L-Town Radio

Joe talks with filmmaker Joe Dante ("Gremlins," "Innerspace," "The 'Burbs") about growing up in Livingston, watching atomic-age monster movies as a kid, and what the success of films like "Obsession" and "Backrooms" means for the future of moviegoing. Plus, Hongmei talks about music to get you in the spirit of the World Cup, and Kerri discusses some of the most anticipated books hitting our shelve...

Joe tells the story of the Horseneck Riots, an episode of Livingston history that helped pave the way for American independence. Plus, Archana highlights programs on our June calendar commemorating America250, Pride Month, and Juneteenth; Hongmei tells us about Juneteenth events happening around New Jersey this month; and Kerri discusses some of the most anticipated books hitting our shelves in Ju...

Joe talks with Lu Lynch, our new Youth Services Librarian, about how they impacted their library as a middle schooler, how they hope to share their love of manga and Dungeons & Dragons with our young patrons, and how they hope to strengthen community at the library. Plus, Ragini tells us about some of the great new books headed to our shelves in May; Archana fills us in on some of the wonderful pr...

Nadia, Amy, Lisa, Nick, and Joe celebrate National Poetry Month by reading poems by Maya Angelou, Stanley Kunitz, Billy Collins, Franny Choi, Linda Hogan, and Robert Miller; plus, Hongmei talks about poetry in music; Archana highlights some of the great programs on our April calendar; and Ragini fills us in on some of the most eagerly-awaited books hitting our shelves this month.

Joe talks with our new Adult Services Department Head Ragini Lall about her NJLA award-winning work organizing the library's Special Needs Resource Fair, as well as how her experience in Human Resources prepared her to be a public librarian. Plus, Hongmei talks about recordings that were honored at this year's Grammy Awards; Archana highlights some of the great programs on our March calendar; and...

Joe talks with Lisa Jenkins of our Youth Services department about her background in developmental psychology, about the moment she knew she wanted to be a public librarian, about her NJLA award-winning "Makers of History" program, and about some of her favorite spooky stories for young readers. Plus, Hongmei talks about music for the Lunar New Year; Archana highlights some of the great programs o...

Joe reads "Some Things Never Change," a heartwarming tale of holiday spirit by Livingston historian Freeman Harrison. Plus, Ragini tells us about some of the most anticipated new books hitting our shelves this month, and Hongmei shares some thoughts on Rosalia's new album.

Joe talks with Barbara Sax, President of the Arts Council of Livingston, about her career as an art teacher, the roles that emotion and intuition play in her own artistic process, and keeping the creative spirit alive in our community. Plus, Archana highlights some of the fantastic programs scheduled on our November calendar; Hongmei shares some thoughts on Taylor Swift's latest album; and Ragini...

Joe talks with Jeff Friedman about his long & successful career as a TV director / producer, as well as how he serves the community through his organization, Livingston Philanthropies. Plus, Ragini highlights some of the most anticipated new books hitting library shelves this month; Hongmei talks about great music to listen to this fall season; and Archana discusses some of the fantastic programs...

Joe talks with acclaimed musician Yang Jin about her musical journey, her work with the Livingston community, and how she seeks to connect people through music. Plus, Archana highlights some of the great programs on our September calendar, Hongmei shares resources to celebrate Classical Music Month, and Ragini tells us about the most anticipated books hitting the library shelves this month.

Joe talks with Shilpa Kulkarni, President and co-founder of Shiv's Third Eye, a local organization that promotes mental wellness for adolescents and their surrounding communities. Shilpa discusses her journey from India to Japan to New Jersey, and how she channeled the pain of a tremendous tragedy into transformative community activism. Plus, Jessica highlights some of the most anticipated books h...

Amy interviews Joe about being named one of Library Journal's "Movers & Shakers," about how storytelling can strengthen community bonds, and how a screening of "Pulp Fiction" changed their life forever. Plus, Jessica spotlights some of the most anticipated books hitting our shelves this month, Hongmei talks about beachy music to get you in the summer spirit, and Archana highlights some of the grea...

Joe talks with Dave Gebroe of the Discograffiti podcast about growing up in Livingston, about the rough road he traveled between directing films and producing podcasts, and about his fascination with Moby Grape. Plus, Archana tells us about some of the great programs on our May calendar, Hongmei talks about the therapeutic power of Tibetan flute music, and Jessica highlights some of the most antic...

