L-Town Radio
Livingston Public Library
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We are the public library serving Livingston, New Jersey, and here is where we'll share our monthly podcast, "L-Town Radio."
Available episodes
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Nov 30, 2023
The Joys of C.S. Lewis: December 2023
Joe digs into the Local History Archive and shares an illuminating conversation about author C.S. Lewis, which took place between two former Livingston Library staff members nearly 50 years ago; Archana highlights some the of the great programs on our December calendar; Jessica fills us in on the most highly-anticipated books headed to our shelves this month; and Hongmei plays a clip from a folk-rock classic.
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Oct 27, 2023
"Art is a Search for Truth": The Philosophy of Richard Straley - Nov. 2023
Joe digs into our Local History Archive to share the profound philosophical musings of artist Richard Straley (1927 - 2008), who owned and operated an art gallery in Livingston back in the 1970s and '80s. Plus: Jessica previews the best books headed our way in November, and talks about our "Hooks & Needles" program; Gina fills us in on what the Youth Services Department has planned for this month; and Hongmei plays a bit of relaxing autumnal music.
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Sep 29, 2023
Talking with Karen Trachtenberg of the West Essex Tribune: October 2023
Joe chats with Karen Trachtenberg of the West Essex Tribune about growing up as the daughter of a politician, about working for a local newspaper, and about the time she helped get a cat out of a tree. Plus, Archana and Jessica highlight some of the exciting programs on our October calendar; Hongmei shares a beautiful rendition of a classic Broadway song; and Jessica previews some of the best new books headed to our shelves this month.
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Aug 31, 2023
The Extraordinary Life of Ludwig Muhlfelder: September 2023
Joe digs into the life story of Ludwig Muhlfelder, a Livingston resident of nearly 50 years who escaped Nazi Germany with the help of a legendary Hollywood movie producer; Archana and Jessica highlight some of the exciting programs on our September calendar; Hongmei shares a song to celebrate Classical Music Month; and Jessica previews some of the best new books headed to our shelves this month.
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Aug 3, 2023
Summer Music Roundup : August 2023
Joe spotlights new music by PJ Harvey, Jessie Ware, Deer Tick, and Jenny Lewis; Jessica shares her thoughts on Taylor Swift's new version of "Speak Now"; Hongmei celebrates "Elvis Week"; Jessica previews some great new books headed to library shelves in August
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Jun 28, 2023
Living an "Unwritten" Life with Vineeta Khanna: July 2023
Joe chats with Livingston Board of Education President Vineeta Khanna about improving students' mental health, appreciating the work of Rabindranath Tagore, and the joys of living an "unwritten" life; Jessica talks about our Adult Summer Reading program, as well as the most anticipated books hitting our shelves in July; Archana highlights some of the excellent programs on our July calendar; and Hongmei shares a relaxing rendition of a familiar folk-rock tune.
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May 26, 2023
Learning English & Forging Friendships: June 2023
Joe and Christine talk with Cleise, Seher, Kerstin, and Naina from our ELL program about their experiences learning English, adjusting to life in America, and forging friendships in the Livingston community; Jessica tells us about the most anticipated books headed to our shelves in June; Archana highlights some of the excellent programs on our June calendar; and Hongmei plays a very sweet song by a New Jersey legend.
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Apr 28, 2023
Chatting with Evan Marshall of AM Wired: May 2023
Joe chats with Evan Marshall of Livingston High School's "AM Wired;" Archana tells us about some of the exciting programs at the library in the month ahead; Hongmei plays a clip from one of the most popular songs of the year; and Jessica fills us in on what great new books are headed to our shelves this month.
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Mar 31, 2023
Celebrating National Poetry Month - April 2023
Amy, Melanie, Jessica, Joe, and Danielle recite some of their favorite poetry; Joe digs into our Local History Archives to present a conversation about poetry, recorded in 1976, between former Livingston Librarian Viola Stagg and former Library Director Ruth Rockwood; Archana and Jessica talk about some of the exciting programs on our April calendar; Hongmei plays a Springtime song; and Jessica fills us in on what great new books are headed to our shelves this month.
