Intro and Welcome

• 2:19 Kady Ambrose
• 16:33 Programs and Services @ MCLS
• 21:36 "Sixty Seconds with Shannon"
• 22:48 Interview with Araminta Hall
• 38:14 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.