Top Shelf with Russell Library

Russell Library
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On Top Shelf, you’ll hear about compelling reads from the people who know books best, librarians! Our bookish staff will share titles that connect to a unique theme each episode. This show will also share the many services offered here at Russell Library. Not local? No worries! Our staff will inspire you to connect with a public library in your own community. 

  1. DEC 9

    Books to Gift | Briana, Christy, Kim, & Stephanie

    It's that time of year again! The holidays bring abundant joy and merriment, but they can also bring unnecessary stress when it comes to gift-giving. If you already find yourself dreading the shopping season, fear not, Russell Library has you covered. In today's chat, Briana talks with Kim, Christy, and Stephanie about their favorite books to gift. Not a reader? Not a problem! With a donation to the Library, we'll give back one of our coveted I Love Russell Library mugs, travel tumblers, t-shirts, sweatshirts, or car magnets. These carefully curated items make wonderful gifts, even for the loved one that seems to have everything. And if all else fails, Kim has an excellent suggestion for the snack lovers out there. Finger chopsticks, anyone? This episode will surely inspire an easeful shopping experience this year. Happy Holidays! Recommendations The 99% Invisible City : A Field Guide to the Hidden World of Everyday Design by Roman Mars and Kurt Kohlstedt. The Correspondent by Virginia Evans The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo Intro Music by nikitsan

    29 min

  2. NOV 18

    Indigenous Authors | Briana, Christy, Shan, & Stephanie

    November is National Native American Heritage Month. It's a time to celebrate the rich traditions and tales of Native American communities. While some stories have been lost to time, many continue to endure through current literature. In today's conversation, Christy will speak with Briana, Stephanie, and Shan to discuss the works of their favorite Indigenous authors. They'll share how these stories have impacted their understanding of the past and the present. As an added bonus, you'll also hear from Kaitlin Dattilo, the playwright of A Christmas Carol, which will be performed here at Russell Library. Buy your tickets today!  https://russelllibrary.librarycalendar.com/event/christmas-caaol-7065 Book Recommendations There There by Tommy Orange Sisters of the Lost Nation by Nick Medina In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse by Joseph Marshall III Intro Music by nikitsan

    37 min

  3. OCT 21

    Thrillers W/a Twist | Cate, Kim, Briana, & Stephanie

    Spooky Season is officially here! For many readers, this is the perfect time to pick up a heart-pumping thriller. In today's episode, Cate sits down with Kim, Briana, and Stephanie to explore their favorite page-turners. Whether you're drawn to psychological suspense, horror, or paranormal thrills, this episode has something for you. To make things even more exciting, we've chosen titles with an added twist! These books all contain a significant plot twist that fundamentally changes the reader's understanding of the characters, events, and motivations. Be warned, you may need an extra nightlight nearby, because these chilling reads will surely keep you up at night!  Book Recommendations We Were Liars by E. Lockhart Bunny by Mona Awad Hidden Picturesby Jason Rekulak Intro Music by nikitsan

    40 min

  4. SEP 16

    Unreliable Narrators | Christy, Kim, Shannon, & Briana

    Diving into a novel usually involves a level of trust. We assume that the characters on the page are telling the truth, or at the very least, we trust that the narrator will inform us when someone is spinning a web of lies. But what happens when the narrator is the deceiver? Unreliable narrators may lead us astray due to a variety of reasons; deliberate deception, mental illness, flawed memory, bias, or a limited or skewed perspective. Sometimes the reader finds themself deep into a story before realizing that they've been lied to all along, forcing them to rethink every single page! In today's episode, Briana speaks with Kim, Shannon, and Christy about the novels and narrators that left them questioning everything they thought they knew. These books will keep you guessing long after the last page has been read.  Book Recommendations The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt Atonement by Ian McEwan  Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera Intro Music by nikitsan

    27 min

  5. AUG 19

    Summerween | Christy, Kim, Stephanie, & Kate

    The Russell Library is full of Halloween loving librarians, so we jumped on the chance to celebrate early! If you, too, enjoy the spooky season, you'll love our Summerween conversation. The term “Summerween” comes from the animated mystery TV series "Gravity Falls". The show has inspired fans of the macabre to celebrate this holiday anytime from June through August. Whether you're carving a jack-o-lantern out of a watermelon or throwing a pool party with inflatable skeletons, Summerween reminds us that cooler days and darker nights are right around the corner. So grab your iced pumpkin spice latte and settle in for a spooky chat full of spine-chilling reads! Book Recommendations The Clackity by Lora Senf, illustrated by Alfredo Cáceres Cackle by Rachel Harrison  Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna. Intro Music by nikitsan

