Check It Out: St. Tammany Parish Library Podcast

In this episode of Check It Out , James sits down with paleontologist Mason Kirkland from the Louisiana Art & Science Museum to unearth the stories hidden inside fossils and talk about the Museum's upcoming Dino Day. Mason shares how a childhood fascination with dinosaurs became a career in paleontology, explains what paleontologists actually do, introduces us to Jason, the museum's remarkably pre...

Our first Check It Out Book Club episode is here! This month, James is joined by Susan, manager of the Madisonville Branch, and Julie, a member of the Madisonville Book Club, to discuss The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker. We talk about the novel's central love story, Julia's search for the truth about her father, Tin Win's life in Burma and America, the book's fairy-tale quality,...

Check It Out is back! In our relaunch premiere, James, Jackie, and Eva introduce the new video version of St. Tammany Parish Library's long-running podcast and share what listeners and viewers can expect from future episodes, including community guests, authors, musicians, staff conversations, and our new podcast book club. This episode kicks things off with a look at the 2026 Summer Reading Chall...

Join Us for a Conversation with Joy E. Rancatore   Get ready to be inspired by the incredible Joy E. Rancatore! A renowned author, editor, and mentor, Joy shares her wisdom and experiences with our hosts, Jackie Riecke and Eva Saladino.   In this episode, we delve into the world of writing, publishing, and creativity. Discover how Joy balances her passion for writing with the demands of running he...

Three library staff members from three different generations discuss library memories and library services and resources. Featuring Jackie Riecke and Eva Saladino. (Runtime 25:12)

Find out how to access Udemy with just your library card. Udemy is an online learning platform with updated, on-demand video courses across 75 categories in business, technology, design, and more. Learn anytime, anywhere. (Runtime 13:18)

2nd Class Petty Officer Radio Technician Bertram Groene participated in the latter part of the Tunisian campaign and in the invasion of Sicily during World War II. In this oral history interview, his daughter, Ms. Beatrice Groene, shares her own memories of her father as well as his own recollections of his service time from his personal journals.   

Slidell Branch Manager Hilari Melerine joins host Amy Bouton as we continue our branch spotlight with our busiest library in the system, the Slidell Branch. Hear about plans for a future expansion as well as the plethora of services available at this branch. (Runtime 11:12)

Reference librarian Evan Kramer joins host Amy Bouton to discuss a couple of ongoing oral history projects at the St. Tammany Parish Library. The Veterans History Project and the Covid-19 Memory Project. Find out how you can participate and contribute to these projects that will provide valuable information for generations to come. (Runtime 23:27) 

On this episode, Susan Badon, Children's Librarian at the Madisonville Branch, talks with host Amy Bouton about the return of storytimes, both in-person and virtually online. Plus, the latest library news. (Runtime 17:19)

On this episode, host Amy Bouton introduces you to Children's Librarian Jessica Aucoin and Reference Librarian Evan Kramer. They'll tell you all about the 2022 Back to School Bash, Saturday, August 6, from 1p.m. – 4p.m. at the Slidell Branch, 555 Robert Boulevard. Bring the entire family to ease back into the school year with your Library by your side!   Special guests include St. Tammany Fire Dis...

Our very special guest on this episode is the award-winning and bestselling author of over 30 books for children: Rebecca Elliott. Her works include Just Because , a book about her daughter Clementine who had severe special needs and her ongoing series Owl Diaries which has sold 6 million copies worldwide. Her new YA novel, ' Pretty Funny ' is available now (Published by Penguin Random House). Chi...

Listen to have all of your Summer Reading questions answered. Our Adult, Teen, and Children's Department Heads tell you about sign-up, prizes, events, the Community Kickoff Celebration, and how to log your minutes and win prizes. Sign-up begins May 20th. (Runtime 23:17)  

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and NAMI St. Tammany has partnered with St. Tammany Parish Library to share resources and raise awareness. Amy Bouton speaks with Nick Richard from NAMI St. Tammany. Look for displays throughout our branch locations during the month of May, where you'll find resources we have in the Library branches, as well as information from NAMI St. Tammany.  (Runtime 16:05...

In this episode, we continue our series of Branch Spotlights with the Pearl River Branch. The branch manager, Ms. Adele Salzer, speaks with Amy Bouton, our Public Relations and Community Coordinator about the history, atmosphere, and available services of this quaint branch that reflects the personality of the small town it serves. Also, in the Music Spotlight, we rewind more than 50 years to revi...

Want to know how to get started downloading eBooks or Audiobooks to your mobile device? How about music, movies, and magazines? Well this is the show for you. Robert Barnes, Reference Librarian at the Madisonville Branch, talks with host Amy Bouton to discuss what is available for you to download and stream on your portable devices as well as laptop and desktop computers. Plus, catch up on the lat...

In this episode, we continue a series of segments that spotlight each of the branches of the St. Tammany Parish Library. The Bush Branch is spotlighted in this episode. The branch manager, Ms. Susan Taggert, speaks with Amy Bouton, our Public Relations and Community Coordinator about the history and available services of this rural branch that serves a large area in our parish. Also, in the Music...

On this episode, we begin a series of segments that spotlight each of our branches of the St. Tammany Parish Library, starting with the Abita Springs Branch. The branch manager, Ms. Kay Redd, speaks with Amy Bouton, our Public Relations and Community Coordinator about the history, atmosphere, and available services. Also, in the Music Spotlight, a Cold War throwback that seems as timely today as i...

Our guest on this episode is Lynn Bardell, Reference Librarian at the Covington Branch of St. Tammany Parish Library. She joins Public Relations and Community Coordinator Amy Bouton to discuss some of the new library resources aimed at streamlining the process of finding funding, donations, and grants for organizations as well as individuals.  Also in this episode, we continue celebrating Black Hi...

"Black Life In America", "Ethnic Diversity Source", and "The Wall Street Journal" are new databases the library has added. Head of Reference, Noelle Williams joins Amy Bouton to discuss how to access these great new sources. Also, we feature Bessie Smith in the Music Spotlight. (Runtime 21:45)

Local Author and Historian Bonnie Vanney discusses her book " The Lost & Forgotten Communities of Chef Menteur-Rigolets and Lake St. Catherine in Orleans Parish" in this encore presentation podcast. (Runtime 11:29)

Meet two of our Children's Librarians and hear about upcoming Storytimes and programs for kids at the library. Also, poet Amanda Gorman shares her latest verse of hope for the new year "New Day's Lyric." (Runtime 20:15)

Crafting, Painting, Yoga, Scrapbooking...Hear all about the wide range of programs for Adults at your library. (Runtime 25:48)

Enjoy the retelling of a holiday classic, "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henri. It's the story of Jim and Della, a poor, young married couple who don't have enough money to buy each other Christmas gifts. (Runtime 21:20)

Best selling Children's Author Eric Litwin talks with our own Ms. Morgan from the Mandeville Branch about his books, songs, and the importance of Early Literacy. (Runtime 23:10)