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In this episode Ross speaks with Brandon Mull, bestselling author of the middle grade fantasy series Fablehaven. Brandon talks about his writing career, his many different novels and series, as well as his newest middle grade epic fantasy Forbidden Mountain, the first of the Guardians series, which came out this year.  Brandon Mull will be visiting the Forsyth Conference Center in person on July 25th at 3:00 pm. You can reserve your spot via our website. A full transcript of this podcast episode is available on our Bookmarked Blog.

In this episode, Ross speaks with best-selling author Mary Kay Andrews about her newest book Road Trip, which features two estranged sisters who take a road trip across Ireland learning about their family and themselves along the way. Mary Kay shares a little about her writing background as well as her inspiration for her new book, including some of her own family history.  Mary Kay Andrews will be appearing at the Sharon Forks Library on June 28, 2026. Please check our events page for more information. A full transcript of this podcast episode is available on our Bookmarked Blog.

In this episode, Ross speaks with Sarah Brubaker, Programming Manager at FCPL, about this year's Summer Reading Challenge: Unearth a Story.  The Summer Reading Challenge will run from May 22nd to August 5th and will feature a variety of awesome programs and grand prizes.  Make sure to check out all the activities going on across the branches on our website or in the printed Summer Reading Guide available at all branches. A full transcript of this podcast episode is available on our Bookmarked Blog.

In this episode of Unreadable, Ross speaks with Programming Manager Sarah Brubaker about the Georgia Reads for America250 Challenge. This challenge, designed to celebrate Georgia's and America's history, encourages you to read a book from a curated list and complete a few activities that explore our wonderful state, including its history, natural features, and culture. A full transcript of this podcast episode is available on our Bookmarked Blog.

This year's Forsyth Reads Together selection is The God of the Woods by Liz Moore. In this episode, Liz Moore joined Ross to talk about the genesis of the book, how her camp experience as a child informed some of the scenes and settings, and what it's like to showrun a tv show.  Liz Moore will visit the Forsyth Conference Center on March 10 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss The God of the Woods. Please see our website for more information on how to attend.  A full transcript of this podcast episode is available on our Bookmarked Blog.

In this episode, Ross speaks with Programming Manager Sarah Brubaker about the upcoming our Winter Reading program. Listen for more information on this year's theme (HINT: Get ready to press the A button!), incremental prizes, and grand prizes.  Winter Reading runs from December 19, 2025 to January 19, 2026. To learn more about signing up for the challenge, please visit our website.

In this episode, local author Dr. Ashley Baker speaks with Ross about her new book The Ashes of Us, which is a novel that navigates themes of trauma, paternal love, and the devastating price of retribution. Dr. Baker talks about her inspiration for the book and how she's utilized her experiences and knowledge to write a book that is ultimately a tribute to her own father, who was a forensic pathologist.  Dr. Baker is a clinical psychologist (PsyD), who practices and lives in Forsyth County, and is author of two psychological suspense novels, including The Furious Others.  Dr. Baker will be at the Sharon Forks Library on October 22, 2025 at 7:00PM for a reading and author talk for The Ashes of Us. We hope to see you there!

In this episode, Ross talks with William Kent Krueger about his Cork O'Connor series, including a sneak peak of the next book in the series, God's Country. Krueger discusses his use of a small town setting, spirituality, and a dynamic protagonist to keep his long-running series compelling to readers.    Krueger will be visiting the Sharon Forks Library on October 9 and October 10. Please check our Events Calendar for registration details.

It has been an exciting year for the Forsyth County Public Libraries. We opened a brand new library branch in March: Denmark Library! On May 10, 2025, the library's official dedication took place. Many local and state officials were on hand to share what this library has meant to them and what it will mean for the community.  If you missed the dedication, we have great news: you can listen to it here! The dedication includes United States Representative Rick McCormick, State Senator Greg Dolezal, State Representative Carter Barrett, Forsyth County Commissioners Alfred John and Todd Levent, and Chair of the Library Board of Trustees Christy Winters.

Summer Reading is just around the corner, and Ross is joined by Sarah Brubaker, Programming Manager at FCPL, to discuss how to make the most of this year's Summer Reading Fun! Sarah shares how to get started using Beanstack, as well as some tips and tricks for logging your and your family's reading. Curious about our incremental and grand prizes, or want to know who is performing at our Summer Reading Kickoff Events? Sarah provides a sneak peak of what you can expect this year. Hint: It's going to be awesome!  Summer Reading Fun starts May 22 and ends August 4, 2025. You can learn more about registering with Beanstack, prizes, and upcoming events on our website.

In this episode of Unreadable, Ross speaks with Shelby Van Pelt about her novel Remarkably Bright Creatures, this year's Forsyth Reads Together selection. Van Pelt's debut novel, published in 2022, remains a New York Times bestseller and features the unique perspective of Marcellus the octopus as a narrator. Van Pelt spoke with Ross about how she developed her characters, some based on true life and others based on people (and marine life) watching at the Georgia Aquarium, and she shared her excitement about the upcoming film adaptation. An Evening with Shelby Van Pelt is Mar 11, 2025 at the Forsyth Conference Center. The event is ticketed and currently full; however, there are a plethora of events related to the book taking place at all the Forsyth County Public Library branches. You can find out more in our event calendar.  A transcript of this episode is available on Bookmarked, the Forsyth County Public Library's blog for book recommendations and news .

It's that time again! Our Winter Reading Challenge is back. If you enjoyed the reading challenge last year, especially collecting those trading cards, we have good news for you: we have a whole new set of trading cards to collect this winter! The Winter Reading Challenge is for all ages. Listen to find out how to participate and what grand prizes can be won this year.  Links Beanstack

Earlier this month, the Southeastern Institute of Paranormal Research conducted a paranormal investigation at the Hampton Park Library. In this episode, you'll hear an abridged version of investigation, including an equipment overview and sessions conducted in different parts of the library. Are there ghosts in the library? You'll have to listen to find out!

In this episode, Ross speaks with Sarah Brubaker about The Smokey Bear Reading Challenge, which celebrates Smokey Bear's 80th birthday. Listen to hear about prizes, deadlines, and an upcoming Smokey Bear Celebration taking place at the Cumming Library on October 26.  Also, in this episode, we include our first ever listener submitted book reviews. Thank you, Carolynn and Andrea! If you'd like to submit a book review or library-related question, you can email the podcast at [email protected].

Are you ready for an adventure? FCPL's Summer Reading Fun begins May 23. In this episode, Kim Ottesen, Programming Manager at FCPL, previews what you can expect during our Summer Reading program, including prizes and performers. From lanyards to camping gear to magicians, listen to get a little taste of all the exciting adventures we have planned for you this summer! Links Summer Reading Guide Episode Transcript