Behind the Books

Mercer County Library System
  • 4.9 (9)
  • Books
  • Updated Biweekly

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. 6d ago

    Legendary Tales - Interview with Mima Tipper

    Bob and Anna chat with Ellen Madigan, Adult Services Librarian at the West Windsor Branch of the Mercer County Library System, about her role and the programs and services she helps bring to the community. They also speak with author Mima Tipper about her novel, Channeling Marilyn, released in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's birth, and discuss the enduring legacy of one of America's most iconic cultural figures. Plus, Shannon returns with a fresh round of beach-read recommendations in another installment of "60 Seconds with Shannon." Legendary Tales - Interview with Mima Tipper Intro and Welcome 5:03 Staff Interview with Ellen Madigan 15:40 Programs and Services @ MCLS 19:43 Sixty Seconds with Shannon 20:53 Interview with Mima Tipper 36:33 Summary and Closing Show Notes: Learn more about Mima Tipper at https://mimatipper.com/ Register for upcoming virtual programs and branch events, using the MCLS Event Calendar, located at https://events.mcl.org/ Find information about the 2026 Summer Reading Program, Unearth a Story, at https://mcl.org/events/summer-reading-program/ Discover resources and services, supporting English Language Learning at https://mcl.org/events/english-learning-groups/ "60 Seconds with Shannon" features the beach reads Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune, Fever Dream by Elsie Silver, and The Shippers by Katherine Center, all of which are available through MCLS. Search for these titles in the MCLS Catalog at merl.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/mcl. Opening and closing music provided by Skilsel via Pixabay; music between segments is provided via Pixabay.

    40 min

  2. May 27

    Reel Life, Real Transitions - Interview with Brad Barkley

    Bob and Anna catch up with Michelle Cromwell to discuss her transition from Youth Services Librarian to Branch Manager at the Robbinsville Branch, and how her experiences working with young patrons continue to shape her approach to library leadership. They also speak with author Brad Barkley about his upcoming YA novel, The Reel Life of Zara Kegg, and the inspiration behind its characters, story, and themes. Reel Life, Real Transitions - Interview with Brad Barkley Intro and Welcome 3:37 Catch up with MCLS: Michelle Cromwell 12:44 Programs and Services @ MCLS 16:15 Interview with Brad Barkley 29:01 Summary and Closing Show Notes: Learn more about Brad Barkley at https://www.bradbarkley.com/ Register for upcoming virtual programs and branch events, using the MCLS Event Calendar, located at https://events.mcl.org/ Find information about the 2026 Summer Reading Program, Unearth a Story, at https://mcl.org/events/summer-reading-program/ Opening and closing music provided by Skilsel via Pixabay; music between segments is provided via Pixabay.

    32 min

  3. May 26

    Word Games and Ghost Stories - Interview with Aimee Pokwatka

    Bob and Anna catch up with Kathleen Nash, Adult Services Librarian at the Hopewell Branch. They also speak with author Aimee Pokwatka about her recent novel, Accumulation, discussing the inspiration behind the book and its themes. Word Games and Ghost Stories Intro and Welcome 5:12 Catch up with MCLS: Kathleen Nash 14:19 Programs and Services @ MCLS 18:03 Interview with Aimee Pokwatka 31:55 Summary and Closing Show Notes: Learn more about Aimee Pokwatka at http://www.aimeepokwatka.com/. Register for upcoming virtual programs and branch events, using the MCLS Event Calendar, located at https://events.mcl.org/. Discover resources at the Virtual Branch and Digital Entertainment available with your MCLS library card via https://resources.mcl.org/virtual. Opening and closing music provided by Skilsel via Pixabay; music between segments is provided via Pixabay.

    36 min

  4. Apr 26

    Joy and Jeopardy! - Interview with Jamie Ding

    Behind the Books continues the celebration of National Library Week! Bob and Anna talk with patrons and staff about where they find joy at the library, catch up with local Jeopardy! champion Jamie Ding, and in "60 Seconds with Shannon," Shannon Tuorto shares her pick: Don't Think About Dinner by Jenn Lueke. Joy and Jeopardy! Intro and Welcome 1:59 Find Your Joy! 7:42 Programs and Services @ MCLS 11:49 Sixty Seconds with Shannon 13:02 Interview with Jamie Ding 26:51 Summary and Closing Show Notes: "60 Seconds with Shannon" features Don't Think About Dinner by Jenn Lueke, which is available from MCLS. Check the MCLS Catalog via https://merl.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/mcl. Learn more about the MCLS Teen Advisory Board at https://mcl.org/events/teen-advisory-board/. Register for upcoming virtual programs and branch events, using the MCLS Event Calendar, located at https://events.mcl.org/. Music for National Library Week segment created by minhquang123 via Pixabay. Opening and closing music provided by Skilsel via Pixabay; music between segments is provided via Pixabay.

