L-Town Radio

Joe talks with Lu Lynch, our new Youth Services Librarian, about how they impacted their library as a middle schooler, how they hope to share their love of manga and Dungeons & Dragons with our young patrons, and how they hope to strengthen community at the library. Plus, Ragini tells us about some of the great new books headed to our shelves in May; Archana fills us in on some of the wonderful programs scheduled on our May calendar; and Hongmei talks about instruments you might consider if you plan to celebrate "National Buy a Musical Instrument" day on May 22nd.

Nadia, Amy, Lisa, Nick, and Joe celebrate National Poetry Month by reading poems by Maya Angelou, Stanley Kunitz, Billy Collins, Franny Choi, Linda Hogan, and Robert Miller; plus, Hongmei talks about poetry in music; Archana highlights some of the great programs on our April calendar; and Ragini fills us in on some of the most eagerly-awaited books hitting our shelves this month.

Joe talks with our new Adult Services Department Head Ragini Lall about her NJLA award-winning work organizing the library's Special Needs Resource Fair, as well as how her experience in Human Resources prepared her to be a public librarian. Plus, Hongmei talks about recordings that were honored at this year's Grammy Awards; Archana highlights some of the great programs on our March calendar; and Ragini tells us about some of the most anticipated books hitting our shelves this month.

Joe talks with Lisa Jenkins of our Youth Services department about her background in developmental psychology, about the moment she knew she wanted to be a public librarian, about her NJLA award-winning "Makers of History" program, and about some of her favorite spooky stories for young readers. Plus, Hongmei talks about music for the Lunar New Year; Archana highlights some of the great programs on our February calendar; and Ragini tells us about some of the most anticipated new books hitting library shelves this month.

Joe reads "Some Things Never Change," a heartwarming tale of holiday spirit by Livingston historian Freeman Harrison. Plus, Ragini tells us about some of the most anticipated new books hitting our shelves this month, and Hongmei shares some thoughts on Rosalia's new album.

Joe talks with Barbara Sax, President of the Arts Council of Livingston, about her career as an art teacher, the roles that emotion and intuition play in her own artistic process, and keeping the creative spirit alive in our community. Plus, Archana highlights some of the fantastic programs scheduled on our November calendar; Hongmei shares some thoughts on Taylor Swift's latest album; and Ragini tells us about some of the most anticipated new books hitting library shelves this month.

Joe talks with Jeff Friedman about his long & successful career as a TV director / producer, as well as how he serves the community through his organization, Livingston Philanthropies. Plus, Ragini highlights some of the most anticipated new books hitting library shelves this month; Hongmei talks about great music to listen to this fall season; and Archana discusses some of the fantastic programs scheduled on our October calendar.

Joe talks with acclaimed musician Yang Jin about her musical journey, her work with the Livingston community, and how she seeks to connect people through music. Plus, Archana highlights some of the great programs on our September calendar, Hongmei shares resources to celebrate Classical Music Month, and Ragini tells us about the most anticipated books hitting the library shelves this month.

Joe talks with Shilpa Kulkarni, President and co-founder of Shiv's Third Eye, a local organization that promotes mental wellness for adolescents and their surrounding communities. Shilpa discusses her journey from India to Japan to New Jersey, and how she channeled the pain of a tremendous tragedy into transformative community activism. Plus, Jessica highlights some of the most anticipated books hitting our shelves this month, and Hongmei shares some songs to put on your July 4th playlist.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Joe time-travels back to colonial Livingston to tell the story of the "Horseneck Riots;" Jessica talks “Personal Finance 101;” Archana discusses upcoming programs about New Jersey’s state parks, and Alexander Hamilton; Katie, Gina, Jessica, Archana, and Joe rhapsodize about their favorite musicals; Katie looks at some exciting new books coming out in September; and Joe talks about "Unstuck in Time," our new speculative fiction book club.