Checked Out: The Euclid Public Library Podcast

In this episode of "Checked Out," discover why Ohio is celebrating local author Toni Morrison for a full year. Morrison wrote 11 novels, including "Beloved" which was turned into a major movie in 1998.

Dust off your sneakers! This summer, your path to fitness will begin at Euclid, Ohio's brand-new Recreation & Wellness Center. Learn all about it in this podcast episode.

Meet RockAbility, a local rock band made up of musicians who have disabilities. Hear how they are inspiring the city with their music and stories.

Explore fascinating stories about Cleveland, Ohio's pivotal role in the Underground Railroad in this episode, featuring Fran Stewart from Restore Cleveland Hope.

Imagine a kinder community in 2026. One local organization in Cleveland, Ohio is trying to make that happen nationwide. Learn all about the Kindland campaign in this episode of our Checked Out podcast.

It's the most wonderful time of the year... to binge-watch holiday movies and TV shows!  If you need some suggestions, listen to this episode. We talked to Aaron Spears from Kanopy about free holiday entertainment for the whole family and what films are coming in 2026. 

If you loved the latest Superman movie and enjoy reading comic books about the Man of Steel, tune into this podcast episode. We learned about the two Cleveland, Ohio men who created Superman from Brad Ricca, author of the book "Super Boys."

Did you know that Cleveland, Ohio has a connection with the Wizard of Oz’s Wicked Witch of the West? Margaret Hamilton who played the iconic role in the classic film grew up here in Cleveland. In this podcast episode, Don Billie, author of thebook “Margaret Hamilton, From Cleveland, Ohio to the Land of Oz” talks about the actress.

A historic milestone is happening in Euclid this year—EPL is turning 90! You are invited to the celebration at the library's first-ever community festival called DiamondFest: EPL at 90 on August 9, 2025, 11a-7p at Sims Park, 23131 Lakeshore Blvd. in Euclid, Ohio USA. Learn more about it in this podcast episode.

In this podcast episode, Mike Stein and Jean Robinson celebrated National Poetry Month with members of Cleveland’s “The Sparrow’s Fortune” spoken word poetry collective. The group shared their journey as poets and performed some of their poems.

Learn all about Euclid Public Library's plans to renovate the library. In this podcast, Mike Stein and Jean Robinson chat with EPL director Kacie Armstrong and members of the Bialosky architect team that are transforming the library.

Cleveland, Ohio has been called the Heart of Rock and Roll but did you know that the city also played a major role in Soul and R&B music? Euclid Public Library’s Jean Robinson learned all about Cleveland’s Soul roots from Dr. Fred Wheatt, a Cleveland musician who played with top R&B and Motown artists. He shares some fascinating stories in this episode.

Are you lonely, depressed, or have high blood pressure? Some local crafters suggest you get some fiber… fiber arts that is. Making creations with thread, yarn, and other materials are booming nationwide, attracting people of all ages. Discover the reasons for the popularity in this podcast episode and learn how you can jump on the “sewing, crocheting, and knitting bandwagon.”

Celebrating Juneteenth with jazz in the library garden with music provided by the group Forecast has become a popular tradition for Euclid Public Library. In this episode of "Checked Out," Mike Stein and Jean Robinson had a conversation with two members of Cleveland's legendary jazz group. 

Get ready for adventure by learning about Euclid Public Library's 2024 Summer Reading Program for All Ages. In this podcast, you’ll learn about plans for EPL’s Reading Festival on May 25 at 1:00 pm-4:00 pm. You’ll also enjoy a lively conversation with author Mindy McGinnis who will be one of the authors at this special event.

We’ve featured many authors at the library but it’s rare to meet one that is still in high school. In today’s podcast, meet Euclid High School honor student Dymond Horton and learn about her first book of poetry. You can meet the young author at EPL on January 20 at 1:30 pm.

If you are wondering how to pry your kids away from their mobile phones and videogames, one local organization has a solution, take them fishing! This podcast episode introduces you to Dennis James Knowles and Gail Ann Grizzell, founders of  The Fishing Foundation , a group that introduces inner city kids to fishing.

Sometimes, when you read a good book, you want to tell everyone about it. That is exactly what YouTube book lovers (or BookTubers) do. In this episode of  Checked Out , Kacie Armstrong and Mike Stein had a conversation with Cleveland BookTuber Nahomy Ortiz-Garcia who explained how she shares her love of reading on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.   

Are you looking for a way to engage your child in reading and catch up on their studies? Look no further than Cuyahoga Reads, a fantastic program brought to you by Greater Cleveland partnering libraries. With this innovative new program, students in grades K-12 will embark on an exciting reading challenge that is both educational and fun. To kick off the program, everyone is invited to a free day...

Cleveland, Ohio has been called "America's Polka Capitol" but did you know that the roots of America's good time music run deep in the Cleveland suburb of Euclid, Ohio? You can learn more about Euclid's role by listening to our podcast with Joe Valencic from the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum.

Euclid and the Greater Cleveland area are home to many talented artists. We are excited to introduce you to one Euclid organization that has been bringing these artists together for 65 years to share their techniques and showcase their incredible work. In this podcast episode, get ready to dive into the world of The Euclid Art Association.

Looking to take your business to the next level? Look no further than networking! Tune into this Checked Out podcast episode with the Euclid Chamber of Commerce to learn how networking can help you grow your business.

Gather round, Euclid and Cleveland! It's time to team up and get competitive with "The Big Clean" – a friendly neighborhood competition to see which city can pick up the most trash on Earth Day. You can witness the power of two Ohio cities working together on April 22nd starting at 9:00 am and ending with an Earth Day party. Tune into our latest podcast episode to learn more about th...

The Ukraine-Russian war has surpassed the one-year mark. Hundreds of Ukrainian refugees have made their way to the Greater Cleveland, Ohio area. In this podcast episode, our special guests from Global Cleveland share what is being done in Cleveland to support those affected by the war and what you can do to help.

Did you know that you can meet Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, and Amelia Earhart? Thanks to a local group of actresses from Women in History, you can learn about inspiring women through their performances. Ruth Pangrace, a member of this group, is our special guest in this podcast episode.  If you haven’t been to a Women in History performance, join us on March 23 at noon for a lunch performa...