Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast

Official podcast of the Cook Memorial Public Library District in Libertyville and Vernon Hills, IL.

Bookies Talk: Welcome, Allie! 10/10/2024

Bookies Talk: Welcome, Allie! 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’ /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/33383712

Bookies Talk: Author Crossovers 08/31/2024

Bookies Talk: Author Crossovers 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 . /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/32817637

Bookies Talk: Historical Fiction Hot Takes 08/03/2024

Bookies Talk: Historical Fiction Hot Takes 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 [email protected] /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/32423667

Bookies Talk: The Power of Book Clubs 05/24/2024

Bookies Talk: The Power of Book Clubs Book Club Associate Amy and Readers' Advisor Marianne share titles guaranteed to get your book club talking. Titles mentioned in this episode: , William Kent Krueger , Percival Everett and , Amor Towles , Maggie O’Farrell , Kate Quinn , Javier Zamora , Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah , R. F. Kuang , Curtis Sittenfeld , Bonnie Garmus , Shelby Van Pelt , Steven Rowley , C Pam Zhang () , Kaveh Akbar , Angie Kim to request a list of personalized reading recommendations. to register for the Summer Book Buzz. for details on Summer Reading 2024 (registration opens June 1) To contact Amy about a book club, email . To contact us, email /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/31457422

Bookies Talk: New Historical Fiction 04/29/2024

Bookies Talk: New Historical Fiction Erica and Brooke, one of the Library's Maintenance staff, talk about two new historical fiction titles and what we can learn from them. Titles and authors mentioned in this episode: by Kristen Hannah by Francis Spufford (TV Series) by Michael Chabon For a personalized list of reading suggestions, fill out our Contact us at /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/31018863

Bookies Talk: The ACOTAR episode 03/15/2024

Bookies Talk: The ACOTAR episode Erica and Bronwyn, the Library's Communications Coordinator, talk about the romantasy series that has taken over the internet: Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses, the RenFaire, and how books are better with friends. Titles mentioned in this episode: by Sarah J. Maas by Sarah J. Maas by Leigh Bardugo by George R. R. Martin : the television series by Frank Herbert : the films by Robert Jordan by Diana Gabaldon : the television series Want more ACOTAR readalikes? Fill out our for a personalized list of suggestions. Contact us at [email protected]. /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/30388498

The Year in Film (2023) / Oscars Recap 03/11/2024

The Year in Film (2023) / Oscars Recap For the 9th year in a row librarians Becky and Nate discuss last night's Academy Awards ceremony and celebrate the year in film. Listen and discover the highlights - the movies recognized by the Academy and the movies that were overlooked but not to be missed. Then find out how your library card is the ultimate ticket to the movies. /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/30325098

Bookies Talk: Immersive Stories 02/16/2024

Bookies Talk: Immersive Stories Readers' Advisors Erica and Amy share three recent books that bring their worlds -- a tense near-future, a legendary past, and present-day America - to life in vivid and unexpected ways. Books featured in this episode: by Paul Lynch by Yangsze Choo by Michele Norris Click here to register for the . For personalized book recommendations, visit For the library's blog, visit . Email us at /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/29987643

Bookies Talk: Bandits, Babies, and Brendan Slocumb 01/19/2024

Bookies Talk: Bandits, Babies, and Brendan Slocumb Erica and Marianne are sticking to their reading resolutions by digging into great historical fiction featuring real-life banditos and midwives. Then, Marianne gives us the inside scoop on this year's One Book, One Community series. Titles discussed in this episode: , by Elizabeth Gonzalez James , by Ariel Lawhon , by Brendan Slocumb For details on all of the One Book, One Community events, visit For personalized book recommendations, visit . For the library's blog, visit . Email us at [email protected]. /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/29563963

