Star Wars, which can arguably be called one of the greatest cinematic series of our time, has recently become a somewhat divisive subject among fans. Even more unbelievable, our very own Nicole had not seen the majority of the movies. This is the first episode of a three part series in which Sara and Sal try to "make it right." (By forcing Nicole to watch!!!)

Join us for a super-sized and downright lively Movie Chat as the team discusses the first three chapters of the Star Wars Saga: The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith.

We have so many things Star Wars in our collection, from movies to books to much more. You can check it all out here: http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us:2084/search/?searchtype=Y&searcharg=star+wars&sortdropdown=-&SORT=D&extended=0&SUBMIT=Search&searchlimits=&searchorigarg=aa

We are thrilled to have Middle Country native and author Douglas A. Bass on this week's show to chat about his novel Ebenezer: The True Life Story of Ebenezer Scrooge. 

MCPL patrons can reserve their copy to read here: http://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1808142

You can also get your own copy: https://amzn.to/3BBFsUs

See him on Good Morning, Rochester here!

Also: Our Annual Scales & Tails Pet Fair is back for 2021! Join us on Saturday, November 13th from 11am to 2pm in Centereach for a fun and educational day centered around the health and safety of Long Island's pet population. Exhibiters from local and regional organizations including rescue groups, shelters and pet therapy groups will be in attendance. No registration is required.

It'll probably be a futile attempt, but to celebrate Halloween this year, Sal and Nicole will try to stump Sara with horror film descriptions. Will she prevail? Hey, it's Sara...she's the Queen of Horror Movie Trivia at MCPL!

Happy Halloween, everyone!

Last year we read from some spooky stories to get you into the mood for Halloween... you can listen to that episode here: https://www.mcplpodcast.com/e/episode-141-scary-stories/

This year we have some more scary stuff to share. If you'd like to read them yourself, check this out:

Sara's picks:

The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

The Hunger by Alma Katsu

Nicole's picks:

Dia de los Muertos—the Day of the Dead

More Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz

R.L. Stine's Fear Street Series

Carrie by Stephen King

Sal reads Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's Haunted Houses

Our next Movie Chat is a spooky one just in time for Halloween: The Descent (2005) starring Shauna Macdonald, Natalie Mendoza, and Alex Reid. Directed by Neil Marshall. This UK horror flick is sure to stir up some emotions...but be warned: there be big spoilers ahead!

Watch the film on demand using your MCPL library card on Kanopy here. Or reserve a DVD copy here.

Here is the alternate ending (also known as the "UK" ending or the "better" ending) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kxz2ueA3ok

Kanopy, the streaming service available to MCPL patrons, has recently announced the addition of the majority of the MGM catalog! We discuss some of the films that you might like. Plus Sara has a few additional picks from the Kanopy library.

To browse what MGM titles are available, click here.

It's a week of "B" words!

It's the American Library Association's Banned Books Week. Check out their information site here.

Nicole has a list of the top 10 "banned and challenged" books of last year, you can also read it as well.

Sara started watching the new season of the Great British Baking Show and wanted to discuss some of the interesting baking words that are used that we may not quite be familiar with, along with some great books here at the library.

A baker's life : from childhood bakes to five-star excellence / Paul Hollywood

The great British baking show: Love to bake / project editor, Judy Barratt

The big book of amazing cakes / Linda Collister

You can also catch up on older seasons (DVD) here.

Do you, or someone you know, face obstacles in getting to the library? If so, please contact us to learn more about the possibility of having library materials delivered to your home. In addition to the library’s continuing service for homebound patrons, the library will be starting a three-month trial this fall of an additional delivery service, specifically designed for patrons who have difficulty getting to the library, such as those dealing with transportation or mobility issues. Please contact 631-585-9393 ext. 302 for more details.

For more information on the Stony Brook Healthy Libraries Program, click here.

There are still seats for a number of great teen and children's programs at the library, check out our new handy dandy online calendar for more information!

Sara is here to delight us with another preview of October's New DVD list...and it's pretty solid this time.

This week we discuss the popular 2014 flick, John Wick starring Keanu Reeves. 

Here's the IMDb listing: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2911666/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Have a card with MCPL? Reserve your copy here : https://mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us/record=b1665922

Sara has some interesting things to share regarding our birthdays... take a look a the books she discussed on today's episode:

The Secret Language of Birthdays

The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need

Plus if you'd like to check out more books like the ones above, check this out in our catalog.

Nicole recently came back from a lovely vacation touring the mansions of Newport, Rhode Island. If you'd like to check out more information about them, as well as the wonderful mansions we have here on Long Island, use these resources:

http://www.newportmansions.org

https://www.thirteen.org/program-content/a-guide-to-long-islands-gold-coast-mansions/

https://www.discoverlongisland.com/listings/mansions-arboretums/

You can also check out books here. Plus don't forget to take advantage of our Museum Pass program!