Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast

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

My American Journey: Quinnie 07/17/2026

My American Journey: Quinnie In this episode of the “My American Journey” podcast series, we speak with Quinnie about her journey to the United States, the challenges she faced along the way, and the lessons she learned in building a life in a new country. In the “My American Journey” podcast series, we speak with members of our library community who were born outside the United States. As part of the America250 celebration, these conversations celebrate the rich variety of stories and backgrounds that contribute to who we are as We the People. /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/42096320

Local Genealogists Speak: A Conversation with Pam 07/09/2026

Local Genealogists Speak: A Conversation with Pam In this episode of the “Local Genealogists Speak” podcast series, Pam, a local genealogist, shares about her favorite ancestor who signed the Declaration of Independence, the Daughters of the American Revolution or DAR, and more. She also shares about her favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence. The “Local Genealogists Speak” podcast series is an opportunity to hear from local genealogists as they share their experiences with and knowledge about family history research. Each episode contains tips and suggestions which may be helpful for your own research and/or stories that may inspire you to dig more deeply into your roots. /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/41912390

Pick of the Week: The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson 07/07/2026

Pick of the Week: The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson This week Marianne recommends Jenny Jackson's The Shampoo Effect, the story of a young writer's retreat in the beach town of Greenhead, Massachusetts. Check out from the Library. /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/41782895

My American Journey: Cinthia and Veria 07/03/2026

My American Journey: Cinthia and Veria In this episode of the “My American Journey” podcast series, we speak with Cinthia and Veria about their respective journeys to the United States, the challenges they faced along the way, and the lessons they learned in building a life in a new country. In the “My American Journey” podcast series, we speak with members of our library community who were born outside the United States. As part of the America250 celebration, these conversations celebrate the rich variety of stories and backgrounds that contribute to who we are as We the People. /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/41947745

Pick of the Week: The Very Definition of Love by Sophia Benoit 06/30/2026

Pick of the Week: The Very Definition of Love by Sophia Benoit This week Hannha recommends Sophia Benoit's The Very Definition of Love, a regency-era romance between a bookworm and a rake. Check out from the Library. /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/41783135

The Bookies’ Summer Reading List 06/23/2026

The Bookies’ Summer Reading List This week Jenny, Marianne, and Hannah introduce five new must-read titles for Summer 2026: by Ayelet Waldman by Jenny Jackson by Daniel Mason by Katherine Arden by Rosie Walsh Additional titles mentioned in this episode: by Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/41778835

Pick of the Week: The Children by Melissa Albert 06/16/2026

Pick of the Week: The Children by Melissa Albert This week Jenny recommends Melissa Albert's The Children, a mysterious, genre-bending fantasy book. Check out from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: by Alix E. Harrow by Erin Morgenstern /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/41672295

Local Genealogists Speak: A Conversation with Kim 06/11/2026

Local Genealogists Speak: A Conversation with Kim In this episode of the “Local Genealogists Speak” podcast series, Kim, a local genealogist, shares about her favorite ancestor, her favorite type of genealogy record, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and more. She also shares about her favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence. The “Local Genealogists Speak” podcast series is an opportunity to hear from local genealogists as they share their experiences with and knowledge about family history research. Each episode contains tips and suggestions which may be helpful for your own research and/or stories that may inspire you to dig more deeply into your roots. /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/41590220

Pick of the Week: The Shippers by Katherine Center 06/02/2026

Pick of the Week: The Shippers by Katherine Center This week Jenny recommends Katherine Center’s The Shippers, a perfect beach read for fans of romantic comedies. Check out from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: by Annabel Monaghan by Abby Jimenez /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/41431840

Pick of the Week: Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser 05/26/2026

Pick of the Week: Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser This week Marianne recommends Rachel Hochhauser's Lady Tremaine, a retelling of the classic Cinderella tale from the point of view of her "wicked" stepmother. Check out from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: by Gregory Maguire by Emilia Hart /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/41431675

Pick of the Week: The Anniversary by Alex Finlay 05/19/2026

Pick of the Week: The Anniversary by Alex Finlay This week Jenny recommends Alex Finlay's The Anniversary, a nostalgic thriller that follows two classmates across a decade of investigations into the mysterious May Day Killer. Check out from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: t by Alex Finlay by Liz Moore /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/41355395

