Nantucket Atheneum Podcast

While reviewing the hundreds of books in the Atheneum's library catalogue from 1900, Jim noticed 19 volumes by a writer by the name of Harriet Martineau. In some cases, there was a record of more than one copy, indicating that her books must have been very popular among patrons at the time. Jim was surprised he had never heard of her before. So he went looking for more and discovered the extr...

In this episode, Janet and Jim transition from the 1841 catalogue to the 1900 catalogue, but before they dive into what books were on the shelves, Jim points out some of the major events and transitions the Gray Lady experienced in those formative 60 years and how they impacted the story of the Nantucket Atheneum. References and more information: The Nantucket Historical Associate recently acquire...

In this week's episode, Janet picks two volumes from the 1841 catalogue because of their curious titles and Ji  dives into what these books are about and who are the people that wrote them. They discuss The History of Chivalry by George Payne Rainsford James published in 1833, and Dissertation on the Prophecies that have been fulfilled, are now fulfilling, or will hereafter be fulfilled, rela...

In this episode, Janet and Jim take a closer look at the voyages of Captain James Cook, Sir Frederick William Beechey and Baptist Minister Howard Malcolm and why the travels of these men would be of interest to the Atheneum patrons in 1841. Jim talks about why islanders at the time were keeping up with discoveries far beyond the shores of Nantucket and how it served them.   The Shelves of Yore is...

Janet and Jim return to the 1841 catalogue and peruse the “health & science” section. You’ll learn about the field of Phenology and why you probably have never heard of the field of Phrenology.  Jim puts a few volumes and the authors in their historical context and draws parallels to the present day.   The Shelves of Yore is a production of the Nantucket Atheneum.  It was written, narrated, an...

In the first episode of The Shelves of Yore, Adult Programs Coordinator Janet Forest and Reference Library Associate Jim Borzilleri take you back to the year 1841 when the Nantucket Atheneum was a members-only institution and the island was prospering at the height of the whaling industry.  Jim explains the significance of the 1841 library catalogue created by the first head librarian Maria Mitche...

Adult Programs Coordinator Janet Forest sits down with Reference Library Associate Jim Borzilleri to take a deep dive into Atheneum library catalogues from 1841 and 1900. The 1841 catalogue reflects the prosperity of the whaling industry and the affluent members privy to the Atheneum's collection, and it is one of the few records of what was lost in the Great Fire of 1846. The 1900 catalogue...

Janet interviews Amy Jenness, who has been Head of Adult Programing for 16 years. Amy talks about how she fell into her position and what she has learned about what makes a great program. She shares funny stories and memories, and she and Janet talk about what it was like to transition to virtual programming during the pandemic. Behind the Shelves is a production The Nantucket Atheneum. It was wri...

In this episode, Janet asks her colleagues what makes the Atheneum so special to the community. Is it the collections or the building or the staff or the patrons? A little bit of everything? Or something greater than the sum of its parts? You'll also find out the staff's favorite spots in the library and what it was like to reopen the building to the public have being closed for more tha...

What's the difference between a librarian and someone who works at the library? What does it take to get a Masters in Library Science?  In this episode, Janet asks Ann, Leslie, Lincoln and Liz about what it was like to study library science. She also interviews the rest of the staff about what role they play and what special gifts and talents they bring to the Atheneum  Behind the Shelves is...

In this episode, Janet tracks down Lincoln Thurber and Jim Borzilleri to find out what they are up to in the reference department and what goes on in the Great Hall on a daily basis. Plus she peaks inside the Atheneum's Vault and finds how the reference department decides what to keep and what to let go of. Here are links to a couple things that Janet references in the episode: Recordings of...

The Weezie Library for Children has the vision to make every child a library user. In this episode, Janet talks to Head of the Children's Department Leslie Malcolm and her team to find out what they do to support children from the their very first library card to their development into teen and adult material. She also explains her approach for reluctant readers. Behind the Shelves is a produ...

In this episode of Behind the Shelves,  the Atheneum staff talk about the lengths libraries go to in order to protect your privacy. They explain why it's important for public libraries to be a place where people feel safe to seek what every information or materials they need. Behind the Shelves is a production The Nantucket Atheneum. It was written, edited and narrated by Janet Forest. Specia...

In this episode, Janet and her colleagues address the misperceptions people have about libraries and librarians. They discuss how libraries have evolved from quiet sanctuaries to community hubs. They put to rest the fears people have about overdue books, late fees and shooshing librarians. Behind the Shelves is a production of The Nantucket Atheneum. It is written, edited and narrated by Janet For...

Janet Forest, Adult Programs Coordinator at the Nantucket Atheneum interviews her colleagues and takes you on a behind the scenes tour of the island's only public library. Each episode tackles a different topic from misperceptions people have about libraries to understanding what it takes to be a "real" librarian.