Bookies Talk: Our Favorite Titles of 2023 12/15/2023

Bookies Talk: Our Favorite Titles of 2023 Erica and Hannah talk about the top titles of the year, our annual Staff Favorites booklets, and the books they can't wait to read in 2024. Thanks for a great year of reading and listening! For a copy of our Favorite Fiction and Nonfiction booklets, stop by Cook Park or Aspen Drive Library, or . Titles discussed in this episode: by James McBride by Lorrie Moore by Daniel Mason by Francis Spufford (February 2024) The Extinction of Irina Rey by (March 2024) by Kelly Link (February 2024) The Familiar by (April 2024) Somewhere Beyond the Sea by (September 2024) Haunted Ever After by (August 2024) Please note some upcoming titles are not yet available in the catalog - we've linked to the authors so you can enjoy their backlist while you wait! /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/29098273

Libertyville Celebrity Spotting Part 2 (1943-1960) 12/04/2023

Libertyville Celebrity Spotting Part 2 (1943-1960) Enjoy part two of Celebrity Spotting, where local history librarian Jenny Barry guides us through a few notable people who made historical appearances in Libertyville. We pick up right where left off! Mentioned in the Podcast /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/28927598

Bookies Talk: Family Stories & Surprising Legacies 11/17/2023

Bookies Talk: Family Stories & Surprising Legacies Erica and Amy, our new book club associate, share the titles they've been enjoying lately, ranging from a suspenseful family drama to a sublimely ridiculous charmer (and the best cover of 2023). Books discussed in this episode: , Jean Kwok , Jayne Anne Phillips , Sarah Ogilvie , Meg Shaffer , John Scalzi For more information about our book club services, including a list of titles, visit or email . For more information about this year's One Book, One Community events, featuring by Brendan Slocumb, visit . /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/28681853

Bookies Talk: Meet Mary (Again!) 10/20/2023

Bookies Talk: Meet Mary (Again!) Say hello (again) to the latest addition to our Popular Services staff, Mary! Hannah and Mary discuss Silvia Moreno-Garcia, the best parts of gothic literature (spoiler: it's the house) and what makes a good book good. Check out the books mentioned in this podcast episode: And as always, keep reading, keep watching, and keep listening! /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/28371959

Bookies Talk: Reaching Out 09/18/2023

Bookies Talk: Reaching Out Erica and Zach, one of our Outreach Associates, talk about home delivery, great characters, graphic novels, and a suprisingly cozy spot. For more information about our Outreach services, including Home Delivery, visit For the Fall Book Buzz, . Books discussed in this episode: by Alexis Hall by Julia Wertz by Spencer Quinn /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/28060992

Bookies Talk: Small Town Stories 08/18/2023

Bookies Talk: Small Town Stories In this episode, Becky and Erica share the small-town stories they've been enjoying as summer winds down. Books mentioned in this episode: ! /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/27785469

Bookies Talk: Unexpected Delights 07/25/2023

Bookies Talk: Unexpected Delights In this episode, Hannah and Erica share the titles that have suprised and delighted them as summer hits its midpoint. Books mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/27566928

Bookies Talk: Summer Reads for Everyone 06/16/2023

Bookies Talk: Summer Reads for Everyone In this episode, Andrea and Mark share the books they’ve been reading to kick off the summer – and there’s something for every type of reader! Books in this episode: /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/27160977

Libertyville Celebrity Spotting Part 1 (1845-1942) 06/09/2023

Libertyville Celebrity Spotting Part 1 (1845-1942) Find out the who's who of national celebrities and historical figures that have made appearances in Libertyville through the years. Enjoy part one of the series. There's more to come! Mentioned in the Podcast /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/27084915

Bookies Talk: New Faces and Old Favorites 05/19/2023

Bookies Talk: New Faces and Old Favorites Erica is joined by Hannah, the newest member of the , to talk about her path to Cook Library, favorite reads, and what they've been enjoying lately. Titles mentioned in this episode: Watch our Spring Book Buzz and other Bookies videos on our , and make sure to register for our upcoming to get early access to our most-anticipated titles of the season. /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/26883156

