Advertise on podcast: Behind the Books

Books, Bling & Bliss Intro and Welcome 4:20 MCLS Staff Interview: Lauren Liebowitz, YS Librarian13:42 Programs and Services @ MCLS17:42 Author Interview: Brittanée Nicole30:00 Summary and Closing  Show Notes: Learn more about Brittanée Nicole at https://www.brittaneenicole.com/ View the 2026 Amateur Photo Contest winners, as well as all the entries, at https://mcl.org/events/amateur-photo-contest/  Listings of Halloween Program Highlights are located at https://libraryaware.com/3EGD5T (kids) and https://libraryaware.com/3EGD5S (adults) Register for upcoming virtual programs and branch events, using the MCLS Event Calendar, located at https://events.mcl.org/ Opening and closing music provided by Skilsel via Pixabay  Music between segments is provided via Pixabay

Intro and Welcome 3:24 Catching Up with MCLS: Alana Miles13:57 Programs and Services @ MCLS17:37 Interview with Tara Badstubner29:41 Summary and Closing  Show Notes: Learn more about Tara Badstubner at https://www.tarabadstubner.com/ Find information about Socktober at https://mcl.org/socktober/ Register for upcoming virtual programs and branch events, using the MCLS Event Calendar, located at https://events.mcl.org/ Opening and closing music provided by Skilsel via Pixabay  Music between segments is provided via Pixabay

Paths We Didn't Plan Intro and Welcome3:33 Interview with Barbara MacGuigan14:42 Programs and Services @ MCLS17:40 Interview with Irvin Katz32:21 Summary and Closing  Show Notes: Learn more about Rules for Reluctant Managers by Irvin Katz at https://www.purplebreezepress.com/irvin-r-katz. Find information about the 2026 MCLS Book Festival at https://mcl.org/events/book-festival/. Register for upcoming virtual programs and branch events, using the MCLS Event Calendar, located at https://events.mcl.org/ Opening and closing music provided by Skilsel via Pixabay; music between segments is provided via Pixabay.

Bob and Anna talk with authors Jean Kwok and Catherine Marshall-Smith about their newest books. Marshall-Smith shares insights into The Resilience of Red Thread, while Kwok discusses Dominion, the first book in The Silk and Iron trilogy. Hear from both authors about their books, their writing, and the stories and themes that inspired their work.. Stories of Strength Intro and Welcome 3:03Interview with Catherine Marshall Smith 15:41Programs and Services @ MCLS 19:48Interview with Jean Kwok 35:02Summary and ClosingShow Notes: Learn more about Catherine Marshall Smith at https://catherinemarshallsmith.com/. Visit Jean Kwok's website at https://www.jeankwok.com/. Find information about the 2026 MCLS Book Festival at https://mcl.org/events/book-festival/. Register for upcoming virtual programs and branch events, using the MCLS Event Calendar, located at https://events.mcl.org/ Apply for an MCLS library card at https://mcl.org/catalog/library-card-application/.Opening and closing music provided by Skilsel via Pixabay; music between segments is provided via Pixabay.

Bob and Anna talk with authors Jennifer Herrera and Glenn R. Miller about their upcoming books. Herrera discusses Siren Says, while Miller shares the story behind Rough Cuts. Hear from both authors about their writing, the inspiration behind their books, and the stories they hope to share with readers.Two Worlds, Two Stories Intro and Welcome 5:29Interview with Jennifer Herrera 19:18Programs and Services @ MCLS 24:25Interview with Glenn R. Miller 39:17Summary and Closing  Show Notes: Learn more about Jennifer Herrera at https://www.jenniferherrerabooks.com/ Visit Glenn R. Miller's website at https://glenn-r-miller.com/ Register for upcoming virtual programs and branch events, using the MCLS Event Calendar, located at https://events.mcl.org/ Take advantage of two opportunities to donate blood for the 9/11 25th Anniversary Remembrance New York Blood Center Blood Drive: September 8 at the Robbinsville branch via https://events.mcl.org/event/17372457September 10 at the Hopewell branch via https://events.mcl.org/event/17331867 Find information about the 2026 Amateur Photo Contest, A Moment in Our Story, at https://mcl.org/events/amateur-photo-contest/ Opening and closing music provided by Skilsel via Pixabay; music between segments is provided via Pixabay.