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Mar 1, 2023
A.I. & the Future of Public Libraries: March 2023
Joe interviews ChatGPT about how artificial intelligence could shape the future of public libraries; Jessica fills us in on some of the most anticipated books headed to our shelves in March, and tells us about the various book club discussions we have coming up this month; Archana highlights some of the programs on our March calendar; and in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Hongmei plays a clip from a song by renowned Irish musician Sinead O'Connor.
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Jan 30, 2023
Interview with Mayor Michael Vieira - February 2023
Joe interviews Livingston's new Mayor, Michael Vieira; Annie and Victoria from the Teen Advisory Board tell us what they have planned for 2023; Jessica fills us in on the most anticipated books headed to our shelves in February; Gina asks patrons what they love most about the Livingston Library; Hongmei tells us about feng shui, and plays some feng shui music for balance and inner peace.
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Nov 30, 2022
Year-End Favorites, Historic Pop, and More: December 2022
Joe explains why "Everything Everywhere All At Once" is their favorite thing of 2022; Archana talks about upcoming programs on "A Christmas Carol," genealogy, and Jewish New York; Jessica fills us in on the best new books coming in December; Hongmei shares a favorite song; Jason recommends three great YA titles; Joe looks at pop music history through Tom Breihan's book "The Number Ones"
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Nov 1, 2022
Perkey the Turkey, Staff Picks, and More: November 2022
Joe shares more turkey tales from the "School Bell" archives; Jessica highlights the best new books coming out this month; Archana fills us in on our November programs; Hongmei shares a special song; Jessica picks her favorite lyrics from Taylor Swift's "Midnights;" Joe discusses new releases by George Saunders, Quentin Tarantino, and PJ Harvey
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Sep 30, 2022
Library Ghost Stories: October 2022
Joe tells the story of the Livingston Library ghost; Jessica highlights the most anticipated books coming in October; Archana fills us in on upcoming programs on dragons, Italian composers, and more; Hongmei shares some happy accordion music; the crew recommends great books to read this month.
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Aug 31, 2022
Nicolas Cage's Massive Talent, Fall Music, and More: September 2022
Joe celebrates the massive talent of actor Nicolas Cage; Archana discusses upcoming programs about Jewish images in cinema, Latin American artists, and floral design; Jessica highlights which exciting new books are coming out in September; Hongmei plays one of Chopin's nocturnes; the crew share the literature, films, and music that get them in the mood for Fall.
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Aug 1, 2022
The Heroic Clara Maass, Summer Reading Recommendations, and More: August 2022
Joe reads Freeman Harrison's "No Greater Love," about the short & heroic life of Livingston resident Clara Maass; Jessica fills us in on what books are headed to the library in August; Hongmei shares a song by Lewis Capaldi; the crew recommends some of their favorite recent reads.
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Jul 1, 2022
Historical Music, Ocean Stories, and More: July 2022
Joe digs into our Local History archive to play a recording from a Bicentennial concert held in Livingston in 1976; Jessica previews some great new books on their way to the library in July; Hongmei shares a special patriotic song; Archana tells us about an upcoming Jersey Shore-themed presentation; the crew talk about their favorite ocean-themed books, films, and music.
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May 26, 2022
Oral History, Brain Exercises, and More: June 2022
Joe plays excerpts of old interviews with Edith DeCamp, one of the library's founders, and Captain Ernie Alinger, a Livingston police officer from 1948 - 1979; Jessica highlights exciting new books coming to the library in June; Archana fills us on in upcoming programs about wardrobe building, LGBTQ artists, Winslow Homer, and World War II heroics; Hongmei shares some delightful harmonica music; and the crew talks about their favorite ways to exercise their brains.