Bookies Talk: Book Club Selections & Two New Murder Mysteries 04/21/2023

Bookies Talk: Book Club Selections & Two New Murder Mysteries Bookies Talk is back! This month, Erica and Marianne discuss great book club reads and the fun kind of murder mysteries. If you'd like back episodes of Bookies TV or our seasonal book buzz, visit the library's YouTube channel at . If you want personalized book advice, head to . Titles mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/26603667

Early Women-Owned Businesses of Libertyville 03/29/2023

Early Women-Owned Businesses of Libertyville We close out Women's History Month with a look at some of the earliest businesses in Libertyville that were owned by women. Previous Women's History Month Podcast Episodes Libertyville Historical Society on YouTube /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/26382630

Bookies Talk: Thrillers, a novella, and a self-made widow 03/17/2023

Bookies Talk: Thrillers, a novella, and a self-made widow Introducing Bookies Talk! Karen and Erica, two of our readers' advisors, are kicking off our monthly podcast series by discussing books they've read and loved lately. New episodes will drop the third Friday of every month. Want to watch back episodes of Bookies TV, or our upcoming Spring Book Buzz, featuring our most-anticipated titles of the season? Check out our Youtube channel: If you want personalized book advice, head to Titles mentioned in this episode: /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/26250441

The Year in Film (2022) / Oscars Recap 03/13/2023

The Year in Film (2022) / Oscars Recap For the 8th year in a row librarians Becky and Nate get together after the Academy Awards to discuss the ceremony and celebrate the year in film. Listen in as they discuss the nominees, the night's memorable moments, and share their own selection of movies the awards season may have overlooked but you won't want to miss. Also, find out how you can use your library card to catch up on all the amazing movies of the year. /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/26215008

Need a Reading Reboot? Let us help! 10/18/2022

Need a Reading Reboot? Let us help! Popular Services Librarian Andrea Larson shares different ways the library can help get you out of a reading rut. /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/24715656

Runaway Animals in Libertyville 09/19/2022

Runaway Animals in Libertyville Our local history librarian Jenny Barry shares news articles of animals running wild throughout Libertyville. MORE... Find more on our Video: (WTTW) /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/24402228

5 Unique Ways to Connect with Your Library 04/06/2022

5 Unique Ways to Connect with Your Library April 3-9 is National Library Week and this year's theme is Connect With Your Library. In this episode we run down five ways to use the library that you may not have known about. Read Bronwyn's Explore the Learn how to sign up for Visit our page Check out Book a appointment /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/22704344

The Year in Film (2021) / Oscars Recap 03/28/2022

The Year in Film (2021) / Oscars Recap Becky and Nate are back on the podcast for the 7th year in a row to talk about last night's Academy Awards ceremony. They share some of their own opinions about the nominees and other favorite movies of last year. Hear about the night's memorable moments (and boy were there moments), the movies, the performances, and how you can catch up with all of these great films at the library. /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/22599920

Fresh Start Books 01/27/2022

Fresh Start Books To kick off the first podcast episode of the year, Andrea and Erica recommend four excellent books for your 2022 reading list. This is an edited version of January's Bookies Live Facebook event. to catch future Bookies Live, every second Tuesday of the month. In This Episode Dan Harris, Nita Prose, Charles Cumming, Malinda Lo, /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/21926993

Our Favorite Books of 2021 12/21/2021

Our Favorite Books of 2021 Believe it or not 2021 is wrapping up and Readers' Advisor Jo is back for our annual episode recounting Cook Library's favorite books of the year! Make sure you visit either Cook Park or Aspen Drive library to pick up your very own copies of our Fiction and Nonfiction Favorites booklets. Or anytime. Read Jo's blog posts summarizing the 2021 national booklists for and . /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/21559829

All in the Family 11/18/2021

All in the Family The Bookies are back just in time for Thanksgiving with some stellar November reading selections all about families. This is an edited version of November’s Bookies Live Facebook event. to catch future Bookies Live. In This Episode Alice Hoffman, Laura Dave, Liane Moriarty, Angela Sanders, Lauren Groff, Jocelyn Nicole Johnson, /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/21211964

Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast

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