Middle Country Public Library Podcast

This year, the U.S., more specifically the midwestern United States, will see over a billion cicadas emerge as two broods are scheduled to appear at the same time for the first time in over 200 years. Sara has the details on who should expect to see the most activity. Plus, the library has a brand new resource for parents that Nicole is excited to chat about.

If you've been listening to us long enough, you know that Sara is a dog lover and this week she's talking about dog names, along with how to keep your pets safe during the upcoming tick season. Plus: have a kid who is too much into video games and you'd like them to read more? Nicole is here with some book suggestions for kiddos who love to game.

Did you know that April is National Poetry Month? And how about this: did you know that April is also National Stress Awareness Month? Perhaps you can eliminate your stress by reading a lovely poem. Nicole has some tips on where to find books on poetry at the library, and Sara has some tips on how to reduce stress. All around, it's a win-win of an episode!

This week's show is very diverse in subject matter. On one hand, we have Nicole here to chat about the importance of understanding skin care for young people, and the dangerous trend of pushing certain products where they are not needed. On the other hand, Sara just got back from Gatorland in Orlando, and she can't wait to tell you all about alligators... There's something for everyone on the podcast and at the library!

This week, Sara and Nicole share a list of age-appropriate movies for kids and adults that revolve around music...and not necessarily musicals. Spend some time with us and find out what you might like to watch, and then come down to the library and take one out today.

We're pleased to welcome back Jim Ward to the podcast for another This Week in History! Join us as he discusses such events as the Selma March, the Triangle Shirtwaist Company Fire, Three Mile Island, and Jonas Salk's vaccine breakthrough. Are you interested in history? You should check out our History Bites series here: https://tinyurl.com/mcpl-historybites.

Our neighborhood will see a near total solar eclipse next month! Sara and Nicole chat about books and activities you can check out to get you ready for the big day. The eclipse will take place between 2pm-4pm on Monday, April 8th.

Join us for an important and informative discussion on the importance of Media Literacy and how to research and protect yourself in the growing world of AI, Deep Fakes, and Fake Audio. Then test your Media Literacy skills here : https://www.aclib.us/blog/test-your-media-literacy-skills or here: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/01/19/technology/artificial-intelligence-image-generators-faces-quiz.html

Sara wants to visit as many national parks as possible...and we have some here in New York State. Find out about the history of the National Park System and the different types. Did you know that March is National Reading Month? Nicole is here with some tips on how to celebrate.

Did you know that we still have space in some of our great kids programs happening in March at the library? Nicole has a sample of ones you might want to get the kiddos to join. Plus Sara has a list of audiobooks that you might want to check out today using one of our fabulous digital services such as Libby or Hoopla!

Even though Valentine's Day has come and gone, Nicole has some great romantic books to check out for teens and adults. Plus Sara let's us know what's coming up with March's new DVD releases.

We are celebrating six years of the podcast! Thank you for all who watch and listen to us every week. This week, Sara and Nicole have a nice list of some new (and rated best) books that you might want to check out and read on a cold winter's night...

The Super Bowl LVIII is upon us, and this year it's the Kansas City Chiefs vs the San Francisco 49ers. Watch Nicole and Jim as they battle it out representing their team's cities: it's trivia about KC and SF. We are saying whoever wins the trivia wins the big game. We shall see!

The podcast team is coming to you this week from Podfest 2024! We discuss the event, what we learned, and we talk about how our patrons have access to the resources to record their own podcast right here at MCPL. For more information, visit our Innovation Space page at http://mcplibrary.org/innovation-space

It's time for another "This Week in History" and for this episode, we are doing something special: focusing on one event. On the 38th anniversary of the Challenger Disaster, Jim Ward is on the show to let us know what was happening in the lead up to the tragic accident that took the lives of seven astronauts, including the first "Teacher in Space," Christa McAuliffe. Want to learn more about the Challenger disaster? Check out "Truth, lies, and O-rings inside the space shuttle Challenger disaster" by Allan McDonald, available instantly as an eBook or Audiobook here: http://tinyurl.com/mcpac-mcdacd

Do you need community service hours in our community? Not sure where to begin? Sara is here to let us know about the Venues for Volunteering Fair coming to our Selden building on Feb. 8th. She will highlight just a few of the organizations scheduled to exhibit. For more info, visit https://mcplibrary.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=54630 Plus Nicole has some great kids books about something near and dear to our hearts : libraries! Check out some books at MCPL here: http://tinyurl.com/mcp11824i

VITA is returning to MCPL! Patrons needing assistance with filing their taxes who make $60k or less can request an appointment starting January 29th at 9:30am by calling 631-585-9393 Opt. 6. Bethpage Federal Credit Union will provide this service on Feb. 8th, 22nd, Mar. 7th, 21st, and April 4th. Madonna is coming to the Garden and Sara is going! We discuss Madonna's multi-decade career and her greatest hits. Do you agree? Reserve your copy of Madonna's Greatest Hits package, "Finally Enough Love: 50 Number Ones" here: http://tinyurl.com/mcpl-fel50 Plus Nicole has some books that are great to introduce your young ones to fine art. Are you into art appreciation? Browse our extensive collection here: http://tinyurl.com/mcpl709

We are kicking off 2024 with Nicole's promised custom (or dare we say "bespoke"?) book horoscopes! This month she concentrates on Aries and Virgo, but if you'd like her to do your sign next, comment and let us know! Plus it's the beginning of the month and time for the New DVD list. Sara also will discuss the Golden Globe nominations.

We wrap the year up chatting about what we are looking forward to in 2024 from movies, books, TV, and more! We are also thrilled to be speaking at Podfest 2024 next year and representing the library. For more information, visit our blog at http://blog.mcplpodcast.com. Happy New Year from all of us here at the MCPL Podcast!

First off, we are happy to welcome Sara back to the podcast! It's that time of year once again when the podcast team lets us know what their favorite things were in 2023. Watch and find out if whether or not you agree...and maybe share some of your favorites with us! Next week, we will chat about what we are looking forward to in 2024. Happy Holidays from the MCPL Podcast team!