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Apr 29, 2022
Book Censorship, Motherhood Stories, & More: May 2022
Joe talks a bit about book censorship; Jessica highlights the hot new books headed our way in May; Archana tells us about some programs on our May calendar; Hongmei celebrates baseball season with a song; the crew shares their favorite books, songs, and films about motherhood.
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Apr 4, 2022
Grammy Winning Music, Poetry Month Favorites, and More: April 2022
Joe highlights the music of Grammy winners Jon Batiste, Silk Sonic, and Olivia Rodrigo; Jessica tells us about some of the best new books headed to the library in April; Archana discusses programs on next month's calendar; Hongmei shares a special Springtime song; the crew shares some of their favorite poetry.
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Mar 1, 2022
Western Novels, Women's History Books, and More: March 2022
Joe talks about some favorite Western novels; Jessica fills us in on what great new books are headed our way this month; Hongmei shares a song and poem inspired by the late Thich Nhat Hanh; Archana discusses some of the women-centric programs on our March calendar; the crew share some favorite books to celebrate Women's History Month; Joe gets excited to read Stephen Graham Jones' "My Heart is a Chainsaw"
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Jan 27, 2022
The Rascally William Livingston, Leadership Stories, & More: February 2022
Joe learns about William Livingston, our town's "rascally" namesake; Jessica previews some of the best books hitting our shelves this month; Archana discusses upcoming programs about Sammy Davis, Jr., and the history of rock n' roll; Hongmei shares a special song by Josh Groban & Celine Dion; the crew shares their favorite fictions about politics and leadership.
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Jan 6, 2022
Getting Back with The Beatles, Looking Toward 2022, and More: January 2022
Joe talks about the new Beatles documentary "Get Back," and other Beatle-related content available from the library; Archana tells us about programs on our January calendar; Hongmei shares a song about New Year's Resolutions; Jessica, Archana, and Joe share what books and shows they're looking forward to in 2022.
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Dec 2, 2021
Kiddie Christmas Stories, 2021 Favorites, and More: December 2021
Joe reads Christmas-themed stories written by Livingston children in the 1940s; Karen talks with the Livingston Teen Advisory Board; Hongmei plays some special winter music; Katie fills us in on what hot new books are coming our way this winter; Jessica, Archana, Katie, Hongmei, and Joe share their favorite books, films, shows, and music from 2021.
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Oct 28, 2021
Children's Turkey Tales, Family Stories, and More: November 2021
Joe reads Thanksgiving stories written by Livingston children in the 1940's and '50s; Katie gives the scoop on eagerly-awaited upcoming reads; Hongmei shares a special song by Mary Chapin Carpenter; Archana tells us about exciting programs on our November calendar; the crew shares what stories they love sharing with their families; Joe reads an excerpt from "The Time Traveler's Wife," the subject for the next meeting of our "Unstuck in Time" book club
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Sep 29, 2021
Third Grade Ghost Stories, Fictional Friends, and More: October 2021
Joe reads ghost stories written by 3rd grade students from Livingston in 1955; Katie gives the scoop on some of October’s best upcoming reads; Hongmei shares a soothing song; Archana tells us about the great programs on our October calendar; Katie, Joe, Archana, and Jessica talk about some fictional characters they wish they could befriend; Joe discusses "Something Wicked This Way Comes"
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Sep 3, 2021
Classic Movies, Back to School Stories, and More: September 2021
Joe talks about Alfred Hitchcock's "Notorious" and our new classic movies series; Katie highlights some of the most anticipated reads coming to the library in September; Hongmei shares another inspiring song; Jessica, Katie, Amy, and Joe discuss some of their favorite school-related books and films; Archana tells us about some of the exciting programs we have in September; Joe discusses Margaret Atwood's "Oryx and Crake," the subject for the next meeting of the Unstuck in Time book club
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Jul 28, 2021
Book Buddies, Dog Stories, and More: August 2021
Joe talks with the children in our "Book Buddies" program; Katie gives us a glimpse of the most anticipated books heading to the library in August; Hongmei shares a clip of one of her favorite uplifting songs; Joe previews "The Father" and "Nomadland," the final films in our "Weekends with the Oscars" series; Jessica tells us about an upcoming program on helping our dogs adjust to life after lockdown; the crew shares some of their favorite dog-related books and films; Joe discusses Daphne du Maurier's 1938 novel "Rebecca," the next subject of our "Unstuck in Time" book club.
