​A few weeks ago, the Waterloo Public Library partnered with the University of Northern Iowa Center for Urban Education Talent Search. Around 30 teenage Talent Search students participated in a podcasting workshop at the library. The students learned what podcasting is, and why people do it. The teens then collaborated in small groups to brainstorm, outline, and perform their own short podcast episodes. The workshop was about two hours long from start to finish. There was a lot of laughing and learning!  Now, in this special interlude episode of the WPL Book Drop, we share the groups' recordings. You will hear five short episodes back-to-back.

In this episode, Library Assistant Dusty talks about the upcoming Adult Summer Library Program. Learn more about it here.   The Adult Summer Library Program is sponsored by Friends of the Library. Shop the FOL Used Book Shop anytime the library is open.    You'll also find great deals in their basement shop on the first and third Saturdays of the month from 10 am - 1 pm and on Mondays from 10 am - 1 pm. FOL also invite you to shop their $5-a-bag book sale on Saturday, June 18, 2022, from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm in the library's basement.    Titles discussed:    The Great Kitchens of the Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal The Labyrinth by Simon Stålenhag Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company That Addicted America by Beth Macy

In this episode, Library Assistant Diane talks about the upcoming Teen Summer Library Program. Learn more about it here.   ​Titles discussed:   The Leaving by Tara Altebrendo Skyfall series by Shannon Messenger Worldwalker series by Josephine Angelini​

In this episode, Robin Kim, Director of CLUE for Waterloo Community Playhouse, visits with Becky about the Waterloo Community Playhouse and their upcoming production of CLUE.

Also discussed:  Poetry Alive ThreeHouse Collective Campus Ministries Titles discussed: Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn Tamora Pierce books

In this episode, Library Assistant Missie talks about the upcoming 2022 Youth Summer Library Program. The 2022 Youth Summer Library Program is sponsored by Friends of the Waterloo Public Library, the LORAL Trust for the Love of Reading and Learning, and Nagle Signs, Inc.   Registration for the 2022 YSLP begins on Monday, June 6, and Tuesday, June 7, from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm outside the library on 3rd Street (between the library's parking lot and SingleSpeed Brewing Company.)   Titles discussed: Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland's Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World by Eliza Reid   The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane by Kate O'Shaughnessy (All Iowa Reads 2022 youth title)

In this episode, Haley and Holly talk about their new book club, Coffee and the Classics, which begins at the library in May.    Coffee and the Classics Book Club meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 10:30 am - 11:30 am beginning May 18.   To participate, please email Haley at [email protected].   Titles discussed: Emma by Jane Austen (May's book) A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith (June's book) Candide or Optimism by Voltaire (July's book)   The Power by Naomi Alderman The Testaments by Margaret Atwood The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak Hour of the Witch by Chris Bohjalian

In this episode, "The Crazy Man in the Pink Wig,"— Mike Finley, visits with Becky about his upcoming investment series at the library.

Mike Finley's 8-Week Investment Series at the Library Begins April 6, 5:30 pm. Weekly on Wednesdays    PBS's "The Retirement Gamble"   Titles discussed: All About Asset Allocation by Rick Ferri   The Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John Bogle   Financial Happine$$: Discover what a pink wig, and a "crazy" way of thinking can do to change the course of your life, FOREVER! by Mike Finley   What Color is the Sky: The world of investing is full of illusions that stop you from seeing reality. If you push the clouds aside, the truth will appear. by Mike Finley   Graduation!: Retirement can be the best time in your life as you "graduate" into a better version of YOU. Awake to the possibilities! by Mike Finley Now what?: the day you receive a diploma is not the end. It is the beginning! Now what? by Mike Finley

In this episode, Haley and Seth make their first appearance on the podcast to talk with Becky about the library's upcoming poetry series.    In honor of National Poetry Month in April, the library will be hosting a reading series featuring local Cedar Valley poets Rachel Morgan, Jeremy Schraffenberger, and Vince Gotera.   Each weekend will feature one of the poets, ending with a community poetry open mic event on the last Saturday in April. Join us for this poetry-packed four-weekend event beginning Saturday, April 9 through Saturday, April 30 from 10 am - 11 am in Meeting Room AB!⁠ ⁠ Saturday, April 9 — Rachel Morgan⁠ Saturday, April 16 — Jeremy Schraffenberger⁠ Saturday, April 23 — Vince Gotera⁠ Saturday, April 30 — Community Open Mic⁠   Also talked about in this episode: ​Donkey Kong Rap​   Titles discussed: Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix One Two Three: A Novel by Laurie Frankel Tacky: Love Letters to the Worst Culture We Have to Offer by Rax King If This Is the Age We End Discovery by Rosebud Ben-Oni

​​In the episode, new Library Director David Eckert makes his first appearance on the podcast to talk about the library.   Titles discussed:  Elmet by Fiona Mozley    The History of Jazz by Ted Gioia   Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

​In the episode, new Library Director David Eckert makes his first appearance on the podcast to talk about the library.   Titles discussed:  Elmet by Fiona Mozley    The History of Jazz by Ted Gioia   Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman