Best Cook Library Staff Podcasts (2024)

1
Bookies Talk: The Power of Book Clubs 18:26

2M ago18:26

18:26

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 Eye, Kate Quinn Solito, Javier Zamora Chain-Gang All-Sta…

1
Bookies Talk: New Historical Fiction 18:07

3M ago18:07

18:07

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 Murphy The Yiddish Policeman's Union by Michael Chabon …

1
Bookies Talk: The ACOTAR episode 11:55

5M ago11:55

11:55

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 J. Maas The Crescent City Series by Sarah J. Maas Shad…

1
The Year in Film (2023) / Oscars Recap 22:11

5M ago22:11

22:11

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 is the ultimate ticket to the movies.…

1
Bookies Talk: Immersive Stories 13:47

6M ago13:47

13:47

Readers' Advisors Erica and Amy share three recent books that bring their worlds -- a tense near-future, a legendary past, and present-day America - to life in vivid and unexpected ways. Books featured in this episode: Prophet Song by Paul Lynch The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo Our Hidden Conversations: What Americans Really Think About Race and Identi…

1
Bookies Talk: Bandits, Babies, and Brendan Slocumb 14:46

6M ago14:46

14:46

Erica and Marianne are sticking to their reading resolutions by digging into great historical fiction featuring real-life banditos and midwives. Then, Marianne gives us the inside scoop on this year's One Book, One Community series. Titles discussed in this episode: The Bullet Swallower, by Elizabeth Gonzalez James The Frozen River, by Ariel Lawhon…

1
Bookies Talk: Our Favorite Titles of 2023 13:16

8M ago13:16

13:16

Erica and Hannah talk about the top titles of the year, our annual Staff Favorites booklets, and the books they can't wait to read in 2024. Thanks for a great year of reading and listening! For a copy of our Favorite Fiction and Nonfiction booklets, stop by Cook Park or Aspen Drive Library, or visit our website. Titles discussed in this episode: Th…

1
Libertyville Celebrity Spotting Part 2 (1943-1960) 12:41

8M ago12:41

12:41

Enjoy part two of Celebrity Spotting, where local history librarian Jenny Barry guides us through a few notable people who made historical appearances in Libertyville. We pick up right where part one left off! Mentioned in the Podcast Watch John F. Kennedy's 1960 Cook Park speech John F. Kennedy's Libertyville campaign stop in the Illinois Digital …

1
Bookies Talk: Family Stories & Surprising Legacies 16:33

9M ago16:33

16:33

Erica and Amy, our new book club associate, share the titles they've been enjoying lately, ranging from a suspenseful family drama to a sublimely ridiculous charmer (and the best cover of 2023). Books discussed in this episode: The Leftover Woman, Jean Kwok Night Watch, Jayne Anne Phillips The Dictionary People, Sarah Ogilvie The Wishing Game, Meg …

1
Bookies Talk: Meet Mary (Again!) 8:31

9M ago8:31

8:31

Say hello (again) to the latest addition to our Popular Services staff, Mary! Hannah and Mary discuss Silvia Moreno-Garcia, the best parts of gothic literature (spoiler: it's the house) and what makes a good book good. Check out the books mentioned in this podcast episode: Jane Eyre / Charlotte Brontë. Mexican Gothic / Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Silver …

1
Bookies Talk: Reaching Out 13:16

11M ago13:16

13:16

Erica and Zach, one of our Outreach Associates, talk about home delivery, great characters, graphic novels, and a suprisingly cozy spot. For more information about our Outreach services, including Home Delivery, visit https://www.cooklib.org/bookmobile-outreach/ For the Fall Book Buzz, click here. Books discussed in this episode: A Woman of No Impo…

1
Bookies Talk: Small Town Stories 11:39

12M ago11:39

11:39

In this episode, Becky and Erica share the small-town stories they've been enjoying as summer winds down. Books mentioned in this episode: Small Town Sins, Ken Jaworowski Save What's Left, Elizabeth Castellano An Honest Man, Michael Koryta Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, Satoshi Yagisawa Register for the Fall Book Buzz!…

1
Bookies Talk: Unexpected Delights 8:58

1y ago8:58

8:58

In this episode, Hannah and Erica share the titles that have suprised and delighted them as summer hits its midpoint. Books mentioned in this episode: The Apology, Jimin Han The Infinite Miles, Hannah Fergesen Ace of Spades, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé Same Time Next Summer, Annabel Monaghan The Book of Delights, Ross Gay Sign up for the Fall Book…