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Jul 1, 2021
Livingston Authors, Summer Reading, & More - July 2021
Joe spotlights recent additions to our indie collection by Livingston authors Annette Choy, Loren Svetvilas, and David Klonsky; Katie previews some of the most anticipated books coming in July; Jessica, Katie, and Joe share what they're excited to read this summer; Joe talks about the return of "Weekends with the Oscars"; Hongmei highlights recent posts from the library's blog; Joe talks about William Goldman's "The Princess Bride," the next topic for the Unstuck in Time book club.
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May 27, 2021
Stalking Horse Poetry, Pride Month Favorites, & More: Ep. 12, June 2021
Joe spotlights some poetry books by Jennifer MacBain-Stephens, Jennifer Maritza McCauley, and Jessie Janeshek from indie publisher Stalking Horse Press; Archana talks about upcoming programs on Art Nouveau, the American Flag, basic makeup skills, and home food preservation; Jessica tells us about the beaded Pride pins we’ll be making for our June Pinterest craft; the crew shares some of their favorite books, films, and music by and about LGBTQ people, including Madeline Miller's "Song of Achilles," the writing of David Sedaris, Hansal Mehta's "Aligarh," Leslie Jordan's "How Y'all Doing," the music of Husker Du, and Ezra Furman's book on Lou Reed's "Transformer;" Joe sings the praises of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," the next topic of the "Unstuck in Time" book club.
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Apr 28, 2021
Indie Lit, Mental Health, & More: May 2021
Joe talks about the library's new "Indie" collection, including books by Devin Kelly and Bud Smith; Archana tells us about upcoming programs on Beatrix Potter, Colonial and Victorian fashion, Medal of Honor winners, and opera; Katie lists some of the most eagerly-awaited books coming in May; Jessica talks about the next "Bookish Vibes" club meeting with author Susan Wiggs; the crew shares what books and music are best for their mental health, including works by Ravi Shankar, Colleen Hoover, Kristin Hannah, Mary Alice Monroe, The Rolling Stones, Nirvana, and Erik Satie; Joe discusses why Toni Morrison's "Beloved" is the topic for May's "Unstuck in Time" book club
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Apr 1, 2021
Earth Day Favorites, Musical Poetry & More: Ep. 11, April 2021
Joe discusses the poetry of musicians Lana Del Rey and Leonard Cohen; Katie talks about the most anticipated books coming in April; Archana tells us about some environmentally-minded programs offered by the library this month; the crew shares what books, films, and music make them feel most in touch with nature; Jessica discusses some of the very bookish programs on our April calendar; Joe talks about Shirley Jackson's "The Haunting of Hill House"
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Jan 28, 2021
L - Town Radio - Episode 10 (February 2021)
Love is in the air on the latest episode of L-Town Radio, the Livingston Library podcast! Jessica, Katie, and Joe share their affection for the romantic work of Colleen Hoover, Walt Whitman, and Emily Dickinson; Archana tells us about upcoming programs on Black artists, US Presidents, and movie stunt performers; Katie looks at some of February's most anticipated books; Jessica chats about Bookish Vibes' upcoming visit from author Beth Harbison; Joe discusses sci-fi titan Philip K. Dick and his novel The Man in the High Castle.
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Dec 30, 2020
L - Town Radio Ep. 9 (January 2021)
Katie, Jessica, Archana, and Joe talk about their favorite books and music of 2020, and what they're looking forward to in 2021. Plus, we have our first patron contribution, as Livingston resident Partha reads some powerful poems on grief and hope by Nobel Prize-winning writer Rabindranath Tagore.
