Rockford Public Library

What does it take to bring library services directly into the community while also preserving the stories that make a region unique? In this episode, we sit down with Kathi Kresol, manager of the Rockford Public Library's Mobile Library, local author, historian, and storyteller.

Kathi shares her journey to the library, the impact of the Mobile Library on neighborhoods throughout Rockford, and the passion that drives her work connecting people with books, resources, and one another. She also discusses her newest book, Haunted Rock River Valley, offering a glimpse into the research, local history, and fascinating stories that inspired it.

From community outreach and lifelong learning to local legends and paranormal tales, this conversation explores the many ways stories shape who we are and how libraries help keep those stories alive. Join us for an engaging discussion about service, history, storytelling, and the enduring connections that strengthen our community.

Find out more about Kathi's upcoming events for October here: 

Events from October 8 – December 5 | Haunted Rockford | Unlocking Secrets Since 2004

Stories Beneath the Stones - Rockford Public Library

What does it take to preserve the nation's story, one government record at a time? 

Bridget Finn, RPL Marketing Director, sat down with Jill Zawacki, Supervisory Archivist at the Barack Obama Presidential Library, U.S. National Archives, for a conversation about what archivists really do, the records that shape our history, and how everyday people can access them. 

Jill talks about her path into archival work, what makes the Obama Presidential Library the first fully digital presidential library in the country, and the

"Your Government, Your Records" workshop series she and her team are bringing to the Rockford Public Library this fall in celebration of America's 250th year.

This one is for anyone who's ever wondered what's actually inside the National Archives, and how to go exploring for themselves.

In this episode of the Rockford Public Library Podcast, Lara Griffin talks with Youth Services Librarian Amy Pfeifer about the surprising ways children begin developing literacy long before they learn their ABCs. From talking and singing to sharing stories and reading together, everyday moments can help build the skills children need to become confident readers.

Amy breaks down what early literacy really means, why it matters, and how parents and caregivers can support a child's development without turning reading into homework. They also explore common misconceptions, choosing books for young children, and the simple things families can do every day to help raise lifelong readers.

Visit our website to find our weekly Storytimes: Events - Rockford Public Library

With the grand reopening of Beyer Stadium just around the corner, we're bringing back this episode featuring Author and International Women’s Baseball Center CEO, Kat Williams. 

Join us for an exhilarating conversation with Lara Griffin, RPL podcast host, and historian Dr. Kat Williams. Women's baseball has been a lifelong passion for Kat, beginning when she was a girl playing in the streets and fields around her home. This dedication led her to author three books on women who have been a part of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). In this episode, she discusses her latest work, All the Way: The Life of Baseball Trailblazer Maybelle Blair, showcasing her commitment to women's sports and her mission to uncover these hidden stories.

The Rockford Public Library has hard copies of the book as well as an e-book at Rockford Public Library. 

Additional information about the opening of Beyer Stadium is available here: Grand Re-Opening of Beyer Stadium at Maybelle Blair Park

In this episode, we sit down with author Andrew Mertzenich to discuss his book, Forest City Yester - Queer, a groundbreaking exploration of Rockford's LGBTQ+ history.

Our conversation explores the importance of preserving local history, uncovering stories that were once hidden, and why understanding the past helps us better understand our communities today.

Whether you're interested in history, storytelling, LGBTQ+ experiences, or the people who helped shape the communities we call home, this episode offers a fascinating look at the stories waiting to be found.

What does it take to build a filmmaking community from the ground up in a mid-sized Midwest city? Bridget Finn, RPL Marketing Director, sat down with Neil Bloom- writer, director, and founder of Future Films, and the Rockford Public Library’s newest Artist in Residence - for a conversation about storytelling, ego-free sets, and why he believes Rockford has everything it needs to support a thriv9ng creative community.  Neil talks about his journey from theater kid to filmmaker, the vision behind Forest City cinema Community, what it means to call RPL’s Nordlof Center home, and the five short films he and his collaborators have been quietly building toward a big night on May 30th. This one is for every Rockford creative who’s ever wondered if this city is the right place to make something real.

Tickets to the Neil Bloom Short Film Showcase are $10 at this link. JR Sullivan Theater at RPL’s Nordlof Center, Saturday, May 30th – doors open at 6PM screenings are at 7PM.

Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/neil-bloom-short-film-showcase-tickets-1988600601932?aff=oddtdtcreator

Kick off summer with curiosity, creativity, and reading! In this episode, East Branch Manager Erin Birdsong joins us to share how the Summer Reading Challenge brings the Rockford community together—one book at a time.

We’re proud to partner with the Muslim Women of Rockford to celebrate culture, connection, and community at Rockford Public Library. 

In our latest podcast episode, Bridget Finn sits down with Sameena Zahurullah to talk about the special Ramadan Storytimes and the beautiful exhibit, "Threads that Bind: Ramadan, Dress, and Service,"  now on display in the Elias Cosper Gallery. Together, we explore how these programs create space for learning, understanding, and shared experiences across our city.

Listen now and be inspired by the power of partnership.

We're talking with Rockford Public Library librarian, Sarah Stumpf, about the book African Americans in Early Rockford (1834-1871). This groundbreaking book uncovers the lives, strength, and contributions of Rockford’s earliest Black residents—individuals and families who built foundations of community, culture, and resilience long before the city we know today fully took shape. 

You can pre-order the book using the following link: https://square.link/u/jQrUAJVE

Join us:

February 17 | 6P–7P

Nordlof Center-118 N. Main St., Rockford IL

Celebrate the release of the updated edition of African Americans in Early Rockford by Dr. John Molyneaux with a spirited panel talk about Rockford’s unique black history and keeping it alive for generations to come.  Dr. Molyneaux will be joined by RVC history educator Skip Gilbert, Amanda Becker from the Rockford Historical Society, and Sarah Stumpf from the Rockford Public Library to discuss making this valuable history accessible again and sharing some of their favorite people and stories.  Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signature. 

Join us as Rockford Public Library staff share their top picks in three exciting genres: biography, mystery, and science fiction. Whether you’re curious about inspiring life stories, love unraveling thrilling whodunits, or crave adventures in futuristic worlds, we’ve got recommendations that will keep you turning pages. Tune in for insider insights, hidden gems, and books that deserve a spot on your reading list!

Biography Recommendations by Doug Janicke and Lara Griffin: 

The Library Book by Susan Orlean 

Joyride by Susan Orlean 

The Vagabond: A Memoir by Tim Curry 

Yes Please by Amy Poehler 

A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jost 

Mystery Recommendations by Heather Gunnel:

The Framed Women of Ardemore House

By Brandi Schillache

Shady Hollow by Juneau Black

Science Fiction recommendations by Sarah Stumpf and Clei Johnson:

All Systems Are Red by Martha Wells 

Full Speed to a Crash Landing by Beth Revis 

American Hippo by Sarah Gailey 

Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

An Unkindness of Ghosts by Solomon Rivers

The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. LeGuin