Behind the Books

Mercer County Library System

Behind the Books is a bi-weekly podcast, including interviews with an author - many found on New York Times Best Sellers lists - and an MCLS library staff member.

  1. 2D AGO

    The Work We Love, the Stories We Imagine - Interview with Victoria Dillon

    Bob and Anna sit down with Dana Benner, Marketing Librarian for the Mercer County Library System and Adult Services Librarian at the Hopewell Branch. Dana shares how she brings her own interests and enthusiasm into her work—from shaping engaging programs to helping make the library a welcoming, vibrant place for the community. Then, our co-hosts turn to author Victoria Dillon to discuss her debut novel, Ava. They explore the inspiration behind the story and the themes at the heart of this unique and thought-provoking book. Shannon Tuorto returns with a "60 Seconds with Shannon," featuring The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion series by Beth Brower. The Work We Love, the Stories We Imagine Intro and Welcome 4:10 Catch up with MCLS: Dana Benner 13:51 Programs and Services @ MCLS 18:04 Sixty Seconds with Shannon 19:16 Interview with Victoria Dillon 29:53 Summary and Closing Show Notes: Learn more about Victoria Dillon at https://victoriadillonauthor.com/. The documentary to which the author refers is Aftershock (2022). Additional information available at https://www.aftershockdocumentary.com/. "60 Seconds with Shannon" features The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, which is available from MCLS. Check the MCLS Catalog via https://merl.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/mcl. Attend the 2026 TrashedArt Awards Reception. Registration and additional information available at https://mcl.org/events/trashedart/. Register for upcoming virtual programs and branch events, using the MCLS Event Calendar, located at https://events.mcl.org/. Celebrate National Library Week with MCLS, April 19 through April 25. More information at https://mcl.org/national-library-week/. Opening and closing music provided by Skilsel via Pixabay; music between segments is provided via Pixabay.

    34 min
  2. JAN 21

    Front and Center - Interview with Diana Harmon Asher

    Bob and Anna catch up with Shanna Caines from Adult Services at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch, discussing her work at the library and the impact of Adult Services in the community. The episode then features an interview with middle-grade author Diana Harmon Asher, who talks about her latest book, Trouble Finds Evie Lefkowitz, and the themes that matter most to young readers. Shannon Tuorto's "60 Seconds with Shannon" features works by Noelle Ihli, specifically Ask for Andrea. Front and Center Intro and Welcome 3:05 Catch Up with MCLS: Shanna Caines 12:10 Programs and Services @ MCLS 16:26 Sixty Seconds with Shannon 17:06 Interview with Diana Harmon Asher 30:07 Summary and Closing Show Notes: Learn more about Diana Harmon Asher at https://dianaharmonasher.com/ "60 Seconds with Shannon" features works by Noelle Ihli, specifically Ask for Andrea, which is available from MCLS. Check the MCLS Catalog at https://merl.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/mcl. Register for upcoming virtual programs and branch events, using the MCLS Event Calendar, located at https://events.mcl.org/. Participate in the Winter Reading Program via https://mcl.org/events/winter-reading-program/. Participate in the Dr. MLK Jr. Day(s) of Service 2026: Card & Letter Writing Drive. Additional information and card templates located at https://mcl.org/mlk-jr-day-of-service/. Opening and closing music provided by Skilsel via Pixabay; music between segments is provided via Pixabay.

    34 min
4.9
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Behind the Books is a bi-weekly podcast, including interviews with an author - many found on New York Times Best Sellers lists - and an MCLS library staff member.