Intro and Welcome 2:19 Kady Ambrose16:33 Programs and Services @ MCLS21:36 "Sixty Seconds with Shannon"22:48 Interview with Araminta Hall38:14 Summary and Closing  Show Notes: Learn more about Kady Ambrose at https://kadyambrose.com/. Register for Kady Ambrose's talk, Street Fighting in Skirts scheduled for Monday, August 17, 10:00 am the Lawrence Headquarters Branch, using the link https://events.mcl.org/event/17171290. Visit Araminta Hall's website at https://aramintahall.com/. Register for upcoming virtual programs and branch events, using the MCLS Event Calendar, located at https://events.mcl.org/ Find information about the 2026 Summer Reading Program, Unearth a Story, at https://mcl.org/events/summer-reading-program/ 60 Seconds with Shannon features the Dungeon Crawler Carl series by Matt Dinniman, which is available through MCLS. Search for these titles in the MCLS Catalog at merl.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/mcl. Opening and closing music provided by Skilsel via Pixabay; music between segments is provided via Pixabay.

Bob and Anna welcome Anthony Mazakas-Dong and Jessica Smith to discuss the Mercer County Library System's new social services initiative and its impact on the community. They also chat with author Monica Chenault Kilgore about her historical fiction, including Long Gone, Come Home and The Jewel of the Blues, which bring to life the stories of resilient, often-overlooked women in American history. Plus, Shannon Tuorto returns with another 60 Seconds with Shannon: What I'm Reading Wednesday book recommendations. Stories That Support, Stories That Endure - Interview with Monica Chenault Kilgore Intro and Welcome 5:52 Catching Up with MCLS: Social Services Program @ MCLS w/ Anthony Mazakas-Dong and Jessica Smith 21:34 Programs and Services @ MCLS 25:10 "Sixty Seconds with Shannon" 26:21 Interview with Monica Chenault Kilgore 39:43 Summary and Closing Show Notes: Learn more about Monica Chenault Kilgore at https://monicachenaultkilgore.com/ Find Resources for Social Services and connect with MCLS Social Workers at https://resources.mcl.org/social-services Register for upcoming virtual programs and branch events, using the MCLS Event Calendar, located at https://events.mcl.org/ Find information about the 2026 Summer Reading Program, Unearth a Story, at https://mcl.org/events/summer-reading-program/ Discover the MCLS Lucky Day Collection at https://mcl.org/catalog/lucky-day-collection/ 60 Seconds with Shannon - What I'm Reading Wednesday features mystery thrillers, This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum and A Good Person by Kristen King, both of which are available through MCLS. Search for these titles in the MCLS Catalog at merl.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/mcl. Opening and closing music provided by Skilsel via Pixabay; music between segments is provided via Pixabay.

Bob and Anna chat with Madeline Weeks, Reference Librarian at the Lawrence HQ Branch, about how she's incorporated board games into the library to create engaging experiences for the community. Our co-hosts also meet up with author Cynthia Gomez about her debut fantasy novel, Muñeca, exploring magical inheritance, family legacy, and finding one's place in the world. Family Traditions and Magical Legacies - Interview with Cynthia Gomez Intro and Welcome 5:51 Staff Interview with Madeline Weeks 16:57 Programs and Services @ MCLS 22:11 Interview with Cynthia Gomez 38:37 Summary and Closing Show Notes: Learn more about Cynthia Gomez at https://cynthiasaysboo.wordpress.com/ Register for upcoming virtual programs and branch events, using the MCLS Event Calendar, located at https://events.mcl.org/ Find information about the 2026 Summer Reading Program, Unearth a Story, at https://mcl.org/events/summer-reading-program/ Discover MCLS Conversation Groups for English Language Learning at https://mcl.org/events/english-learning-groups/ Opening and closing music provided by Skilsel via Pixabay; music between segments is provided via Pixabay.