Local Genealogists Speak: A Conversation with Mac 05/14/2026

Local Genealogists Speak: A Conversation with Mac In this episode of the “Local Genealogists Speak” podcast series, Mac, a local genealogist, shares about genealogy software, DNA, brick walls, online connections, and more. He also shares about his favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence. The “Local Genealogists Speak” podcast series is an opportunity to hear from local genealogists as they share their experiences with and knowledge about family history research. Each episode contains tips and suggestions which may be helpful for your own research and/or stories that may inspire you to dig more deeply into your roots. /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/41271990

Pick of the Week: Bone of My Bone by Johanna Van Veen 05/12/2026

Pick of the Week: Bone of My Bone by Johanna Van Veen This week Hannah recommends Johanna Van Veen's Bone of My Bone, a grim wartime tale of two unlikely companions bound by fate, faith, and a dangerous holy relic. Check out from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: by Caitlin Starling by M.R. Carey by Brom /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/41271930

Pick of the Week: Go Gentle by Maria Semple 04/28/2026

Pick of the Week: Go Gentle by Maria Semple This week Marianne recommends Maria Semple's Go Gentle, the story of a fifty-something divorcée who meets a handsome stranger and is drawn into spying on her pupils' billionaire parents. Check out from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: by Maria Semple by Madeline Cash /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/41054580

Pick of the Week: Seasons of Glass and Iron by Amal El-Mohtar 04/22/2026

Pick of the Week: Seasons of Glass and Iron by Amal El-Mohtar This week Hannah recommends Amal El-Mohtar's Seasons of Glass and Iron: Stories, a collection of fantastical short stories. Check out from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: by Amal El-Mohtar /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/40968455

Local Genealogists Speak: A Conversation with Dana 04/09/2026

Local Genealogists Speak: A Conversation with Dana In this episode of the “Local Genealogists Speak” podcast series, Dana, a local genealogist, shares about her genealogy journey, DNA, photographs, online connections, and more. She also shares about her favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence. The “Local Genealogists Speak” podcast series is an opportunity to hear from local genealogists as they share their experiences with and knowledge about family history research. Each episode contains tips and suggestions which may be helpful for your own research and/or stories that may inspire you to dig more deeply into your roots. /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/40609190

Pick of the Week: Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell 04/07/2026

Pick of the Week: Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell This week Jenny recommends Rainbow Rowell's upcoming book Cherry Baby, a witty, tender novel about a woman facing divorce and public scrutiny while reckoning with who she’s been and who she wants to become. Check out from the Library. /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/40691475

The Bookies’ Must-Read Books of Spring 2026 03/31/2026

The Bookies’ Must-Read Books of Spring 2026 This week Hannah and Jenny introduce five must-read titles releasing Spring 2026: by Maria Semple by Kate Clayborn by Alex Finlay by Portia Elan by Philip Fracassi Additional titles mentioned in this episode: by Alison Espach by Emily St. John Mandel by Alma Katsu /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/40690525

Pick of the Week: The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke 03/24/2026

Pick of the Week: The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke This week Marianne recommends The Ending Writes Itself, the debut collaboration between V.E. Schwab and Cat Clarke under their new pen name, Evelyn Clarke. The book is a whodunit in which seven writers compete to pen the final pages of a recently deceased author's unfinished manuscript. Check out from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: by V.E. Schwab by Anthony Horowitz by Lucy Foley /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/40608945

Local Genealogists Speak: A Conversation with Phil 03/12/2026

Local Genealogists Speak: A Conversation with Phil In this episode of the “Local Genealogists Speak” podcast series, Phil, a local genealogist, shares about social history, his brick walls, genealogy books, and more. He also shares about his favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence. The “Local Genealogists Speak” podcast series is an opportunity to hear from local genealogists as they share their experiences with and knowledge about family history research. Each episode contains tips and suggestions which may be helpful for your own research and/or stories that may inspire you to dig more deeply into your roots. Titles mentioned in this episode: by Blaine Bettinger The Great Migration by Edwin C. Guillet /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/40388010

