Episodes
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Local Genealogists Speak: A Conversation with Connie
In this episode of the "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series, Connie, a local genealogist, shares about her genealogy journey, favorite type of record, and more. She also shares about her favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the…
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Local Genealogists Speak: A Conversation with Ed
In this episode of the "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series, Ed, a local genealogist, shares about his family tree, social history, orphanage records, and more. He also shares about his favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the…
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Local Genealogists Speak: A Conversation with Joe
In this episode of the "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series, Joe, a local genealogist, shares about his favorite ancestor and genealogy journey, DNA, adoption records, and more. He also shares about his favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th...
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Pick of the Week: The Great Wherever by Shannon Sanders
This week Hannah recommends Shannon Sanders's The Great Whatever, a Southern family saga about a woman uncovering her family's history after her father's death. Check out The Great Wherever by Shannon Sanders from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: Company by Shannon…
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My American Journey: Mariant
In this episode of the "My American Journey" podcast series, we speak with Mariant about her journey to the United States, the challenges she faced along the way, and the lessons she learned in building a life in a new country. In the "My American Journey" podcast series, we speak with members of...
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Pick of the Week: In Stormy Weather by Chelsea Curto
This week Hannah recommends Chelsea Curto's In Stormy Weather, a romance between rival meteorologists whose professional competition sparks an unexpected connection. Check out Chelsea Curto's In Stormy Weather from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: And Now, Back to You by...
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My American Journey: Quinnie
In this episode of the "My American Journey" podcast series, we speak with Quinnie about her journey to the United States, the challenges she faced along the way, and the lessons she learned in building a life in a new country. In the "My American Journey" podcast series, we speak with members of...
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Local Genealogists Speak: A Conversation with Pam
In this episode of the "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series, Pam, a local genealogist, shares about her favorite ancestor who signed the Declaration of Independence, the Daughters of the American Revolution or DAR, and more. She also shares about her favorite part of U.S. history in honor of...
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Pick of the Week: The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson
This week Marianne recommends Jenny Jackson's The Shampoo Effect, the story of a young writer's retreat in the beach town of Greenhead, Massachusetts. Check out Jenny Jackson's The Shampoo Effect from the Library.
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My American Journey: Cinthia and Veria
In this episode of the "My American Journey" podcast series, we speak with Cinthia and Veria about their respective journeys to the United States, the challenges they faced along the way, and the lessons they learned in building a life in a new country. In the "My American Journey" podcast…
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Pick of the Week: The Very Definition of Love by Sophia Benoit
This week Hannha recommends Sophia Benoit's The Very Definition of Love, a regency-era romance between a bookworm and a rake. Check out Sophia Benoit's The Very Definition of Love from the Library.
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The Bookies' Summer Reading List
This week Jenny, Marianne, and Hannah introduce five new must-read titles for Summer 2026: A Perfect Hand by Ayelet Waldman The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson Country People by Daniel Mason The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden The One Day You Were My Husband by Rosie Walsh Additional titles...
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Pick of the Week: The Children by Melissa Albert
This week Jenny recommends Melissa Albert's The Children, a mysterious, genre-bending fantasy book. Check out Melissa Albert's The Children from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: Starling House by Alix E. Harrow The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
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Local Genealogists Speak: A Conversation with Kim
In this episode of the "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series, Kim, a local genealogist, shares about her favorite ancestor, her favorite type of genealogy record, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and more. She also shares about her favorite part of U.S. history in honor of...
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Pick of the Week: The Shippers by Katherine Center
This week Jenny recommends Katherine Center's The Shippers, a perfect beach read for fans of romantic comedies. Check out Katherine Center's The Shippers from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: It's a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
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Pick of the Week: Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser
This week Marianne recommends Rachel Hochhauser's Lady Tremaine, a retelling of the classic Cinderella tale from the point of view of her "wicked" stepmother. Check out Rachel Hochhauser's Lady Tremaine from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: Wicked by Gregory Maguire…
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Pick of the Week: The Anniversary by Alex Finlay
This week Jenny recommends Alex Finlay's The Anniversary, a nostalgic thriller that follows two classmates across a decade of investigations into the mysterious May Day Killer. Check out Alex Finlay's The Anniversary from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: The Night Shift…
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Local Genealogists Speak: A Conversation with Mac
In this episode of the "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series, Mac, a local genealogist, shares about genealogy software, DNA, brick walls, online connections, and more. He also shares about his favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the...