1
Bookies Talk: Summer Reads for Everyone 13:24

1y ago13:24

13:24

In this episode, Andrea and Mark share the books they’ve been reading to kick off the summer – and there’s something for every type of reader! Books in this episode: Warrior Girl Unearthed, Angeline Boulley Fairy Tale, Stephen King The Only One Left, Riley Sager The Librarianist, Patrick DewittBy Cook Library Staff

1
Libertyville Celebrity Spotting Part 1 (1845-1942) 12:56

1y ago12:56

12:56

Find out the who's who of national celebrities and historical figures that have made appearances in Libertyville through the years. Enjoy part one of the series. There's more to come! Mentioned in the Podcast Ep. 38: The Past is Present - Frederick Grabbe and Libertyville's Spring Water Local History page…

1
Bookies Talk: New Faces and Old Favorites 8:04

1y ago8:04

8:04

Erica is joined by Hannah, the newest member of the Bookies, to talk about her path to Cook Library, favorite reads, and what they've been enjoying lately. Titles mentioned in this episode: Bliss Montage, Ling Ma Going Postal, Terry Pratchett Neverwhere, Neil Gaiman Good Omens, Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett Watch our Spring Book Buzz and other Book…

1
Bookies Talk: Book Club Selections & Two New Murder Mysteries 15:17

1+ y ago15:17

15:17

Bookies Talk is back! This month, Erica and Marianne discuss great book club reads and the fun kind of murder mysteries. If you'd like back episodes of Bookies TV or our seasonal book buzz, visit the library's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@CookMemorialLibrary. If you want personalized book advice, head to http://www.cooklib.org/bookie…

1
Early Women-Owned Businesses of Libertyville 20:18

1+ y ago20:18

20:18

We close out Women's History Month with a look at some of the earliest businesses in Libertyville that were owned by women. Previous Women's History Month Podcast Episodes Women of Cook Library The Past is Present: Dr. Norma Munson The Past is Present: 3 Women of Libertyville Libertyville Historical Society on YouTube History Matters: Stay - The Hi…

1
Bookies Talk: Thrillers, a novella, and a self-made widow 9:31

1+ y ago9:31

9:31

Introducing Bookies Talk! Karen and Erica, two of our readers' advisors, are kicking off our monthly podcast series by discussing books they've read and loved lately. New episodes will drop the third Friday of every month. Want to watch back episodes of Bookies TV, or our upcoming Spring Book Buzz, featuring our most-anticipated titles of the seaso…

1
The Year in Film (2022) / Oscars Recap 34:35

1+ y ago34:35

34:35

For the 8th year in a row librarians Becky and Nate get together after the Academy Awards to discuss the ceremony and celebrate the year in film. Listen in as they discuss the nominees, the night's memorable moments, and share their own selection of movies the awards season may have overlooked but you won't want to miss. Also, find out how you can …

1
Need a Reading Reboot? Let us help! 10:43

2y ago10:43

10:43

Popular Services Librarian Andrea Larson shares different ways the library can help get you out of a reading rut. Sign up for the email newsletters View and Subscribe to Bookies TV on the library's YouTube channel Get a personalized reading list from one of the Bookies

1
Runaway Animals in Libertyville 15:03

2y ago15:03

15:03

Our local history librarian Jenny Barry shares news articles of animals running wild throughout Libertyville. MORE... Loose Pigs in the Libertyville Briefs Horse in the Wagon Find more on our Local History Page Video: Ask Geoffrey: The Hawthorn Mellody Dairy Farm (WTTW)By Cook Library Staff

1
5 Unique Ways to Connect with Your Library 11:20

2+ y ago11:20

11:20

April 3-9 is National Library Week and this year's theme is Connect With Your Library. In this episode we run down five ways to use the library that you may not have known about. Read Bronwyn's National Library Week blog post Explore the Digital Studios Learn how to sign up for text notifications Visit our Genealogy page Check out Mango Languages a…

1
The Year in Film (2021) / Oscars Recap 31:22

2+ y ago31:22

31:22

Becky and Nate are back on the podcast for the 7th year in a row to talk about last night's Academy Awards ceremony. They share some of their own opinions about the nominees and other favorite movies of last year. Hear about the night's memorable moments (and boy were there moments), the movies, the performances, and how you can catch up with all o…

1
Fresh Start Books 17:25

2+ y ago17:25

17:25

To kick off the first podcast episode of the year, Andrea and Erica recommend four excellent books for your 2022 reading list. This is an edited version of January's Bookies Live Facebook event. Follow the library on Facebook to catch future Bookies Live, every second Tuesday of the month. In This Episode Dan Harris, 10% Happier Nita Prose, The Mai…

