snubbed daughter of the library's founder, fighting for her inheritance from beyond the grave? Or a lingering librarian who never truly clocked out?

In this episode of Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat, we sit down with Denise Lawver, Director of the Wahoo Public Library, to talk about the exciting renovations happening right now—and what they mean for the community.From new indoor spaces to unique outdoor features, the Wahoo Library is evolving into even more of a hub for connection, learning, and gathering.Denise shares a behind-the-scenes look at what's coming and how these updates will enhance the experience for visitors of all ages.In this episode, we cover:

Megan Krueger, Moorhead Library Director, joins Amy and JJ to talk about the new Loop - coming to the former location of the Moorhead Center Mall. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As AI content increasingly spreads online, Erin Kennedy, the digital innovation manager at the Mid-Continent Public Library, says people should be critical of the content. While some content is created for fun, other content is used to deceive the viewer.

Bill North from Friends and Foundation of the Northfield Public Library discuss this weekend's Puzzle Playoff event to raise funds for the library. 

Oftentimes, when your local library is putting on a book sale, it's held at the library itself. In Nahant, they're doing a cleanout of some rare titles that, in some cases, haven't seen the light of day in decades. What's different here is that they're doing it on eBay, opening up bid opportunities from all over the world. Nori Morganstein, Director of the Nahant Public Library, discusses their decision to go digital with this latest book sale, and why it's necessary to part ways with some of these aged books.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Literary hub, polling place, warming center and now… food pantry? Some libraries can do it all. With 81 branches, the Chicago Public Library system is one of the largest and most robust in the world. On today's In the Loop, we look at how libraries are about a lot more than just books with Chris Brown, Chicago Public Library Commissioner, Megan Greenback, Legler Library Assistant Director and Mary Davis Fournier, Executive Director, Public Library Association. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.