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Nov 30, 2020
L - Town Radio - Ep. 8 (December 2020)
Joe reads "A Lucullan Feast," a dramatic story that happened on a Christmas Day in Livingston over 120 years ago; Katie tells us about some hotly-anticipated upcoming reads; Archana & Jessica each discuss some of the great programs on our December calendar; Janea gives us the scoop on Kanopy, the on-demand movie-streaming platform now available to LPL cardholders; Katie, Jessica, and Joe share what kinds of books they like to read in the wintertime; and finally, we'll tell you know how you-- yes, YOU-- can have a chance to join the L-Town Radio podcast crew!
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Oct 28, 2020
L - Town Radio - Ep. 7 (November 2020)
Joe digs through the archives of our local paper and finds delightful old items about pushy vacuum salesmen and chicken-healing pastors; Archana discusses upcoming programs about Millionaire’s Row, and interior design; Jessica dishes out info about the triumphant return of "Bookish Vibes"; Katie gives the scoop on some of the most eagerly-anticipated books coming to the library in November; the podcast crew shares some of our favorite food-related books and films.
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Sep 23, 2020
L - Town Radio - Ep. 6 (October 2020)
L - Town Radio - Ep. 6 (October 2020) by Livingston Public Library
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Aug 26, 2020
L - Town Radio- Ep. 5 (September 2020)
Joe time-travels back to colonial Livingston to tell the story of the "Horseneck Riots;" Jessica talks “Personal Finance 101;” Archana discusses upcoming programs about New Jersey’s state parks, and Alexander Hamilton; Katie, Gina, Jessica, Archana, and Joe rhapsodize about their favorite musicals; Katie looks at some exciting new books coming out in September; and Joe talks about "Unstuck in Time," our new speculative fiction book club.
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Jul 29, 2020
L - Town Radio - Ep.4 (August 2020)
Joe talks about what makes an ideal "Office Album;" Jessica discusses our upcoming online lecture, "KonMari Method™ for Peace During Uncertain Times;" Katie suggests some great grilling cookbooks; Anna talks about how to participate in our Youth Services' Summer Reading program; Archana discusses forthcoming programs such as "Demystifying Trees," "Anxiety in the Time of COVID," and "The Real Housewives of New Jersey: Early American Women and Their Kitchen Gardens;" Gina shares how much fun she's been having while teaching her "Adventure with Watercolor" class.
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Jun 23, 2020
L - Town Radio- Ep. 3 (June 2020)
A special announcement about our new contactless pickup service; Katie and Joseph chat about which video games they've been playing lately, and suggest good books for fellow gamers; Anna talks about "Books as Windows and Mirrors," or how we see ourselves and see others in the stories we read; Gina and Jessica discuss the books they've been listening to during National Audiobook Month; Joe shares some of their favorite summertime albums available on Hoopla; and Hongmei recommends more music for relaxation and meditation.
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May 15, 2020
L-Town Radio: Ep.2
Hongmei shares music for relaxation and meditation; Karen talks about one of her favorite audiobook narrators, Bahni Turpin; Gina & Jessica discuss what they've been reading in another installment of Livi Lit; Archana recommends some great films from around the world that are currently available on Hoopla; Anna reads "The Plot Against America: A Contextual Reading List for Teens and Adults;" Katie and Joe chat about "What We Do in the Shadows" and "Top Chef."
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Apr 14, 2020
L-Town Radio: Ep.1
In our first episode, Library Director Amy delivers a special message to our community, and recites a favorite poem; Archana tells us how to dig deeper into the subjects explored in Netflix's "Tiger King;" Katie shares thoughts on what she's reading during social distancing; Joseph offers an introductory lesson on Dungeons & Dragons; Gina & Jessica discuss reading poetry & fantasy as a respite from reality; and Joe commemorates the late, great songwriters John Prine and Adam Schlesinger.
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