Bob and Anna welcome Kelsey Cummins, Youth Services Librarian at the West Windsor Branch of the Mercer County Library System. Kelsey talks about her role at the library and how library staff work to meet the educational and informational needs of patrons of all ages. Later in the episode, bestselling author Laura Sims joins our hosts to discuss her latest psychological suspense novel, The Man. Laura shares the inspiration behind the story, her approach to creating tension and uncertainty, and what draws her to exploring the darker corners of human relationships. From Storytimes to Suspense - Interview with Laura Sims Intro and Welcome 4:25 Staff Interview with Kelsey Cummins 11:28 Programs and Services @ MCLS 15:53 Interview with Laura Sims 28:51 Summary and Closing Show Notes: Learn more about Laura Sims at https://www.laurasims.net/ Register for upcoming virtual programs and branch events, using the MCLS Event Calendar, located at https://events.mcl.org/ Find information about the 2026 Summer Reading Program, Unearth a Story, at https://mcl.org/events/summer-reading-program/ Participate in the 2026 MCLS Reading Challenge -- https://mcl.org/events/reading-challenge/ Opening and closing music provided by Skilsel via Pixabay; music between segments is provided via Pixabay.

Bob and Anna chat with Ellen Madigan, Adult Services Librarian at the West Windsor Branch of the Mercer County Library System, about her role and the programs and services she helps bring to the community. They also speak with author Mima Tipper about her novel, Channeling Marilyn, released in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's birth, and discuss the enduring legacy of one of America's most iconic cultural figures. Plus, Shannon returns with a fresh round of beach-read recommendations in another installment of "60 Seconds with Shannon." Legendary Tales - Interview with Mima Tipper Intro and Welcome 5:03 Staff Interview with Ellen Madigan 15:40 Programs and Services @ MCLS 19:43 Sixty Seconds with Shannon 20:53 Interview with Mima Tipper 36:33 Summary and Closing Show Notes: Learn more about Mima Tipper at https://mimatipper.com/ Register for upcoming virtual programs and branch events, using the MCLS Event Calendar, located at https://events.mcl.org/ Find information about the 2026 Summer Reading Program, Unearth a Story, at https://mcl.org/events/summer-reading-program/ Discover resources and services, supporting English Language Learning at https://mcl.org/events/english-learning-groups/ "60 Seconds with Shannon" features the beach reads Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune, Fever Dream by Elsie Silver, and The Shippers by Katherine Center, all of which are available through MCLS. Search for these titles in the MCLS Catalog at merl.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/mcl. Opening and closing music provided by Skilsel via Pixabay; music between segments is provided via Pixabay.

Bob and Anna catch up with Michelle Cromwell to discuss her transition from Youth Services Librarian to Branch Manager at the Robbinsville Branch, and how her experiences working with young patrons continue to shape her approach to library leadership. They also speak with author Brad Barkley about his upcoming YA novel, The Reel Life of Zara Kegg, and the inspiration behind its characters, story, and themes. Reel Life, Real Transitions - Interview with Brad Barkley Intro and Welcome 3:37 Catch up with MCLS: Michelle Cromwell 12:44 Programs and Services @ MCLS 16:15 Interview with Brad Barkley 29:01 Summary and Closing Show Notes: Learn more about Brad Barkley at https://www.bradbarkley.com/ Register for upcoming virtual programs and branch events, using the MCLS Event Calendar, located at https://events.mcl.org/ Find information about the 2026 Summer Reading Program, Unearth a Story, at https://mcl.org/events/summer-reading-program/ Opening and closing music provided by Skilsel via Pixabay; music between segments is provided via Pixabay.

Bob and Anna catch up with Kathleen Nash, Adult Services Librarian at the Hopewell Branch. They also speak with author Aimee Pokwatka about her recent novel, Accumulation, discussing the inspiration behind the book and its themes. Word Games and Ghost Stories Intro and Welcome 5:12 Catch up with MCLS: Kathleen Nash 14:19 Programs and Services @ MCLS 18:03 Interview with Aimee Pokwatka 31:55 Summary and Closing Show Notes: Learn more about Aimee Pokwatka at http://www.aimeepokwatka.com/. Register for upcoming virtual programs and branch events, using the MCLS Event Calendar, located at https://events.mcl.org/. Discover resources at the Virtual Branch and Digital Entertainment available with your MCLS library card via https://resources.mcl.org/virtual. Opening and closing music provided by Skilsel via Pixabay; music between segments is provided via Pixabay.

