Middle Country Public Library Podcast

Join us for a discussion of Satoshi Kon’s 2003 animated film Tokyo Godfathers, an unconventional holiday story that’s equal parts heartwarming, chaotic, and surprisingly realistic. On Christmas Eve in Tokyo, three homeless individuals — a middle-aged alcoholic, a former drag queen, and a teenage runaway — discover an abandoned baby in the trash and embark on a wild, coincidence-filled quest to return her to her parents. Take out the DVD or watch on Hoopla Digital with your MCPL card this holiday season!

Happy Thanksgiving from the MCPL Podcast crew! Keeping our annual ritual alive, we're gearing up to launch the holiday festivities with a fresh batch of captivating trivia—drawn straight from a fascinating Reader's Digest feature you can check out here: https://www.rd.com/article/thanksgiving-trivia/ and a little help from our A.I. friends...

Join us for a holiday-ready episode of the podcast, where we're dishing out smart, budget-friendly ways to spark joy and creativity for the little ones—think endless playtime possibilities without the price tag... Plus, get ready to debate (and crave) the ultimate lineup of seasonal pies. Which one will end up on your table this Thanksgiving?

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, and the Xbox's revolutionary debut! Want to learn more about the 1965 Blackout? Check out the History Bites episode: https://youtu.be/5W50ORGna0w?si=gkn4LIBO4yXDo-GS  

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 takes on side dishes, regional riffs, and the unexpected origin of a comfort food icon. Be prepared to get hungry listening to this week's episode and don't forget to subscribe!

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 almost endless empires. Plus, a last-minute Halloween candy confession: Why snack-sized bars beat mini bites (of course!), and how Sal's leftovers fuel the ultimate holiday cookie treat. Happy Halloween!

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 resources for more on folklore and astrology!

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: narrow AI vs. AGI, superintelligence risks, brain-drain studies, and simulation theories. Laughs, chills, and tips included.

We celebrate the podcast's 400th episode by stepping out of the studio and into the library for a tour of the podcast team's favorite spots.

Join us for the kickoff of Spooktober 2025 at the Middle Country Public Library Podcast! This episode dives into the eerie with a true-or-false trivia game, exploring chilling tales of hauntings, ghostly ships, and mysterious figures. From poltergeists to spectral observers, test your knowledge of spooky folklore and paranormal legends. Stay tuned for next week’s special 400th episode!

The new class of NASA astronauts has arrived and Nicole has the details. Did you ever think you'd might want to be an astronaut? What about your kiddies? We have some details. Plus Sara has another list of upcoming DVDs, including F1, a remake of a classic flick, some horror for the season, and more!

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 significance, including its ties to the Theatre of the Absurd. Plus: Nicole explores practical tips for fostering healthy sleep habits in children, highlighting the impact of excessive screen time on sleep quality and behavior. Learn about library resources like Wonderbooks, Tonieboxes, and Playaways to encourage bedtime reading and reduce screen exposure.

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, football dramas, Australian cinema, and beach-themed adventures. We also highlight new books, from gripping true crime stories and historical nonfiction to thrilling fiction and steamy romance novels. Tune in for engaging conversations and fresh recommendations to inspire your next read or watch!

Discover the exciting fall programming at Middle Country Public Library! We highlight a variety of events for all ages: from youth to teen to adults, there's something for everyone this season. Registration for children and teen programs begins September 11 at 9:30 AM, and adult programs register on September 12.

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 burglar. Caroline, Sara and Sal share their thoughts on the distinctive art, notable voice performances, and plot twists, while debating its appeal for different audiences. Join us to find out if it’s worth checking out!

This week Sara previews exciting September DVD releases, including "Ballerina," "Jurassic World Rebirth," "28 Years Later," "M3GAN 2.0," "The Life of Chuck," "Clown in a Cornfield," "Superman," and "The Surfer." Caroline also shares valuable back-to-school resources for kids, like Brainfuse for live homework help, and Britannica for research.

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 stream with your library card on Kanopy, this film sparks conversation about aging, responsibility, and self-discovery. Watch now to hear our thoughts, then let us know yours in the comments!

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 Dog's Purpose," and movies like "Homeward Bound." We also highlight Parent TV, a valuable resource offering thousands of short, expert-led parenting videos in multiple languages, accessible with your library card. Plus, get a book recommendation for "The Hunger Games" series, with a focus on the prequel "Sunrise on the Reaping," offering fresh perspectives on Haymitch’s story.

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, intellectual, social, spiritual, environmental, and occupational well-being. From small habits like stretching or journaling to library programs such as hula hooping and soul line dancing, find inspiration to stay active and connected!

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 community in a relaxed, fun setting. Learn about the event's history, its growth over the years, and what to expect from touch-a-truck to food trucks, vendors, and activities like pickleball, beach volleyball, and pool fun. We also dive into the library's exciting contributions, featuring drones, coding robots, button making, and a performance by the Flashing Fingers Sign Language Club. Don’t miss this episode packed with details on this annual community gathering!