1
Our Favorite Books of 2021 24:54

2+ y ago24:54

24:54

Believe it or not 2021 is wrapping up and Readers' Advisor Jo is back for our annual episode recounting Cook Library's favorite books of the year! Make sure you visit either Cook Park or Aspen Drive library to pick up your very own copies of our Fiction and Nonfiction Favorites booklets. Or take a look at them online anytime. Read Jo's blog posts s…

1
All in the Family 21:48

2+ y ago21:48

21:48

The Bookies are back just in time for Thanksgiving with some stellar November reading selections all about families. This is an edited version of November’s Bookies Live Facebook event. Follow the library on Facebook to catch future Bookies Live. In This Episode Alice Hoffman, The Book of Magic Laura Dave, The Last Thing He Told Me Liane Moriarty, …

1
Centennial Stories: Cook Library's First Forty Years 25:07

2+ y ago25:07

25:07

It's the podcast's 100th episode! And what better way to celebrate than by exploring the library’s own 100th birthday. As part of Cook Library’s Centennial Celebration, Local History Librarian Jenny Barry walks us through the first 40 years of the Cook Memorial Public Library up until 1960. Hear what it was like using the library when it was in the…

1
Hauntingly Good Books 24:09

3y ago24:09

24:09

Horror readers Lindsay, Mark, and Karen talk up some chilling October reads. This is an edited version of October’s Bookies Live event. Follow the library on Facebook to catch future Bookies Live. In This Episode Catriona Ward, The Last House on Needless Street Tiffany D. Jackson, White Smoke C.J. Tudor, The Burning Girls Caitlin Starling, The Deat…

1
Fall Book Buzz 19:57

3y ago19:57

19:57

Readers' Advisor Erica O'Rourke talks up some of the season's best and most buzzed about books. If you need some new reading suggestions or just want to know what titles are worth adding to your TBR pile, you won't want to miss this episode. In This Episode Returning FavoritesColson Whitehead, Harlem Shuffle Anthony Doerr, Cloud Cuckoo Land Liane M…

1
Everything you need to know about the 2021 Summer Reading Club 11:15

3y ago11:15

11:15

Head of Children's Services Melissa Phillips is here to get you excited about summer reading! Get info on how to sign up, all the fun activities to participate in, and of course the prizes. Why wait? SIGN UP NOW!

1
The Year in Film (2020) / Oscars Recap 28:41

3+ y ago28:41

28:41

For the 6th year in a row, AV Librarian Becky King is back to talk about the Academy Awards ceremony. Nate and Becky discuss the night’s biggest moments, the movies and performances of the year, plus share a few 2020 favorites that were shut out of the awards, but that you won't want to miss.

1
Women of Cook Library 17:06

3+ y ago17:06

17:06

We celebrate Women’s History Month and Cook Library’s Centennial by looking at the women who were key to the founding of the library and its early days. Local History Librarian Jenny Barry shares the stories of Emily Barrows Cook, Mabel MacGuffin, Norma Lee Peck, Clara Colby, Laura Taylor, August Lovell, and more. Keep checking the library’s Centen…

1
Happiness Guaranteed: Romance Recommendations for Valentine's Day 19:24

3+ y ago19:24

19:24

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, Cook Library's Romance book selector Erica O'Rourke shares a few of her favorite titles. Erica talks about what differentiates a romance from a love story then suggests books for fans of Bridgerton, those looking for something contemporary, and even some titles for anyone celebrating Galentine's Day. ME…

1
Our Favorite Books of 2020 25:21

3+ y ago25:21

25:21

Readers Advisor Jo is back for our annual episode on Cook Library's favorite books of the year! Astute listeners will note it is no longer 2020, but with so many great books published and our annual library booklets being released despite a worldwide pandemic, we figured better late than never to do a little celebrating of our year in reading. Chec…

1
Publishing During A Pandemic: A Conversation with Skip Dye of Penguin Random House 32:38

4y ago32:38

32:38

How has COVID-19 impacted the book publishing industry? Our guest Skip Dye - SVP of Library Sales and Digital Strategy and SVP Director of Sales Operations at Penguin Random House - knows a thing or two about how publishers are adapting to this very different world we find ourselves in. We pack a lot into this episode. Learn the ways in which Coron…

1
Author Ariel Lawhon on Nazi-killing socialite spy Nancy Wake 24:21

4y ago24:21

24:21

Why haven’t more people heard of Nancy Wake? An upper-class expat who smuggled documents and people out of WWII Paris, armed the French Resistance, and killed a Nazi commander bare-handed, this war heroine should be a household name -- but she isn't. Author Ariel Lawhon sets out to rectify the oversight in her latest novel, Code Name Hélène. The bo…

1
CMPL Podcast Presents: A History of Racism in Libertyville and the North Shore (part 3) 15:39

4y ago15:39

15:39

Note: This episode is part three in a three-part series originally released by Drops of Ink – the student news publication of Libertyville High School. Drops of Ink explores different perspectives on race in Libertyville. Originally published September 14, 2016. Produced and hosted by Conor Kennedy.