Behind the Books continues the celebration of National Library Week! Bob and Anna talk with patrons and staff about where they find joy at the library, catch up with local Jeopardy! champion Jamie Ding, and in "60 Seconds with Shannon," Shannon Tuorto shares her pick: Don't Think About Dinner by Jenn Lueke. Joy and Jeopardy! Intro and Welcome 1:59 Find Your Joy! 7:42 Programs and Services @ MCLS 11:49 Sixty Seconds with Shannon 13:02 Interview with Jamie Ding 26:51 Summary and Closing Show Notes: "60 Seconds with Shannon" features Don't Think About Dinner by Jenn Lueke, which is available from MCLS. Check the MCLS Catalog via https://merl.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/mcl. Learn more about the MCLS Teen Advisory Board at https://mcl.org/events/teen-advisory-board/. Register for upcoming virtual programs and branch events, using the MCLS Event Calendar, located at https://events.mcl.org/. Music for National Library Week segment created by minhquang123 via Pixabay. Opening and closing music provided by Skilsel via Pixabay; music between segments is provided via Pixabay.

Bob and Anna sit down with Dana Benner, Marketing Librarian for the Mercer County Library System and Adult Services Librarian at the Hopewell Branch. Dana shares how she brings her own interests and enthusiasm into her work—from shaping engaging programs to helping make the library a welcoming, vibrant place for the community. Then, our co-hosts turn to author Victoria Dillon to discuss her debut novel, Ava. They explore the inspiration behind the story and the themes at the heart of this unique and thought-provoking book. Shannon Tuorto returns with a "60 Seconds with Shannon," featuring The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion series by Beth Brower. The Work We Love, the Stories We Imagine Intro and Welcome 4:10 Catch up with MCLS: Dana Benner 13:51 Programs and Services @ MCLS 18:04 Sixty Seconds with Shannon 19:16 Interview with Victoria Dillon 29:53 Summary and Closing Show Notes: Learn more about Victoria Dillon at https://victoriadillonauthor.com/. The documentary to which the author refers is Aftershock (2022). Additional information available at https://www.aftershockdocumentary.com/. "60 Seconds with Shannon" features The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, which is available from MCLS. Check the MCLS Catalog via https://merl.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/mcl. Attend the 2026 TrashedArt Awards Reception. Registration and additional information available at https://mcl.org/events/trashedart/. Register for upcoming virtual programs and branch events, using the MCLS Event Calendar, located at https://events.mcl.org/. Celebrate National Library Week with MCLS, April 19 through April 25. More information at https://mcl.org/national-library-week/. Opening and closing music provided by Skilsel via Pixabay; music between segments is provided via Pixabay.

Anna and Bob speak with Amanda DeCillis, part-time Youth Services staff member at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch, about her work with young readers. They also talk with scriptwriter Shawn Hainsworth, founder of SHP Comics, who shares his creative process and previews his upcoming books, Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King and Woodstake. Shannon Tuorto is back with a "60 Seconds with Shannon," featuring Billy Collins' new collection of poems, Dog Show. No Fooling: From Youth Services to Indie Comics Intro and Welcome 3:20 Interview with Amanda DeCillis 13:00 Programs and Services @ MCLS 16:45 Sixty Seconds with Shannon 17:54 Interview with Shawn Hainsworth 31:19 Summary and Closing Show Notes: Learn more about Shawn Hainsworth at https://www.shawnhainsworthproductions.com/ and SHP Comics at https://shpcomics.com/. "60 Seconds with Shannon" features Billy Collins' newest collection of poetry, Dog Show, which is available from MCLS. Check the MCLS Catalog via https://merl.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/mcl. Register for upcoming virtual programs and branch events, using the MCLS Event Calendar, located at https://events.mcl.org/. Submit a poem to read in the virtual poetry event, A Poetry Happening: Mercer Poets Read, at https://mcl.org/call-for-poems/. Opening and closing music provided by Skilsel via Pixabay; music between segments is provided via Pixabay.