Middle Country Public Library Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Women...IN SPACE! Plus: Spot the Real Romance | Ep. 374 Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

This week Nicole explores the rise of space tourism and discusses Blue Origin's historic all-women space flight, launching April 14. Plus: Sara surprises us with a fun "real or fake" romance novel game.

2025: Anniversary Party! | Ep. 373 Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

Take a nostalgic trip through time with Sal and Jim celebrating the milestones of 2025! From the 10th anniversary of the earworm sensation Baby Shark (yes, it’s been a decade!) to the 70th birthday of Disneyland, where Walt’s magic began, this episode is packed with surprises. We’re talking Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Office, Back to the Future and The Goonies. Find out what superstar would be rocking his 90th if still around. Plus, did you know the game Operation and the Grand Ole Opry are marking anniversaries? Grab your DeLorean and dive into this fun, fact-filled chat about the anniversaries that shaped our world. Hit that like button, subscribe, and join the MCPL family—let’s celebrate history together!

Spring 2025 Programming | Ep. 372 Mar 27, 2025

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Spring is blooming at the library! In this episode, Sara, Nicole, and Sal unpack the exciting lineup of spring programs. From Free Comic Book Day to MCPL Under the Stars concerts in July, there’s something for everyone. Adults can enjoy crafts like paper peonies and crocheting, plus the Strictly Business networking event on May 6th. Kids and teens get in on the fun with Great Dane meet-and-greets, Harry Potter escape rooms, and Regents reviews. And don't forget the Budget Vote on April 8th!

Women's History Month Book Recommendations | Ep. 371 Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we’re celebrating Women’s History Month with Nicole spotlighting fascinating new children’s picture books about trailblazing women like Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, a conservationist who helped save the Everglades; Ruth Asawa, an artist shaped by her internment camp experience; and Clara Driscoll, the creative force behind Tiffany Studios’ iconic glasswork. Then, Sara previews a thrilling lineup of April DVD releases, including the mysterious Companion starring Jack Quaid, the high-stakes Flight Risk with Mark Wahlberg, and the award-winning Anora, a modern Cinderella tale. Packed with history, humor, and movie buzz, this episode has it all! Catch up on past shows at mcplpodcast.com, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and check out our History Bites series on YouTube. #WomensHistoryMonth #Podcast #MovieReleases

Irish Recipes for St. Pat's Day + Teens & Taxes | Ep. 370 Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

This week, we’re gearing up for St. Patrick's Day with a tasty dive into Irish cuisine—think bacon and cabbage, boxty pancakes, "poundies" with scallions, and even quirky dishes like batter burgers and black pudding. Sara shares a primer on these traditional foods, plus tips on finding Irish cookbooks at the library (check call number 641.59415!). Meanwhile, Nicole spills a hilarious tax blunder tied to her pregnancy announcement (Congrats, Nicole!), and offers practical advice for teens on understanding paychecks and taxes, courtesy of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. From savory recipes to money smarts, this episode has it all!

90s Trivia with Help from A.I. | Ep. 369 Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

In this lively episode of the podcast, Sara and Nicole take on a 1990s-themed trivia challenge! Featuring questions crafted by Sal—with a lot of help from A.I.—the team explores a fun mix of topics from that decade, including a few tricky A.I. surprises. Packed with 90s nostalgia, this episode promises an enjoyable time for anyone who loves a good throwback vibe. (And isn't it crazy that A.I. wrote this description too?!)

Countdown to the Oscars + a resource for teachers on A.I. | Ep. 368 Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

In this week's episode of the podcast, Sara takes a closer look at the fascinating world of Oscar eligibility, breaking down how movies and actors qualify, the process of nominations, how directors submit their films for consideration, and the way winners are ultimately voted on by the Academy. She’ll also walk us through the lineup of movies nominated for this year’s Academy Awards, offering insights into the contenders. Meanwhile, Nicole brings something special for educators: a resource from Stanford University designed to assist teachers in explaining the complexities of artificial intelligence to their students. With A.I. sparking curiosity and plenty of questions among young learners, this material provides engaging answers and support for classroom discussions.

Harlem Renaissance + Snakes of New York | Ep. 367 Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

The Harlem Renaissance sparked a wave of creativity, inspiring timeless literature—Nicole’s got a list of must-read books about that era to grab on your next library trip. Meanwhile, did you know New York is home to 17 snake species? Some are venomous, and they’ve got their favorite haunts across the state. Find out where they like to slither.

Valentine's Day History + Recommendations | Ep. 366 Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

Happy Valentine's Day! Ready for a weekend of love with a twist? How about diving into a horror movie that's got a dash of romance? Sara has curated a spine-chilling yet romantic list, all accessible for free on Hoopla Digital with just your library card. If reading is more your speed, Nicole's got you covered with a selection of romantic books that will make your heart flutter. And, to set the mood, we'll explore the intriguing history behind St. Valentine. Tune in for a unique blend of frights, love, and lore!

Decoding Your Tax Bill | Ep. 365 Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

We're absolutely delighted to welcome Brookhaven Town Councilman Neil Manzella as our special guest this week! Join us for an enlightening discussion on everything you need to know about your tax bill. We'll dive into how appraisal values are determined, break down what portion of your taxes goes to the school district versus the town, and explain what it means to "grieve" your tax bill. You won't want to miss this informative episode packed with insights that could really make a difference in understanding your taxes.

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