Middle Country Public Library Podcast

Latest Episodes:

2026 MCPL Summer Reading Clubs | Ep. 434 Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

Join librarians from the adult, children's and teen departments as we cover this year's clubs and learn how reading this summer can enter you into a raffle to win amazing prizes and access to fun experiences.

This Week in History Special : Star Wars | Ep. 433 May 28, 2026

Show notes

Discover the untold story behind the film that changed cinema forever. On the 49th anniversary of its release, uncover the wild origins of Star Wars: surprising early concepts, revolutionary effects, and casting choices that nearly went a very different direction. From desert shoots to groundbreaking visuals and a soundtrack for the ages, this is how the original space opera was born.

Best AI Practices + Protect Your Skin! | Ep. 432 May 21, 2026

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This week, Nicole explores the Authors Guild's latest best practices for writers using AI, along with a major lawsuit settlement involving Anthropic and the implications for authors whose work may have been used in AI training.

Then Sara dives into timely summer advice on protecting your skin from cancer risks, including what to watch for and simple ways to stay safe in the sun.

Opossums are our Friends + Romance Graphic Novels | Ep. 431 May 14, 2026

Show notes

Dive into a delightful chat about North America's only marsupial—the opossum—and why these wobbly, tick-munching backyard heroes deserve more love. Learn their wild facts: pouches full of tiny babies, playing dead like pros, snake venom resistance, and why they're secretly ecosystem superstars.

Then shift gears to the rising world of young adult romance graphic novels, where dreamy stories, figure skating rivals, and heartfelt connections come alive in stunning illustrations. Perfect for fans of sweet tropes and beautiful artwork.

Decoding the 4th Grade Slump + New Music on Hoopla | Ep. 430 May 07, 2026

Show notes

Nicole explores the "Fourth Grade Slump"—the well-documented drop in reading comprehension scores that often occurs when students shift from learning to read to reading to learn. Drawing from Daniel Willingham’s book "Why Don’t Students Like School?", she discusses how background knowledge is essential for understanding texts, why the gap widens along socioeconomic lines, and how prior exposure to ideas, vocabulary, and experiences gives some children a significant advantage. Then, Sara highlights popular music available to stream instantly on Hoopla Digital, playing a game of name-that-tune, along with plenty of "singing."

New Books + Social Media Hanky Panky? | Ep. 429 Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

This week: discover a selection of fresh arrivals at the library—from pulse-pounding thrillers and emotional romances to fascinating nonfiction and easy sheet-pan meals that make weeknight cooking a breeze.

Then join a lively debate on a groundbreaking California jury verdict holding tech giants accountable for the addictive design of social media and its impact on young users, raising timely questions about responsibility, parenting, and the future of digital platforms.

Join us for a thought-provoking mix of book buzz and real-world conversation you won't want to miss!

Read Poetry and Watch British TV | Ep. 428 Apr 23, 2026

Show notes

Did you know it's National Poetry Month? In this week's episode, Nicole shares why it's the perfect time to introduce your little ones to the joy of poetry. Then, Sara recommends some excellent TV series you can stream for free with your library card through Kanopy—most of them British shows. Tune in to discover your next binge-worthy series!

Movie Chat : Bugonia | Ep. 427 Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

On this our 45th Movie Chat, we dive into the twisted world of Yorgos Lanthimos's latest film Bugonia, featuring standout performances by Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons. What begins as a tense kidnapping tale spirals into a darkly comic exploration of paranoia, corporate power, and humanity's fragile place in the universe. Expect sharp dialogue, unexpected turns, and an emotional finale that leaves a lasting impression.

This Week in History | Ep. 426 Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

Jim is back again for another This Week in History which brings a mix of pivotal moments that shaped America and the world.

From presidential firsts, daring military campaigns, and groundbreaking explorations, uncover the stories behind some of the most consequential events of this week : April 5th - April 11th!

Humanity Returns to the Moon | Ep. 425 Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

As humanity prepares to return to the moon after more than five decades, join Sal and Jim for a lively discussion on the Artemis II mission. They cover the crew making history, the powerful rocket launching them, the ambitious flight path that will push humans farther into space than ever before, and what this milestone means for the future of lunar exploration and beyond.

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