    31 min

  6. JUL 15

    Beach Reads | Stephanie, Briana, Cate, & Shannon

    What makes a perfect beach read? Is it the same for everyone or is there room for interpretation? Merriam Webster defines a beach read as, a usually light work of escapist fiction (such as a thriller or romance). While this may be true for many, on Top Shelf we've decided to dive a little deeper into the subject. In today's episode, Briana, Shannon, and Cate share their perspectives on what criteria must be met for the ultimate beach read experience. Our librarians will also explore the wide world of library museum passes here at Russell Library. Enrich your summer with one of our passes today! Book Recommendations Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid The Wedding People by Alison Espach The Secrets of a Scottish Isle by Erica Ruth Neubauer Intro Music by nikitsan

    31 min

  7. JUN 17

    Free People Read Freely | Briana, Christy, Kim, & Stephanie

    Welcome to Episode 1 of Top Shelf with Russell Library! This show is brought to you by the same team behind Middletown Strong: Looking up With Russell Library. After four wonderful community-focused seasons of Middletown Strong, the team has chosen to focus on one of our other great loves... books! Our librarians will share titles that connect to a unique theme each episode. In today's conversation, Briana, Kim, Christy, and Stephanie will explore some of their favorite banned and challenged books. They'll give you honest recommendations, so you can confidently step into your next read. Thankfully, Russell Library makes it easy to access all of your favorite titles, we'll talk about that, too! Ready to see what's on the top shelf? Come along, we'll turn the page together! Book Recommendations Gender Queer : a memoir / by Maia Kobabe ; colors by Phoebe Kobabe The Perks of Being a Wallflower / Stephen Chbosky Bridge to Terabithia / Katherine Paterson ; illustrated by Donna Diamond The Library Vault Blog https://thelibraryvault.com/2025/06/02/researching-a-middletown-pride-pioneer/ Bklyn Public Library: Interview with Maia Kobabe  https://www.bklynlibrary.org/podcasts/interview-maia-kobabe MSNBC: Interview w/ Stephen Chbosky https://www.msnbc.com/ali-velshi/watch/-velshibannedbookclub-the-perks-of-being-a-wallflower-by-stephen-chbosky-199844421994 Intro Music by nikitsan

    31 min

  8. MAR 11

    Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz | Christy & Briana

    In honor of Women’s History Month, we are delighted to share this exciting conversation with you. Christy and Briana sit down with a very special woman in our community, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz! In this chat, you'll learn about the many roles fulfilled by the lieutenant governor; including, serving as Acting Governor when Governor Lamont is out of state, presiding over the State Senate, and serving as Chair of the Governor's Council on Women and Girls. Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz shares why Connecticut is among the best places for women and girls and for raising a family. We'll discuss exciting initiatives happening within the state and important ways to get involved. We'll even dive into CT's status as the Pizza Capital of the U.S. Starting March 14, you can cast your vote for the best pizzerias in CT, the top 100 will appear on the Pizza Capital Pizza Trail. Join us to celebrate women and girls, Connecticut, public libraries, and, of course, pizza!  Helpful Links: https://portal.ct.gov/governor/working-groups/governors-council-on-women-and-girls?language=en_US https://irisct.org/ https://ctvisit.com/pizzatrailvote Book & Film Recommendations Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll Junie by Erin Crosby Eckstine The Womenby Kristin Hannah Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy The Six Triple Eight PG-13 2024 ‧ War/Drama  This podcast uses music by Ashutosh, under a creative commons license: Time by ASHUTOSH | https://soundcloud.com/grandakt Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

    50 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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About

On Top Shelf, you’ll hear about compelling reads from the people who know books best, librarians! Our bookish staff will share titles that connect to a unique theme each episode. This show will also share the many services offered here at Russell Library. Not local? No worries! Our staff will inspire you to connect with a public library in your own community. 

Information

  • Creator
    Russell Library
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    73
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Top Shelf with Russell Library
  • Show Website
    Top Shelf with Russell Library