Middle Country Public Library Podcast

Join Jim and Sal for another This Week in History!

Relive the chaos of the 1965 Great Blackout that darkened the Northeast, the founding of the US Marine Corps in 1775, and Sesame Street's groundbreaking premiere in 1969. Explore the eerie sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, the solemn dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the chilling Amityville murders behind a horror franchise, Apollo 12's dramatic lightning-hit launch...

As the year races to a close, Nicole dives into the standout books of 2025—from a lush, illustrated teen romance set against Rome's timeless streets to whimsical tales of undead adventures, animal classroom chaos, and joyful transformations that blur the line between reader and story.

View the list here: https://best-books.publishersweekly.com/children/2025/

Then join Sara as she whets your appetite for Thanksgiving food with take...

Ever woken up frozen in the dark, sensing a shadowy figure lurking just out of reach? Nicole dives into the eerie reality of sleep paralysis—its science, cultural myths, and quick escapes—before we pivot to the silver screen's most relentless slashers.

From Ghostface's meta mind games and Jason's lakeside rampages to found-footage chills, demonic deals, and Xenomorph hunts across the stars, Sara tallies the terrors of horror's almo...

As we approach the end of spooky season, Sara shares picks for horror movies available at the library: the 2021 Candyman remake, The Collector, Wes Craven's The Serpent and the Rainbow, Sinister, and the Silent Hill films. Then, dive into horoscopes with Nicole—what makes them appealing, the psychology behind them like the Barnum effect, and tips for using them as prompts for journaling or meditation. As always, check out library r...

Join us for a Spooktober scare-fest at the library: horror picks like Stephen King's latest, The Buffalo Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones, The No-End House by Jeremy Bates, The Devil by Name by Keith Rosson, Wake Up and Open Your Eyes by Clay McLeod Chapman, The Lamb by Lucy Rose, The Library at Hellebore by Cassandra Carr, and The Possession of Albert Diaz by Isabel Cañas—available to borrow now!

Then, dive into AI's eerie future: n...

Join us this week for Sara's review of a new Broadway production of Samuel Beckett's iconic play, Waiting for Godot, featuring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter. She discusses the timeless themes of this 1952 piece, exploring existentialism, absurdity, and the human condition through the lens of two tramps waiting for a mysterious figure. Hear about the minimalist staging, standout performances, and the play’s historical and critical si...

Join us for an exciting episode where we dive into a variety of topics perfect for book lovers, movie enthusiasts, and new parents. Discover resources and support for navigating the challenges of parenthood, including insightful discussions on mental health and practical tips from popular books.

Plus, explore our unique DVD binge boxes, featuring themed movie collections like boxing epics, isolation tales,...

Check out an engaging discussion about a unique animated film available on Kanopy, a streaming service accessible with your library card. The team dives into this Academy Award-nominated French movie, exploring its hand-drawn 2D animation, noir-inspired style, and intriguing storyline. Set in the shadowy streets of Paris, the film follows a cat with a double life and a cast of characters, including a detective and a charismatic cat...

Join us for an engaging discussion on an independent film that explores the complexities of growing up and facing life's challenges. We dive into the flick Late Bloomers, a 2023 dramedy about a young woman navigating personal struggles, relationships, and unexpected connections. With a talented cast, including a standout performance by a well-known actress, this movie offers a mix of heartfelt and challenging moments. Available to ...

Celebrate National Dog Month with fun ways to honor your furry friends! Learn about the history of dog domestication, fascinating facts like their incredible sense of smell, and tips for keeping them safe and healthy in the summer heat. Discover activities like visiting dog-friendly trails, baking homemade treats, or hosting a pup playdate. Explore library resources, including pet-themed books like "Because of Winn-Dixie" and "A Do...

Join us as we explore fun and engaging family activities for August! Discover how to participate in the library summer tour, where visiting multiple libraries can earn you rewards like gift cards and patches. Learn about family programs and the convenience of museum passes for exciting outings to lighthouses, museums, state parks, and more. We also dive into Wellness Month, discussing simple ways to boost your physical, emotional, ...

Join us for an exciting discussion about National Night Out, a fantastic community event happening on August 5th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Centereach Pool Complex! We're thrilled to have special guests, Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle, Officer Rob Dekenipp from the Sixth Precinct, and Coordinator of Outreach at MCPL Deborah Hempe sharing insights on this annual event that brings together the police and com...

Join us for another summer fun episode where we dive into the latest book releases and share essential sun safety tips! Discover a diverse selection of new books, from nonfiction gems like "Secrets of Adulthood" to thrilling mysteries and unique cookbooks featuring creative ramen recipes. We also explore practical advice for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, including the best SPF options and sun safety practices for all a...

Dive into a captivating journey through history with this week's episode, covering significant events from July 6th to 12th. Explore the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the establishment of the U.S. dollar, and the first Major League Baseball All-Star Game. Learn about pivotal moments like Anne Frank's family going into hiding, the first open heart surgery by Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, and the Scopes Monke...