1
CMPL Podcast Presents: A History of Racism in Libertyville and the North Shore (part 2) 15:05

4y ago15:05

15:05

Note: This episode is part two in a three-part series originally released by Drops of Ink – the student news publication of Libertyville High School. Drops of Ink explores the history of the movement for housing equality. Originally published July 22, 2016. Produced and hosted by Conor Kennedy.

1
CMPL Podcast Presents: A History of Racism in Libertyville and the North Shore (part 1) 13:56

4y ago13:56

13:56

Note: This episode is part one in a three-part series originally released by Drops of Ink - the student news publication of Libertyville High School. Drops of Ink delves into the history behind the segregation of Libertyville and its surrounding communities. Originally published May 26, 2016. Produced and hosted by Conor Kennedy.…

1
Phil Christman on Being Midwestern 32:53

4y ago32:53

32:53

Phil Christman is the author of the new book Midwest Futures - a collection of interconnected essays about the Midwest. The book expands on Christman's 2017 essay for The Hedgehog Review On Being Midwestern: The Burden of Normality. Both the essay and book start with a dissection of writing cliches about the Midwest as a way to begin unravelling ho…

1
10 Movies to Stream on Hoopla Right Now 22:24

4+ y ago22:24

22:24

Many of us find ourselves with a lot more time at home these days. Why not use that time to explore one of the library's best digital resources - hoopla! Audiovisual librarian Becky King and host Nate Gass each share their Top 5 hoopla movie recommendations. Dive into hoopla right now Don't have a library card? Apply for one online!…

1
The Past is Present: Dr. Norma Munson 16:06

4+ y ago16:06

16:06

Local History Librarian Jennifer Barry helps us celebrate Women's History Month at the local level by highlighting the extraordinary life of Libertyville High School teacher Dr. Norma Munson.

1
The Year in Film (2019) / Oscars Recap 19:17

4+ y ago19:17

19:17

Becky and Nate get together for the 5th year in a row to talk about last night's Academy Awards Ceremony. They discuss some of the biggest surprises and their favorite moments, plus recommend a few 2019 films you may have missed.

1
Our Favorite Books of 2019 19:32

4+ y ago19:32

19:32

As the year wraps up, Readers Advisor Jo talks about the most beloved books of 2019 according to the staff at Cook Library. We go over highlights from our immensely popular 2019 fiction and nonfiction booklets available at the reference desk and online. Listen to this quick 20 minute episode to remember the books and authors everyone was talking ab…

1
The Past is Present: Headlines! Libertyville Edition 19:54

4+ y ago19:54

19:54

Local History Librarian Jenny Barry shares some of the quirkiest newspaper headlines and articles she's encountered in her years researching Libertyville's history. Visit our local history page to discover your own oddities in Cook Library's newspaper archives!

1
A Final Update on the Aspen Drive Library Expansion 13:39

4+ y ago13:39

13:39

Library Director David Archer returns for one last episode about wrapping up the Aspen Drive Library expansion project. Construction is complete and the library is open for business! We hope you will join us for the Saturday, November 23rd Grand Opening Celebration. Dave talks about response from the community so far, what it feels like to finish a…

1
Horror Book Recommendations 19:32

5y ago19:32

19:32

Cook Library's own horror aficionados Lindsay and Mark deliver the thrills and chills with some horror book recommendations just in time for Halloween. IN THIS EPISODE The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson Blood Sugar by Daniel Kraus The Shining by Stephen King Full Throttle by Joe Hill Through the Woods by Emily Carroll | Emily Carroll's w…

1
Authors Out Loud: Gemma Hartley - Fed Up 29:19

5y ago29:19

29:19

Writer, reporter, and author Gemma Hartley talks with Nate and Erica about her book Fed Up: Emotional Labor, Women, and the Way Forward. Hartley discusses why women often take on such a large share of the unseen and undervalued work in the home and offers practical advice on how partners can begin establishing more equality. SHOW NOTES Check out Fe…

1
Books We Are Excited About / Ways to Discover Upcoming Books 18:28

5y ago18:28

18:28

Readers' Advisor Jo Hansen joins Nate to talk about a handful of great books coming out over the next few months. Jo also shares ways you can subscribe to library newsletters so you won't miss out on other interesting books coming soon. Mentioned in this episode Inland by Téa Obreht The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates This Tender Land by William K…

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