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Joe talks with Mark Stern, the new Superintendent of Livingston Public Schools, about his journey from children's television to teaching to administration, and his vision for the district's future. Plus: Hongmei talks about "The Monster Mash," Archana highlights some of the great programs on our October calendar, and Joe reads a history of Livingston schools written by L-Town Radio's new intern, Lauren.

Kerri and Nadia share a lively and enlightening conversation about books they've read recently and not-so recently, including "The MASH Up" by Laura Marie Meyers, "Perfume" by Patrick Suskind, and the works of Jane Austen. Along the way, they take occasional detours into topics that book lovers of all kinds can appreciate, like the guilt of re-reading, the joys of not finishing, and the surprises that come when you dive into an unfamiliar book without reading the summary. Plus, Hongmei talks about “The Billion Stream Fluke” and one of music’s most famous one-hit wonders; and Archana tells us about some of the wonderful programs scheduled on our September calendar.

Joe talks with author, firefighter, and retired detective Tom Cooney about his new book "History Earned: Livingston History Through the Lens of the Volunteer Fire Department." Plus, Hongmei tells us about "Strange Music Day," and Kerri talks about some of the most anticipated new books hitting our shelves in August.

Joe talks with filmmaker Joe Dante ("Gremlins," "Innerspace," "The 'Burbs") about growing up in Livingston, watching atomic-age monster movies as a kid, and what the success of films like "Obsession" and "Backrooms" means for the future of moviegoing. Plus, Hongmei talks about music to get you in the spirit of the World Cup, and Kerri discusses some of the most anticipated books hitting our shelves in July.

Joe tells the story of the Horseneck Riots, an episode of Livingston history that helped pave the way for American independence. Plus, Archana highlights programs on our June calendar commemorating America250, Pride Month, and Juneteenth; Hongmei tells us about Juneteenth events happening around New Jersey this month; and Kerri discusses some of the most anticipated books hitting our shelves in June.

Joe talks with Lu Lynch, our new Youth Services Librarian, about how they impacted their library as a middle schooler, how they hope to share their love of manga and Dungeons & Dragons with our young patrons, and how they hope to strengthen community at the library. Plus, Ragini tells us about some of the great new books headed to our shelves in May; Archana fills us in on some of the wonderful programs scheduled on our May calendar; and Hongmei talks about instruments you might consider if you plan to celebrate "National Buy a Musical Instrument" day on May 22nd.

Nadia, Amy, Lisa, Nick, and Joe celebrate National Poetry Month by reading poems by Maya Angelou, Stanley Kunitz, Billy Collins, Franny Choi, Linda Hogan, and Robert Miller; plus, Hongmei talks about poetry in music; Archana highlights some of the great programs on our April calendar; and Ragini fills us in on some of the most eagerly-awaited books hitting our shelves this month.

Joe talks with our new Adult Services Department Head Ragini Lall about her NJLA award-winning work organizing the library's Special Needs Resource Fair, as well as how her experience in Human Resources prepared her to be a public librarian. Plus, Hongmei talks about recordings that were honored at this year's Grammy Awards; Archana highlights some of the great programs on our March calendar; and Ragini tells us about some of the most anticipated books hitting our shelves this month.

Joe talks with Lisa Jenkins of our Youth Services department about her background in developmental psychology, about the moment she knew she wanted to be a public librarian, about her NJLA award-winning "Makers of History" program, and about some of her favorite spooky stories for young readers. Plus, Hongmei talks about music for the Lunar New Year; Archana highlights some of the great programs on our February calendar; and Ragini tells us about some of the most anticipated new books hitting library shelves this month.

Joe reads "Some Things Never Change," a heartwarming tale of holiday spirit by Livingston historian Freeman Harrison. Plus, Ragini tells us about some of the most anticipated new books hitting our shelves this month, and Hongmei shares some thoughts on Rosalia's new album.

Joe talks with Barbara Sax, President of the Arts Council of Livingston, about her career as an art teacher, the roles that emotion and intuition play in her own artistic process, and keeping the creative spirit alive in our community. Plus, Archana highlights some of the fantastic programs scheduled on our November calendar; Hongmei shares some thoughts on Taylor Swift's latest album; and Ragini tells us about some of the most anticipated new books hitting library shelves this month.

Joe talks with Jeff Friedman about his long & successful career as a TV director / producer, as well as how he serves the community through his organization, Livingston Philanthropies. Plus, Ragini highlights some of the most anticipated new books hitting library shelves this month; Hongmei talks about great music to listen to this fall season; and Archana discusses some of the fantastic programs scheduled on our October calendar.

Joe talks with acclaimed musician Yang Jin about her musical journey, her work with the Livingston community, and how she seeks to connect people through music. Plus, Archana highlights some of the great programs on our September calendar, Hongmei shares resources to celebrate Classical Music Month, and Ragini tells us about the most anticipated books hitting the library shelves this month.

Joe talks with Shilpa Kulkarni, President and co-founder of Shiv's Third Eye, a local organization that promotes mental wellness for adolescents and their surrounding communities. Shilpa discusses her journey from India to Japan to New Jersey, and how she channeled the pain of a tremendous tragedy into transformative community activism. Plus, Jessica highlights some of the most anticipated books hitting our shelves this month, and Hongmei shares some songs to put on your July 4th playlist.

Amy interviews Joe about being named one of Library Journal's "Movers & Shakers," about how storytelling can strengthen community bonds, and how a screening of "Pulp Fiction" changed their life forever. Plus, Jessica spotlights some of the most anticipated books hitting our shelves this month, Hongmei talks about beachy music to get you in the summer spirit, and Archana highlights some of the great programs on our June calendar. (To hear the "Horseneck Riot" episode mentioned during the interview, visit here: https://soundcloud.com/livingstonpubliclibrary/l-town-radio-ep-5-september-2020 )