Joe chats with "Weird NJ" founder/editor Mark Moran about growing up in Livingston; about exploring & discovering weird stuff in his youth (including a terrifying experience involving a mysterious and sinister cult); and about how an article he wrote may have inspired the creation of "The Sopranos." Plus, Hongmei talks about a timeless pop/rock song, and Jessica fills us in on the most anticipated...

Our annual Poetry Month episode features Ken Ronkowitz, a poet and educator who taught in Livingston for 25 years. Ken shares some of his poetry and talks about his experiences as an English teacher, about the form of poetry he invented called the "Ronka," and about how writing a poem is like "finding the angel within." Plus: Nick, Jessica, Amy, Lisa, and Joe recite some well-loved poems; Archana...

Joe talks with community superstar Fang Gong (Livingston Multicultural Parents Association, Livingston Chinese Association, Arts Council of Livingston) about her journey from graduate student to "Class Mom" to a seat on the Livingston Board of Education; Jessica tells us about the most anticipated new books headed to our shelves this month; Hongmei plays some beautiful meditative music; Archana hi...

Joe talks with three-time Livingston Mayor Al Anthony about his work in environmental law, what it's like to serve as Mayor for one year at a time, and a few of his favorite books. Plus, Archana highlights some of the great programs on our February calendar; Hongmei shares a clip of a song by the world's most famous recording artist; and Jessica tells us about the most anticipated books hitting ou...

Joe chats with Reggie Sims, writer and former Assistant Prosecutor with the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, about his experiences as a Black teen in '60s suburbia, working as a substitute teacher, and enjoying retired life in Livingston. Plus, Hongmei shares a clip of a classic pop-rock tune, and Jessica spotlights the most anticipated books hitting our shelves in December.

Joe talks with artist and art teacher Hugh Mahon about his work with the Arts Council of Livingston, his experiences as an art teacher, and his artistic philosophies. Plus, Archana highlights some of the great programs on our November calendar, Jessica tells us about the most eagerly awaited books hitting our shelves this month, and Hongmei plays a clip of a lovely autumnal song.

Joe interviews writer / DJ / producer / music historian Chuck Granata, author of "Sessions with Sinatra: Frank Sinatra and the Art of Recording" and "Wouldn't It Be Nice: Brian Wilson and the Making of the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds." Plus, Hongmei shares an adorable rendition of a classic hit song; Jessica tells us about some of the most anticipated books hitting our shelves this month; and Archana h...

Joe talks with Heidi Blum, Livingston's "Food Czar" and the host of the "Behind the Counter" podcast, about culinary memories, great local restaurants, and favorite food-related TV shows. Plus, Archana highlights some of the exciting programs on our July calendar, Hongmei shares a special summertime song, and Jessica fills us in on the most anticipated books headed to our shelves this month.

Joe talks with our own Amy Babcock about her lifelong love of libraries, her journey to becoming Director of the Livingston Public Library, and her vision for the LPL's future. Plus, Hongmei shares a song about nostalgia, and Jessica tells us about the most anticipated books headed to our shelves in June.

In celebration of National Poetry Month, Joe talks with poet Susan Rothbard, the award-winning author of "Birds of New Jersey" and a former Livingston school teacher; Lisa, Amy, Jessica, Gail, and Joe recite some of their favorite poetry, including works by Nick Flynn, Pablo Neruda, Taylor Swift, Emily Dickinson, Caitlin Seida, and Conor Oberst; Hongmei plays a clip of an Oscar-winning song; Jessi...

Joe chats with "Weird NJ" founder/editor Mark Moran about growing up in Livingston; about exploring & discovering weird stuff in his youth (including a terrifying experience involving a mysterious and sinister cult); and about how an article he wrote may have inspired the creation of "The Sopranos." Plus, Hongmei shares a clip of a timeless song, and Jessica fills us in on the most anticipated boo...

Joe tells the story of Livingston's Chris Jacobs, who overcame addiction to win gold at the 1988 Summer Olympics; Hongmei shares a clip of a song to commemorate our first episode of the new year; Jessica fills us in on the most anticipated books hitting our shelves this month; Archana talks about programs on our February calendar in honor of Abraham Lincoln and Black History Month.