Episode 18: Libraries ROCK! Summer Reading is in full swing and in this episode we take that theme literally with biographer Peter Ames Carlin as we discuss his biographies of Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson. Plus Professor Karl Alexander, co-editor of “The Summer Slide: What We Know and Can Do About Summer Learning Loss” provides insight into why summer educational efforts like Summer Reading are so important for student acheivement.

Episode 17: Coast to Coast. In this episode, we speak with Howard County Library System's new President and CEO, Tonya Kennon. Tonya was previously Director of Riverside Public Library (RPL) in Riverside, California. A 25-year veteran of California libraries, Kennon led a dedicated team of professionals serving a community of 314,000 through eight library locations. There she focused on community engagement and early learning, as well as workforce development and using technology to improve service delivery and enhance customer satisfaction. She will talk to us about making the transition to HCLS and her vision for the library.

Episode 16: If You Build It… In this episode we discuss the new HCLS Elkridge Branch + DIY Education Center. We speak to Antonio Rebelo who brings two decades of award winning design experience to his leadership role at Grimm + Parker—a sustainable architectural firm that aspires to make communities wonderful places to live, learn and play. We also talk to HCLS Elkridge Branch Manger Phil Lord. He’ll discuss the impact the new branch has on staff and the community. Finally, we speak to internationally acclaimed artist Yulia Hanansen. She has been commissioned by HCLS to create a special mosaic mural for the new Elkridge Branch “inspired by” a much beloved children’s mural that was part of the old branch building.

Episode 15: My Back Pages. In this episode, we talk to Harvard University's George Martin Lane Professor of the classics, Richard Thomas. He will be discussing his book Why Bob Dylan Matters. Cited by the New York Times as having the "coolest class on campus", his Dylan seminar is introducing a new generation of fans to the revered Bard's work. We will also speak with Phillip Dodge, Chair, Friends and Foundation of Howard County Library System. He will tell us about this year's HCLS fundraiser, Retro Evening in the Stacks.

Episode 14: Teen Seen. In this episode, we talk to New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds. Jason is a National Book Award Honoree, a Kirkus Award winner, a Walter Dean Myers Award winner, an NAACP Image Award winner, and the recipient of multiple Coretta Scott King honors. Jason will talk about his books, his experience as an author of young adult literature and why he chose to pursue that genre and career. Stopping by in studio is our East Columbia Branch Manager Suki Lee and Instructor and Research Specialist and Teen Time Leader, Carmen Jessop. They will give us a preview of the exciting renovation at the East Columbia Branch, especially in the Teen area and tell us about Teen Time.

Episode 13: Turning the Page. In this episode we talk with Ron Charles, Editor of Washington Post’s Book World and star of his hilarious video blog “Totally Hip Video Book Reviews”. He'll discuss the best of 2017, books for the book lovers on your holiday shopping list and what we can look forward to in 2018. We also speak with Erin Matthews, owner of Books With A Past bookstores. She will also give us a few shopping tips and talk about her experience as an independent bookstore owner as well as giving back to the community.

Episode 12: Roots, Tales, and Rails. An important chapter in the story of America took place in Maryland's Patapsco Valley. In this episode we discuss the role that the Valley played in the Industrial Revolution with architectural historian Dr. Henry Sharp, author of America's First Factory Town. In addition Jim Robey one of Howard County's longest serving public servants reflects on his early years in the Patapsco Valley mill town of Daniels, and Caitlyn Chamberlain, manager of the Heritage Program for Howard County Recreation and Parks, shares how visitors can discover the historic significance of the area by visiting sites in Ellicott City--one of America's first factory towns.

Episode 11: A STEM State of Mind. In this episode, we speak to best-selling author Laurie Frankel about her book, Goodbye For Now. Goodbye For Now is this year's selection for the Howard County Book Connection. We also talk to HCLS HiTech Instructor, Peter Hyun.

Episode 10: On the Road Again. In this episode, we get travel advice from Pauline Frommer, a nationally syndicated radio talk show host of The Travel Show, which she co-hosts with her father, travel legend Arthur Frommer. The National Tourism Program Manager for the National Park Service, Donald Leadbetter and Tony Cordo the Executive Director of Howard County Tourism and Promotion.

Pauline Frommer

https://www.frommers.com/

National Park Service

nps.gov

Howard County Tourism

https://www.visithowardcounty.com/

Summer@YourLibrary

http://hclibrary.org/hclssummer/

Episode 9: Into the Woods. In this episode, we speak to David Ebershoff, author of The Danish Girl. We also talk to Alli Jessing HCLS Events and Seminars Manger as we prepare to kick off Summer @ Your Library at BOOKS IN BLOOM the inaugural book festival. Finally, Ian Kennedy, Executive Director of the Downtown Columbia Arts and Culture Commission, tells us what to look forward to at Merriweather Park in Symphony Woods.

David Ebershoff

http://www.ebershoff.com/

Downtown Columbia Arts and Culture Commission

http://www.dcacc.info/

Summer@your library

http://hclibrary.org/hclssummer/