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Pick of the Week: Bone of My Bone by Johanna Van Veen
This week Hannah recommends Johanna Van Veen's Bone of My Bone, a grim wartime tale of two unlikely companions bound by fate, faith, and a dangerous holy relic. Check out Johanna Van Veen's Bone of My Bone from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: The Starving Saints by…
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Pick of the Week: Go Gentle by Maria Semple
This week Marianne recommends Maria Semple's Go Gentle, the story of a fifty-something divorcée who meets a handsome stranger and is drawn into spying on her pupils' billionaire parents. Check out Maria Semple's Go Gentle from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: Where'd You...
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Pick of the Week: Seasons of Glass and Iron by Amal El-Mohtar
This week Hannah recommends Amal El-Mohtar's Seasons of Glass and Iron: Stories, a collection of fantastical short stories. Check out Amal El-Mohtar's Seasons of Glass and Iron: Stories from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar
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Local Genealogists Speak: A Conversation with Dana
In this episode of the "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series, Dana, a local genealogist, shares about her genealogy journey, DNA, photographs, online connections, and more. She also shares about her favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary…
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Pick of the Week: Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell
This week Jenny recommends Rainbow Rowell's upcoming book Cherry Baby, a witty, tender novel about a woman facing divorce and public scrutiny while reckoning with who she's been and who she wants to become. Check out Rainbow Rowell's Cherry Baby from the Library.
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The Bookies' Must-Read Books of Spring 2026
This week Hannah and Jenny introduce five must-read titles releasing Spring 2026: Go Gentle by Maria Semple The Paris Match by Kate Clayborn The Anniversary by Alex Finlay Homebound by Portia Elan Sarafina by Philip Fracassi Additional titles mentioned in this episode: The Wedding People by…
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Pick of the Week: The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke
This week Marianne recommends The Ending Writes Itself, the debut collaboration between V.E. Schwab and Cat Clarke under their new pen name, Evelyn Clarke. The book is a whodunit in which seven writers compete to pen the final pages of a recently deceased author's unfinished manuscript. Check out...
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Local Genealogists Speak: A Conversation with Phil
In this episode of the "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series, Phil, a local genealogist, shares about social history, his brick walls, genealogy books, and more. He also shares about his favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the…
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Pick of the Week: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
This week Hannah recommends Caro Claire Burke's debut novel Yesteryear, a darkly humorous story of a traditional lifestyle influencer who suddenly wakes up in an 1805 homestead. Check out Caro Claire Burke's Yesteryear from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: Lost Lambs by...
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Pick of the Week: The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey
This week Erica recommends Jennie Godfrey's The List of Suspicious Things, a coming‑of‑age story set in late‑1970s Yorkshire, following a 12‑year‑old girl who hunts for the Yorkshire Ripper only to uncover the far more personal mysteries of growing up. Check out Jennie Godfrey's The List of...
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Pick of the Week: How to Write a Love Story by Catherine Walsh
This week Jenny recommends Catherine Walsh's How to Write a Love Story, a warm, witty romance about a grieving former writer and the devoted editor assigned to help her finish her late father's famed fantasy series. Check out Catherine Walsh's How to Write a Love Story from the Library.
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Pick of the Week: Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett
This week Marianne recommends Heather Fawcett's Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter, a cozy fantasy romance about Agnes, her cat shelter, and the witch king secretly living beneath it. Check out Heather Fawcett's Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in...
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Local Genealogists Speak: A Conversation with Linda
In this episode of the "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series, Linda, a local genealogist, shares about her genealogy journey, ancestral travel, organizing her research, and more. She also shares about her favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th...
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Pick of the Week: Vigil by George Saunders
This week Hannah recommends George Saunders's Vigil, a compact, emotionally explosive work of magical realism that follows Jill "Doll" Blaine, the spirit guide tasked with ushering a dying oil executive into the afterlife. Check out George Saunders's Vigil from the Library. Additional titles...
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Pick of the Week: Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston
This week Jenny recommends Ashley Elston's Anatomy of an Alibi, a precisely written thriller told from the perspective of two women entangled in the fallout of a murder. Check out Ashley Elston's Anatomy of an Alibi from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: First Lie Wins by...
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Pick of the Week: The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead
This week Marianne recommends Ashley Winstead's The Future Saints, a novel following Hannah Cortland and her band The Future Saints after the sudden passing of her sister and band manager, Ginny. Check out Ashley Winstead's The Future Saints from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this...
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Pick of the Week: Is This A Cry For Help? by Emily Austin
This week Hannah recommends Emily Austin's Is This A Cry For Help?, a novel following Darcy, a rule-bound librarian who returns to work after a mental breakdown. Check out Emily Austin's Is This A Cry For Help? from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: Greta & Valdin by…
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Local Genealogists Speak: A Conversation with George
In this episode of the "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series, George, a local genealogist, shares about ancestral travel, archival research, genealogy books, and more. He also shares about his favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the...
