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This week, Sara dives into the latest slate of new DVD releases hitting the shelves this month, from high-octane action and epic adventures to sci-fi thrillers and comedies. Plus, as the school year picks up steam, Nicole breaks down all the essential homework help tools available through the library—including hands-on learning collections, in-person study support, and 24/7 digital tutoring resources to help students and parents conquer even the toughest assignments.

For our last Spooktober episode of 2026, we're putting our knowledge of all things spooky to the test. Sara and Nicole will face a simple choice: Trick or Treat? They should pick wisely, because some of these Halloween facts may surprise us!

Spooktober and the 250th anniversary of the United States come together in a special episode exploring eerie tales and ghostly lore tied to the American Revolution. The journey highlights the strange dual-burial and wandering ghost of "Mad Anthony" Wayne, the tragic history and haunting apparitions of the HMS Jersey prison ship, and the real Revolutionary War event that inspired the Headless Horseman. It also touches on Sleepy Hollow's heroic outcast Hulda, the lingering spirits and tragedy surrounding Fort Ticonderoga, and the creepy tales from Manhattan's historic Fraunces Tavern.

A sinister traveling carnival arrives in a quiet 1930s Illinois town, bringing supernatural dread and dangerous temptations under the guise of fulfilling the residents' deepest desires! Join Sal, Sara, and Nicole as they dive into Disney’s surprisingly dark 1983 dark-fantasy classic adapted directly from a famed Ray Bradbury novel. This Movie Chat explores the film’s eerie atmosphere, vintage special effects, and deep thematic weight as an aging town librarian must confront his own regrets to protect two young boys from the sinister forces of a mysterious carnival master. Tune in for a full breakdown covering the movie's age appropriateness for family horror nights, behind-the-scenes Disney history, and as usual, our rating.

Welcome to another spooky episode as we continue this year's Spooktober! This week, Nicole discusses family-friendly and teen horror movie recommendations, including classic titles and helpful viewing resources. Then, Sara dives into scary movies for adults and explores non-fiction books covering the origins of vampire folklore, werewolf legends, and psychic vampires. Tune in for more spooky season inspiration!

We're kicking off Spooktober 2026 with a dive into the ultimate spooky reading and watch list. Sara and Nicole breaks down eerie book recommendations for all age groups, from silly, mildly creepy tales for young kids to terrifying supernatural thrillers for older readers. The horror doesn't stop with books—get a breakdown of hair-raising movie picks spanning slow-burn thrillers, classic slasher flicks, and chilling mysteries. Grab your popcorn, turn off the lights, and discover your next favorite autumn fright with your library card!

As fall arrives, Sara and Nicole highlight upcoming October releases, including new DVDs like Jackass, Hadestown, Masters of the Universe, One Night Only, and The Brink of War. Nicole shares her book recommendations such as the Wildwood series—soon to be an animated film and available on Hoopla—Tom and Nancy, and the latest Percy Jackson release. Reserve your copies today, stop by for a Pumpkin Spiced Latte, and get ready for the fall season!

Discover everything coming up this programming season, from major community fairs like the Women's EXPO and the Fall Festival... Learn about workshops focusing on career resources, attend a hands-on workshop, or join a reading club... Whether you're looking to gain new tech skills, explore local history, meet fellow readers, or find fun activities for the whole family, this fall lineup has something for everyone.

Join Sal and Jim for a look back at the events of September 11, 2001, marking 25 years since the day that changed the nation forever. This special episode features a historical retrospective on the timelines and tragic moments of that morning, honoring the incredible bravery shown by first responders, flight crews, and everyday citizens who risked everything to save others. Also hear personal reflections, as they share firsthand accounts of experiencing September 11th on Long Island, reflecting on the immediate aftermath, long-term impacts, and why preserving these memories matters for future generations.

We are going back to school! It's that time of year again: Sara and Nicole are here to remind you of the amazing resources available at your library!  For students, discover free online databases providing early-learning programs, math help, and live homework tutoring, along with reading displays tailored to help kids ease first-day jitters or ace book reports. For adults, boost your career with free access to top online learning platforms. Take courses in coding, marketing, and typing, prepare for professional licensing exams, or stream engaging talks from featured authors and subject experts. It's all at your fingertips with your library card...take advantage today! Dive deeper into the podcast and visit our show notes site: https://blog.mcplpodcast.com

Nicole has an update on the multi-billion-dollar federal legal settlement with Meta that brings unprecedented shifts to digital safety, forcing new usage limits and safety measures to protect young users online. Alongside this historic update in tech accountability, Sara has a heartfelt look back at the incredible legacy, career, and enduring philanthropic impacts of music and pop-culture icon Dolly Parton, celebrating her journey from humble beginnings to a lifelong mission of giving back.

Nicole is here to help you discover a fresh outdoor way to share a story with the family this month, complete with conversation starters and a little something to take home for your garden! Then, Sara digs into one of the library’s greatest digital services packed with binge-worthy TV shows and educational deep dives, movies, music, eBooks, audiobooks and more. Check out this week's show to hear about the trending titles you can start right away!

Test your weather smarts with a lively round of trivia covering everything from what really drives the wind and why some storms have different names depending on where they form, to record-breaking heat, snowy cities, lightning myths, cloud types that pack a punch, and those classic sayings sailors still swear by.

Jim Ward is here for another This Week in History - August 2nd through the 8th! Explore pivotal moments from this week across centuries, from the formal signing of the Declaration of Independence and early constitutional debates to landmark explorations under the Arctic ice, Olympic triumphs that challenged prevailing ideologies, the creation of a enduring military decoration, a daring high-wire feat between skyscrapers, and decisive turns in war and politics that reshaped nations.

First: Sara has a fresh list of August DVD new releases, from folk horror and space adventures to family comedy and more. Then: Nicole read the article and provides a lively follow-up on the idea that reading is supposedly fading away. Find out what’s really going on with attention spans, screens, and long-form reading, plus why libraries still matter more than ever. Grab a book, check out a movie, and keep the pages turning!