    31 min

  5. Apr 15

    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

  6. Apr 1

    No Fooling: From Youth Services to Indie Comics - Interview with Shawn Hainsworth

    Anna and Bob speak with Amanda DeCillis, part-time Youth Services staff member at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch, about her work with young readers. They also talk with scriptwriter Shawn Hainsworth, founder of SHP Comics, who shares his creative process and previews his upcoming books, Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King and Woodstake. Shannon Tuorto is back with a "60 Seconds with Shannon," featuring Billy Collins' new collection of poems, Dog Show. No Fooling: From Youth Services to Indie Comics Intro and Welcome 3:20 Interview with Amanda DeCillis 13:00 Programs and Services @ MCLS 16:45 Sixty Seconds with Shannon 17:54 Interview with Shawn Hainsworth 31:19 Summary and Closing Show Notes: Learn more about Shawn Hainsworth at https://www.shawnhainsworthproductions.com/ and SHP Comics at https://shpcomics.com/. "60 Seconds with Shannon" features Billy Collins' newest collection of poetry, Dog Show, which is available from MCLS. Check the MCLS Catalog via 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/. Submit a poem to read in the virtual poetry event, A Poetry Happening: Mercer Poets Read, at https://mcl.org/call-for-poems/. Opening and closing music provided by Skilsel via Pixabay; music between segments is provided via Pixabay.

    35 min

  7. Mar 18

    Bravery at All Ages - Interview with Kimberly Behre Kenna

    Bob and Anna catch up with Janine Hoekstra about her current role as Assistant Administrative Analyst in Library Administration. Author Kimberly Behre Kenna also joins us to discuss her Brave Girl collection, including the newest installment, Lola Gillette and the Summer of Second Chances. Bravery at All Ages Intro and Welcome 4:25 Catch Up with MCLS: Janine Hoekstra 12:04 Programs and Services @ MCLS 16:08 Interview with Kimberly Behre Kenna 32:03 Summary and Closing Show Notes: Discover more about Kimberly Behre Kenna at https://www.kimberlybehrekenna.com/. Register for upcoming virtual programs and branch events, using the MCLS Event Calendar, located at https://events.mcl.org/. Explore NJ Makers Day programs at MCLS via https://mcl.org/nj-makers-day/. Vote for your favorite 2026 TrashedArt entry at https://mcl.org/events/trashedart/. Opening and closing music provided by Skilsel via Pixabay; music between segments is provided via Pixabay.

    36 min

  8. Mar 4

    Plot Twists IRL - Interview with Greer Stothers

    Anna and Bob talk with Emma Reyes of the Adult Services Department at the West Windsor Branch about her pathway to librarianship and how she's bringing the community together through tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). Then our co-hosts chat with illustrator and debut author Greer Stothers about their new novel, Apparently, Sir Cameron is Dead, including their creative journey leading them to writing fiction on their own terms. Plot Twists IRL Intro and Welcome 4:44 Emma Reyes 14:16 Programs and Services @ MCLS 18:09 Interview with Greer Stothers 29:33 Summary and Closing Show Notes: Discover more about Greer Stothers at https://www.greerstothers.com/. Register for upcoming virtual programs and branch events, using the MCLS Event Calendar, located at https://events.mcl.org/. Explore a selection of programs celebrating Women's History Month at MCLS via https://libraryaware.com/3B1WHM. Download your Academy Awards ballot for the 2026 Oscar Predictions Contest at https://mcl.org/oscars-contest/. Opening and closing music provided by Skilsel via Pixabay; music between segments is provided via Pixabay.

    34 min
See All (148)

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Mercer County Library System
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    148
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Mercer County Library System
  • Show Website
    Behind the Books

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