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Pick of the Week: The Silver Book by Olivia Laing
This week Hannah recommends Olivia Laing's The Silver Book, a gripping love story and thriller steeped in the vibrant world of 1970s Italian cinema. Check out Olivia Laing's The Silver Book from the Library.
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2025 Holiday Fiction Round-Up
Readers' Advisor Hannah shares three 2025 titles to enjoy during the holidays. Titles mentioned in this episode: The Gingerbread Bakery (Dream Harbor, #5) by Laurie Gilmore A Case of Life and Limb: The Trials of Gabriel Ward by Sally Smith Good Spirits by B.K. Borison
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Pick of the Week: Palaver by Bryan Washington
This week Hannah recommends Bryan Washington's Palaver, the story of an expat who faces a surprise visit from his estranged mother. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Tokyo during the holiday season, this tender novel explores fractured family ties, found connections, and the quiet longing to be...
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Connecting with Our Ancestors: A History of Spiritualism for Genealogists
How might our ancestors have connected with their ancestors? Join Daniel Smith as he explores the possibilities and their connections to genealogy! In the middle of the nineteenth century, a movement known as Spiritualism captured the attention of millions, with large groupings in the Northeast…
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Seeds & Our Immigrant Ancestors
Join Daniel Smith, Genealogy Librarian, as he explores the connections between seeds and our immigrant ancestors. You may be surprised to learn that many immigrants brought seeds with them to America. These seeds were so valuable that they sometimes went to great lengths to hide them. They were...
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What Do Seeds Have to Do with Genealogy?
Join Daniel Smith, Genealogy Librarian, as he explores the connections between seeds and genealogy. You may be surprised what you can learn about your family's history from seeds! During the episode, Daniel shares what he has learned about his ancestors from the seeds his family kept, the records...
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Oscars Preview & The Year in Film
Becky and Nate are back for the 10th year in a row to discuss this Sunday's 97th Academy Awards cermony. Listen and discover the films of 2024 - the movies getting all the buzz, must-see performances, filmmakers to know, overrated disappointments, and the overlooked films that you don't want to...
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Bookies Talk: Welcome, Allie!
Meet Allie, the newest Reference Librarian at Cook Memorial Public Library District! She and Hannah discuss recent reads, the neverending debate between hardcover versus paperback, and how Allie got into the library business. Titles Referenced: Martina Calvi's The Art of Memory Collecting; Molly...
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Bookies Talk: Author Crossovers
In this episode, Amy and Leah talk about authors who cross genres, topics, and age groups -- and why the change can be great for readers. Authors mentioned in this episode: Madeleine L'Engle Judy Blume Holly Black Brandon Sanderson Elizabeth Acevedo Leigh Bardugo Nicola Yoon Ali Hazelwood Click...
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Bookies Talk: Historical Fiction Hot Takes
Readers' Advisors Hannah and Marianne share their thoughts about all things historical fiction. Titles mentioned in this episode: George Orwell - 1984 Isabel Banta - Honey The Sicilian Inheritance - Jo Piazza All the Colors of the Dark - Chris Whitaker Wild and Distant Seas - Tara Karr Roberts…
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Bookies Talk: The Power of Book Clubs
Book Club Associate Amy and Readers' Advisor Marianne share titles guaranteed to get your book club talking. Titles mentioned in this episode: This Tender Land, William Kent Krueger James, Percival Everett The Lincoln Highway and Table for Two, Amor Towles Hamnet, Maggie O'Farrell The Diamond…
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Bookies Talk: New Historical Fiction
Erica and Brooke, one of the Library's Maintenance staff, talk about two new historical fiction titles and what we can learn from them. Titles and authors mentioned in this episode: The Women by Kristen Hannah Cahokia Jazz by Francis Spufford China Beach (TV Series) Lou Berney S.A. Cosby Dwyer...
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Bookies Talk: The ACOTAR episode
Erica and Bronwyn, the Library's Communications Coordinator, talk about the romantasy series that has taken over the internet: Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses, the RenFaire, and how books are better with friends. Titles mentioned in this episode: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah…
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The Year in Film (2023) / Oscars Recap
For the 9th year in a row librarians Becky and Nate discuss last night's Academy Awards ceremony and celebrate the year in film. Listen and discover the highlights - the movies recognized by the Academy and the movies that were overlooked but not to be missed. Then find out how your library card…
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