On this episode of 73 Words in the 732, we share the story, "The Afghan" by A. Lee.

Fluorescent lights buzz overhead inside the dusty old thrift store - and in my hands, a homespun afghan drapes over my fingertips. There's a superstition within the crochet community that your soul is imbued in the things you create, so it’s wise to leave a mistake: a door for your soul to escape, if need be.

I examine the afghan, admiring the intricate designs. “Flawless,” I whisper - an unnatural warmth pouring from its stitches.

For more short story submissions, visit https://ilove.ebpl.org/short-stories

On this episode of 73 Words in the 732, we share the story, "Security Officer" by Yan Yakirevich.

I’m a licensed Security Officer for Allied Universal, working for a community center. Being a Security Officer is an important job because it helps to keep people safe. I am ready to do any community service and help anyone in need. I assist in emergency services daily, which is a great responsibility. I learned a lot being a security officer here. It is wonderful to see the people I serve day after day.

For more short story submissions, visit https://ilove.ebpl.org/short-stories

From the 1970s to 2023, resident comics specialist Chris Barnes and local comic book artist Ron Cacace delve through the history of comic books and manage throughout the decades.

Check out some of the titles with your EBPL or LMxAC library cards by clicking here: https://ilove.ebpl.org/adults/news/comic-books-through-decades 

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On this episode of 73 Words in the 732, we share the story, "Tea & Misery" by Andrea Santo Felcone

Forcing Jesse to have “afternoon tea like The Royals” felt extra passive-aggressive, even by Lisa’s standards. He’d told her before: coffee (with cake) was for happy times; while tea (with honey and lemon) was for misery: divorce, funerals, illness.

Everyone knew this. Everyone except Lisa.

Lisa loved Chamomile--it “soothed her”. Funny, she didn’t seem so “soothed” while tossing his belongings out after he refused ‘afternoon tea’.

Tea: The beverage of ‘break-ups’, too.

For more short story submissions, visit https://ilove.ebpl.org/short-stories

On this episode of 73 Words in the 732, we share the story, "Be Careful What You Wish for (Because Fae are Sneaky)" by Monica Shah.

A little girl named Isabelle was playing in East Brunswick Woods. She enjoyed skipping along verdant mossy trails and finding tiny froglings in the creek. But soon it became dark and Isabelle realized she was lost. Frightened, she whispered out loud “I wish I was home.” A shimmering fairy appeared and fluttered a silver wand above her head. Isabelle turned into an oak tree, a being very much at home in the woods.

For more short story submissions, visit https://ilove.ebpl.org/short-stories

From the 1970s to 2023, resident comics specialist Chris Barnes and local comic book artist Ron Cacace delve through the history of comic books and manage throughout the decades.

Check out some of the titles with your EBPL or LMxAC library cards by clicking here: https://ilove.ebpl.org/adults/news/comic-books-through-decades 

Follow Ron Cacace

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rawnzilla/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rawnzilla/

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/rawnzilla 

Enjoy this interview with local author Harry Marks, and his short story, "Gravel."

She didn’t hear the sirens screaming behind her. The cop cars whizzed by in a panic, swirling up the dirt around her like a dust devil. They squealed as they turned at the next street. Her street.

From the 1970s to 2023, resident comics specialist Chris Barnes and local comic book artist Ron Cacace delve through the history of comic books and manage throughout the decades.

Check out some of the titles with your EBPL or LMxAC library cards by clicking here: https://ilove.ebpl.org/adults/news/comic-books-through-decades 

1970s

Follow Ron Cacace

On this episode of Match+Book, librarian Paul Kibala shares some books that have interesting backstories about how they came to be written and published.

Check out the titles with your EBPL or LMxAC library card by clicking here.

On this episode of, “Cooking through the Collection,” Librarian Melissa Hozik tries to learn more about her Filipino roots by trying recipes from, “Quintessential Filipino Cooking” by Liza Agbanlog Check out the book with your LMxAC Library card by clicking here, or support the author by purchasing your copy at on BookShop.org.

Visit the website: https://cookthecollectionpod.com/

Follow the pod on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cookthecollectionpod/

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cookthecollectionpod

If you make the recipes, please let me know!

Music: Sweet Love by DayFox on Pixabay