Local poet Maggie Smith discusses her new book, Keep Moving: Notes on Loss, Creativity, and Change, due out October 6th. Originating from Smith's tweets during the most difficult period of her life, we discuss how the collection might be received during a global pandemic, and also what it's like to release new material these days.

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Be sure to check out Maggie's virtual event presented by Gramercy Books with fellow acclaimed local poet Saeed Jones on Thursday, October 15th at 7 PM. Learn more here.

Linda Kass discusses her new novel A Ritchie Boy, which draws heavily on her father's unique experiences in World War II. She also talks about the many interesting twists her career has taken, including being a journalist, working in broadcasting, and owning Gramercy Books.

Beth Armstrong, author of Voices from the Ape House, discusses her illustrious career working with gorillas, including groundbreaking work in gorilla care and pioneering conservation efforts with worldwide impact. Learn about what made the Columbus Zoo special in the '80s & '90s, the fascinating social lives of gorillas, and more.

BPL staff members discuss the media they've been enjoying during this unusual time, as well as a few special messages for our patrons.

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Follow these links to find our picks digitally:

Ultraista by Ultraista

The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee by David Treuer

A Manual for Cleaning Women by Lucia Berlin

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Murder on Black Swan Lane by Andrea Penrose

Wilde Life by Pascalle Lepas

The Third Hotel by Laura van Den Berg

Melissa Michal & Julie Swarstad Johnson discuss the intricacies of their work and life as writers. Melissa delves into her newest book, Living On The Borderlines, which reflects on the intergenerational trauma of Haudenosaunee people and how it impacts relationships while also fostering a unique resilience. Julie discusses the multiple viewpoints of her new book, Pennsylvania Furnace, and how time has shifted our perspective toward the environment.

When it comes to Prohibition in the U.S., you probably immediately think of NASCAR, income tax, and Caribbean cruises, right? Nina Thomas, Manager of the Westerville History Center & Museum, discusses how these things are connected to Prohibition, as well as the local roots of the Anti-Saloon League and more.

Dr. Jason Reece, assistant professor of city and regional planning at the Knowlton School of Architecture at OSU, discusses the history of housing discrimination both in Columbus and the U.S. as a whole. Learn how factors such as redlining, restrictive covenants, and highway construction resulted in unequal development and shaped the neighborhoods we see today.

BPL staff members share their favorite books, films, and albums of 2019. Follow the links below to find our picks in the library's catalog:

• American Love Call - Durand Jones & The Indications

WCBE's Cinema Classics co-host and local personality Johnny DiLoretto discusses his career in media, the significance of the year 1939 in American cinema, and his favorite horror films- including his take on the perpetual CGI vs. practical effects debate.

Daniel Skinner is a political scientist, Associate Professor of Health Policy at Ohio University, and co-editor of Not Far From Me: Stories of Opioids and Ohio. We discuss the gripping stories contained in Not Far From Me, the impact of local government on the opioid epidemic, and the outlook of the crisis going forward.