Pick of the Week: The Silver Book by Olivia Laing
Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast
This week Hannah recommends Olivia Laing’s The Silver Book, a gripping love story and thriller steeped in the vibrant world of 1970s Italian cinema. Check out from the Library.
info_outline
2025 Holiday Fiction Round-Up
Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast
Readers' Advisor Hannah shares three 2025 titles to enjoy during the holidays. Titles mentioned in this episode: by Laurie Gilmore by Sally Smith by B.K. Borison
info_outline
Pick of the Week: Palaver by Bryan Washington
Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast
This week Hannah recommends Bryan Washington’s Palaver, the story of an expat who faces a surprise visit from his estranged mother. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Tokyo during the holiday season, this tender novel explores fractured family ties, found connections, and the quiet longing to be known and loved. Check out from the Library.
info_outline
Connecting with Our Ancestors: A History of Spiritualism for Genealogists
Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast
How might our ancestors have connected with their ancestors? Join Daniel Smith as he explores the possibilities and their connections to genealogy! In the middle of the nineteenth century, a movement known as Spiritualism captured the attention of millions, with large groupings in the Northeast and Midwest. This movement was predominantly led by women, and it gave them a voice to fight for progressive causes like suffrage, emancipation, and temperance. As leaders, they served as mediums who worked to connect folks with their recently deceased relatives and ancestors. Their followers included...
info_outline
Seeds & Our Immigrant Ancestors
Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast
Join Daniel Smith, Genealogy Librarian, as he explores the connections between seeds and our immigrant ancestors. You may be surprised to learn that many immigrants brought seeds with them to America. These seeds were so valuable that they sometimes went to great lengths to hide them. They were then able to grow these seeds once they settled, and they used what they grew to recreate foods from their homelands. During the episode, Daniel shares a couple of examples and then provides ways you can find your immigrant ancestors. The episode ends with some suggestions for those who may want to try...
info_outline
What Do Seeds Have to Do with Genealogy?
Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast
Join Daniel Smith, Genealogy Librarian, as he explores the connections between seeds and genealogy. You may be surprised what you can learn about your family's history from seeds! During the episode, Daniel shares what he has learned about his ancestors from the seeds his family kept, the records available, and the food prepared. He also gives a sneak peek at the next episode.
info_outline
Oscars Preview & The Year in Film
Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast
Becky and Nate are back for the 10th year in a row to discuss this Sunday's 97th Academy Awards cermony. Listen and discover the films of 2024 - the movies getting all the buzz, must-see performances, filmmakers to know, overrated disappointments, and the overlooked films that you don't want to miss. Remember, if you add a lot of movies to your watchlist the Library is here to help you find them!
info_outline
Bookies Talk: Welcome, Allie!
Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast
Meet Allie, the newest Reference Librarian at Cook Memorial Public Library District! She and Hannah discuss recent reads, the neverending debate between hardcover versus paperback, and how Allie got into the library business. Titles Referenced: Martina Calvi’s ; Molly Baz’s ; Franz Kafka’s ; Helen MacDonald and Sin Blanché’s ; Isabel Cañas’ and ; Mona Awad’s ; Elizabeth O’Connor’s ; Caroline Woods’
info_outline
Bookies Talk: Author Crossovers
Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast
In this episode, Amy and Leah talk about authors who cross genres, topics, and age groups -- and why the change can be great for readers. Authors mentioned in this episode: to register for the Fall Book Buzz. to learn more about our new Silent Book Club. For a personalized list of suggestions, visit our . Email us at .
info_outline
Bookies Talk: Historical Fiction Hot Takes
Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast
Readers' Advisors Hannah and Marianne share their thoughts about all things historical fiction. Titles mentioned in this episode: to request a personalized reading recommendation. Contact us at webmaster@cooklib.org
info_outlineJoin Daniel Smith, Genealogy Librarian, as he explores the connections between seeds and our immigrant ancestors. You may be surprised to learn that many immigrants brought seeds with them to America. These seeds were so valuable that they sometimes went to great lengths to hide them. They were then able to grow these seeds once they settled, and they used what they grew to recreate foods from their homelands. During the episode, Daniel shares a couple of examples and then provides ways you can find your immigrant ancestors. The episode ends with some suggestions for those who may want to try growing heirloom seeds.