Pick of the Week: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke 03/10/2026

Pick of the Week: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke This week Hannah recommends Caro Claire Burke's debut novel Yesteryear, a darkly humorous story of a traditional lifestyle influencer who suddenly wakes up in an 1805 homestead. Check out from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: by Madeline Cash by Tara Westover /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/40387735

Pick of the Week: The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey 03/03/2026

Pick of the Week: The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey This week Erica recommends Jennie Godfrey’s The List of Suspicious Things, a coming‑of‑age story set in late‑1970s Yorkshire, following a 12‑year‑old girl who hunts for the Yorkshire Ripper only to uncover the far more personal mysteries of growing up. Check out from the Library. /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/40222150

Pick of the Week: How to Write a Love Story by Catherine Walsh 02/24/2026

Pick of the Week: How to Write a Love Story by Catherine Walsh This week Jenny recommends Catherine Walsh’s How to Write a Love Story, a warm, witty romance about a grieving former writer and the devoted editor assigned to help her finish her late father’s famed fantasy series. Check out from the Library. /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/40221890

Pick of the Week: Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett 02/17/2026

Pick of the Week: Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett This week Marianne recommends Heather Fawcett’s Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter, a cozy fantasy romance about Agnes, her cat shelter, and the witch king secretly living beneath it. Check out from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: by John Scalzi by Sangu Mandanna /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/40144695

Local Genealogists Speak: A Conversation with Linda 02/12/2026

Local Genealogists Speak: A Conversation with Linda In this episode of the “Local Genealogists Speak” podcast series, Linda, a local genealogist, shares about her genealogy journey, ancestral travel, organizing her research, and more. She also shares about her favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence. The “Local Genealogists Speak” podcast series is an opportunity to hear from local genealogists as they share their experiences with and knowledge about family history research. Each episode contains tips and suggestions which may be helpful for your own research and/or stories that may inspire you to dig more deeply into your roots. /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/39904975

Pick of the Week: Vigil by George Saunders 02/10/2026

Pick of the Week: Vigil by George Saunders This week Hannah recommends George Saunders’s Vigil, a compact, emotionally explosive work of magical realism that follows Jill "Doll" Blaine, the spirit guide tasked with ushering a dying oil executive into the afterlife. Check out from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: by Jimin Han by Shehan Karunatilaka /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/39986995

Pick of the Week: Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston 02/03/2026

Pick of the Week: Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston This week Jenny recommends Ashley Elston’s Anatomy of an Alibi, a precisely written thriller told from the perspective of two women entangled in the fallout of a murder. Check out from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: by Ashley Elston by Amy Tintera by Alex Finlay by Liv Constantine /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/39986775

Pick of the Week: The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead 01/27/2026

Pick of the Week: The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead This week Marianne recommends Ashley Winstead’s The Future Saints, a novel following Hannah Cortland and her band The Future Saints after the sudden passing of her sister and band manager, Ginny. Check out from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: by Taylor Jenkins Reid by Jennifer Weiner /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/39805835

Pick of the Week: Is This A Cry For Help? by Emily Austin 01/14/2026

Pick of the Week: Is This A Cry For Help? by Emily Austin This week Hannah recommends Emily Austin’s Is This A Cry For Help?, a novel following Darcy, a rule-bound librarian who returns to work after a mental breakdown. Check out from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: by Rebecca K Reilly by Swan Huntley /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/39721670

Local Genealogists Speak: A Conversation with George 01/08/2026

Local Genealogists Speak: A Conversation with George In this episode of the “Local Genealogists Speak” podcast series, George, a local genealogist, shares about ancestral travel, archival research, genealogy books, and more. He also shares about his favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence. The “Local Genealogists Speak” podcast series is an opportunity to hear from local genealogists as they share their experiences with and knowledge about family history research. Each episode contains tips and suggestions which may be helpful for your own research and/or stories that may inspire you to dig more deeply into your roots. Titles mentioned in this episode: by Carl Zimmer by Linda Gartz by Alex Wagner by Daniel Walker Howe by Alan Taylor /episode/index/show/cooklib/id/39523690

Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast

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