Behind the Books

Bob and Anna chat with Madeline Weeks, Reference Librarian at the Lawrence HQ Branch, about how she's incorporated board games into the library to create engaging experiences for the community. Our co-hosts also meet up with author Cynthia Gomez about her debut fantasy novel, Muñeca , exploring magical inheritance, family legacy, and finding one's place in the world. Family Traditions and...

Bob and Anna welcome Kelsey Cummins, Youth Services Librarian at the West Windsor Branch of the Mercer County Library System. Kelsey talks about her role at the library and how library staff work to meet the educational and informational needs of patrons of all ages. Later in the episode, bestselling author Laura Sims joins our hosts to discuss her latest psychological suspense novel, The Man . La...

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...

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,...

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 Summa...

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 1...

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...

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," featurin...

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 @...

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 w...

It's Library Lovers Month! Anna and Bob hit the floor to ask patrons what they love most about the library, then sit down with USA Today bestselling author Annelise Ryan to discuss Monster in the Moonlight , the latest installment in her Monster Hunter Mysteries series. Listeners may also know her by her real name, Beth Amos, or her other pseudonym, Allyson K. Abbott. A-Hunting We Will Go Intro an...

Bob and Anna catch up with Bekka Trapp from Adult Services at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch to talk about her work at the library and her plans to expand multi-generational programming. The episode also features an interview with husband-and-wife authors Emlyn Rees and Josie Lloyd about their latest collaboration, You & Me & You & Me & You & Me . Fun Across the Generations…...

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 "...

Bob and Anna catch up with MCLS staff member Pam Murphy from the Acquisitions and Cataloging Department, then sit down with author Tomika Reid to chat about her writing journey and her newest book, The Girl in the Cave . Expansion of Experience Intro and Welcome 5:25 Catch Up with MCLS: Pam Murphy 12:47 Programs and Services @ MCLS 16:26 Sixty Seconds with Shannon 17:36 Interview with Tomika Reid...

Bob and Anna catch up with Grace Mandato at the Robbinsville Branch before sitting down with bestselling young adult author Samantha Markum. The conversation includes a sneak peek at Markum's upcoming novel, The Roommate Arrangement, along with insights into how she connects with her young adult readers. Audience Connection - Interview with Samantha Markum Intro and Welcome 6:51 Catch Up with MCLS...

Bob and Anna catch up with Jen Crabtree at the West Windsor Branch and meet up with author Margery Cuyler, who has written more than 60 children's books, including her latest, Stompie the Zombie . She shares her insights on the ever-changing landscape of children's literature and what continues to inspire her work. Intro and Welcome 4:31 Catch Up with MCLS: Jen Crabtree 14:10 Programs and...

Bob and Anna catch up with Jamie Clay at the Robbinsville Branch. New York Times bestselling author Sarah Beth Durst chats with Anna and Bob about cozy fantasies, including her most recent release, The Enchanted Greenhouse . Intro and Welcome 3:50 Catch Up with MCLS: Jamie Clay 14:11 Programs and Services @ MCLS 17:54 Sixty Seconds with Shannon 19:05 Interview with Sarah Beth Durst 30:58 Summary a...

Bob and Anna catch up with Caitlin Decker in the Acquisitions and Cataloging Department. Tim Brown discusses his journalism background and how it contributes to his book endeavors, including his most recent release, The Tao of the Backup Catcher: Playing Baseball for the Love of the Game . Intro and Welcome 4:03 Catch Up with MCLS: Caitlin Decker 13:22 Programs and Services @ MCLS 16:27 Interview...

Bob and Anna debut a new segment, "Catch Up with MCLS" toperiodically revisit past guests from the MCLS staff. This episode they touch base with Youth Services Coordinator, Christine Crawford. Jayci Lee discusses her latest release, King Foretold , the second book, in the Realm of Four Kingdoms series, as well as her most recent contemporary romance, Give Me a Reason . Shannon Tuorto&#39...

Anna and Bob close out their fifth Behind the Books year with two author interviews! First, they chat with bestselling author, Carrie Turansky, a local creator of inspirational historical and contemporary novels and novellas. Then from across the pond, author, comic artist, and Illustrator, Lara Pickle, talks about her 2025 Alex Award graphic novel, I Feel Awful, Thanks! Shannon Tuorto is back wit...

Joe Jenkins, Head of Circulation at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch, shares with us all the magic that happens at the Circulation Desk. Auralee Wallace discusses her latest book, The Late-Night Witches . Shannon Tuorto's "60 Seconds with Shannon" provides a teaser to the recently released edition of the children's book, Hansel and Gretel , authored by Stephen King with illustrat...

Soumya Balaji from the Circulation Department at West Windsor joins Anna and Bob to talk about the small joys of library cards and impromptu book chats. Jane Willan discusses her latest book, Widow's Walk . Shannon Tuorto provides an overview of The Rom-Com Cookbook by Tara Theoharis during "60 Seconds with Shannon." Intro and Welcome 4:45 Interview with Soumya Balaji 13:11 Programs...

Anna and Bob have a talk with Laiba Khurshid about her role in Circulation at the Hopewell Branch. Andrea Zuill, author and illustrator of children's books, discusses her most recent release, Bob the Vampire Snail , as well as the challenges and joys of creating books for a younger audience. Shannon Tuorto is back with a "60 Seconds with Shannon," featuring the book, Capture the Mome...

Debby Scherholz, Friends of the Hickory Corner Library President, shares the magic that happens behind the scenes of one of our invaluable Friends groups. Jonathan Gould discusses his latest book, Burning Down the House: Talking Heads and the New York Scene That Transformed Rock . Shannon Tuorto provides an overview of A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna during "60 Sec...

Tyler Restucci discusses with Anna and Bob her role at the Twin Rivers Branch. Contemporary fiction author XiXi Tian delves into her upcoming novel, All the Way Around the Sun , available September 30. Shannon Tuorto is back with a "60 Seconds with Shannon" to share her thoughts on Matchmaking for Psychopaths by Tasha Coryell. Intro and Welcome 3:12 Interview with Tyler Restucci 13:34 Pr...