Hamden Library Podcast

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What is library advocacy and why is it necessary? What makes libraries important beyond being a place to borrow books and engage in quiet study? In this episode, we interview Maureen Sullivan, former ALA President and current interim Director of New Haven Free Public Library, about being a champion for the library, why we need the library and other "palaces for the people," how the role of the public library has shifted, and more.

Also in this episode, the first in a new "behind the scenes" segment interviewing staff members about their work in the library. This month we speak with Sandy Bartell, branch manager of Brundage Community Branch library, as well as Danielle Helenski, library media specialist at Shepherd Glen Elementary School. And Mike Wheatley reviews the librarian as portrayed in cinema.

Links:
Palaces for the People
Aspen Institute Report
Shepherd Glen Library Media Center
Brundage Community Branch Library
Louise A. Brundage Obituary

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For December we are doing another movie discussion. This time we focus on holiday films and the wonderful, warm feelings of nostalgia they bring us. Much like our October discussion, it’s very free-form and fun so we hope you enjoy this break from our usual, information-packed episodes.

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This month's episode is all about non-profits that help those in need in their communities. We talked to Y'Isiah Lopes of Hamden's Keefe Community Center, Kate Shafer from Hands on Hartford, and Suzanne Burbage of Hamden's Elderly Services about some of the many programs and services they provide, not just during the winter holidays but throughout the year.

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We tried something different for this episode. Since it is October, we decided to celebrate the season with an hour-long discussion of horror films (and some books, of course)! Don't be scared, we promise it's fun.

CW: Discussion of horror films, brief mention of body horror imagery, brief mention of rape

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Substance addiction is a pervasive problem that touches everyone in our society. This episode we talk with Dennis Leary of Aware Recovery Care to discuss what addiction is, how to understand it, and how it can be successfully treated. Kara Sepulveda of Quinnipiack Valley Health District also joins us to discuss the overdose epidemic, why the advent of fentanyl has made street drugs even more dangerous, how to recognize an overdose victim and how to help.

CW: Drug use, overdose

More resources:

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration: https://www.samhsa.gov/
Aware Recovery Care: https://www.awarerecoverycare.com/
ConneCT Without Stigma: https://connectgnh.org/
The Faces of Fentanyl: https://www.FacingFentanylNow.org
Out Of The Darkness Walk : https://supporting.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=8631
NORAsaves.com: https://www.NORAsaves.com

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It’s August, which means we are officially in the dog days of summer.  So we decided to talk to some local shelters and rescues about what they do, how people can help out (through donations, volunteering, fostering and adopting an animal) and what it’s been like for them over the past couple of years dealing with the COVID pandemic.

We spoke with three organizations: Where the Love Is Animal Rescue, located right here in Hamden; The Animal Haven no-kill shelter in North Haven; and JP Farm Animal Sanctuary, which specializes in taking in cattle, pigs and other farm animals.

In addition, BeCAUSE4PAWS is the shelter that Alyssa speaks so glowingly about in our host segment. They are located in New Milford.

Please enjoy this episode and excuse the occasional animal noises in the background!

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This month we spotlight our Museum Pass program available to all Hamden residents with a Hamden Public Library card. We also discuss day trips to the Book Barn and speak to Tabitha Logan, the organizer of Compassionfest, a yearly vegan festival that takes places right here in Hamden at Whitneyville Cultural Commons (July 23rd this year). Also features interviews with Jennifer Holmes Weston of West Hartford's Children's Museum and John Proto of the Shoreline Trolley Museum. This is a fun episode!

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This month we are celebrating Trails Day (June 4th-5th) and encouraging everyone to get outdoors and enjoy the natural wonders of our community. We interview Julie Hulten of the Sleeping Giant Park Association, Chuck Toal of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, and our co-worker Sandy Bartell, avid hiker and trail runner! Listen and be inspired to start (or continue) your own outdoor adventures!

Plus: check out this post from our library blog for more Trails Day resources.

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month. In this episode, we discuss mental health - the stigmas, the myths and the misconceptions, and generational changes toward self-care and wellness. We interview Sylvia Moscariello, Program Director of Liberty Community Services, Amanda Forcucci, Health & Physical Education Curriculum Director for Hamden Schools and Judy Campbell, a school psychologist for Hamden Public Schools. Mike Wheatley examines the role of Hollywood in shaping popular conceptions of mental illness. Our co-hosts read stories from staff about their own journeys toward mental well-being.

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Spring has sprung and we're all abuzz! We interview Seed Librarian Betsy Goldberg, Spring Glen Garden Club's President Theresa McCabe, Solid Waste & Recycling Coordinator Joe DeRisi, and the chair of the Energy Use & Climate Change Commission Larry Rosenthal. Your humble host Michael Pierry recommends two books on ancient life, and Mike Wheatley once again graces us with his film recommendations.