OCL Sound Waves

Angie’s novels and essays have been showered in praise and prizes. Notably, Miracle Creek captured the ⁠Edgar Award⁠ , ⁠Pinckley Prize⁠ , ⁠ Strand⁠ ⁠ Critics’ Award⁠ and ⁠ITW Thriller Award⁠ and landed among Time Magazine’s 100 best thrillers of all time. Happiness Falls topped the New York Times bestseller list, won the ⁠Virginia Literary Award⁠ and became ⁠Oprah Daily⁠ ’s highest-rated novel of...

Setting out to create the world that your players and characters will inhabit? Want to know some indispensable fundamentals that will let all the action flow seamlessly? Join our librarian Thomas as he discloses some secrets of his success as a longtime gamer and Dungeon Master.

The Ocean County Library and Waves of YA are thrilled to bring into our spotlight one of the hottest authors in the genre as we enter 2025. Join librarians Summer and Vincent in a casual-yet-deep chat with Tatiana Schlote-Bonne, whose debut novel Such Lovely Skin lit up the literary world. You'll find unexpected links that connect storytelling, community and video games.

Join Frank and Diane for a thought-provoking discussion of TJ Klune's newest, Somewhere Beyond the Sea. Find out why his singular combinations of realism and fantasy, toughness and vulnerability attract legions of fans who read his entire catalog and hunger for more. Books discussed, all by TJ Klune: Somewhere Beyond the Sea House in the Cerulean Sea Under the Whispering Door In the Lives of P...

Much has been written through the decades about the wartime exploits of Leonard "Bud" Lomell, the Ocean Countyan whose bravery is universally credited with changing the fortunes of the Allies during D-Day. But he was more than an icon. He was a husband, a father, a reliable friend to those who knew him and a diligent pillar of his community who carried on his life with candor, wit and mo...

A.R. Vishny masterfully blends humor and gravity, past and present, natural and supernatural in Night Owls . Join our librarians Summer and Rachel and A.R. Vishny for a wide-ranging, freewheeling discussion about this compelling debut novel.

Welcome, adventurers! Join Thomas for the debut of this thought-provoking series aimed at helping you to build the skills you'll need to create the world you desire for gaming or writing purposes. You'll become familiar with the topics that "FYI" will cover and also with Thomas's extensive personal experience and expertise in the field. Be sure to join Thomas each month and "Forge Your Imagination...

Welcome to a seat at the table with members of the Ocean County Library's Ocean Pride Committee as they explore current literary works with main characters who identify as asexual, and how the evolution of sexual identity is informing content and transforming viewpoints. Titles mentioned in this episode include: Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire "Wayward Children" series by Seanan McGuire I...

This new short sequence will provide you with brief conversations of what is happening at Ocean County Library. It can be about books, digital materials, programs and events, or exciting news we want to share with you! Tune in to learn more about the Ocean County Library and what we have to offer!

Like your lit scary and gripping and you just can't wait for the next page? Meet rising YA Horror superstar Jamison Shea. Join our librarians Summer and Chris for a look inside Jamison's newly published novel I Am the Darkness That Answers When You Call , available at the Ocean County Library.

Join Diane and Megan for a look inside Luma Mufleh's poignant, compelling memoir From Here . The discussion is sure to provide insights about what changing social mores have meant through the recent past and what they might mean in the future.

The Pine Barrens constitute roughly 22 percent of New Jersey's total land area, and there is much more to this preserved acreage than the famed Jersey Devil of folklore. In this episode, discover why cranberries grow effortlessly there and why you can credit the Pine Barrens for the bushels of bright blueberries that make the produce section of your favorite market look a little more festive. Get...

Which books have you read in your lifetime that left you absolutely grateful for having spent time in the pages? Join librarians Summer, Casey and Chris as they comb their memory banks for titles and authors that have shaped their lives.

Settle back with our librarians Diane and Valerie for an exploration of Olivia Wolfgang-Smith's debut novel Glassworks . You'll gain insights about the theme and the ideas that spring from it. Titles discussed in this podcast include: Glassworks , by Olivia Wolfgang-Smith Mutual Interest , by Olivia Wolfgang-Smith Immortalists , by Chloe Benjamin The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna , by Ju...

This new short sequence will provide you with brief conversations of what is happening at Ocean County Library. It can be about books, digital materials, programs and events, or exciting news we want to share with you! Tune in to learn more about the Ocean County Library and what we have to offer!

Oooh, it's scary in here! Join our teen librarians in a discussion of horror media, things that scare us, and what to read if you're a fan of "spooky," but not necessarily of "scary."

If you haven't seen the motion picture The Amityville Horror , the chances are good that you have heard of this classic thriller. What you might not know is that parts of the original movie were filmed right here at the Ocean County Library in Toms River. The branch's Wheeler Room, in fact, contains several artifacts from the filming, including a button that was donated by the crew. It bears the l...

October is Italian American Heritage Month in the U.S., recognizing the achievements and contributions of Italian immigrants to the country's way of life. When Congress and President George H.W. Bush ratified the designation in 1989, October was chosen to coincide with Columbus Day. In this episode, we explore the history of Columbus Day. Time-travel with us back to Louisiana in the 1890s, whe...

Dive into adventure! Our Candlekeep players explore the mysteries surrounding a conflict between a settlememt of grippli and an invading force!

Please join librarians Diane and Frank for an exploration of Taleen Voskuni's debut novel, Sorry, Bro. You'll gain insights about the theme and a great many ideas that spring from it. Titles discussed in this episode: Sorry, Bro, by Taleen Voskuni One Man Guy, by Michael Barakiva Hold My Hand, by Michael Barakiva That Summer Feeling, by Bridget Morrissey Chef's Kiss, by TJ Alexander Ch...

Our librarians might not have superpowers, but it doesn't stop them from running wild. Do they prefer superhero movies or comics? What would be their superhero names and superpowers? Join the group geek-out about all things that are super and get some superhero media recommendations along the way.

Join OCL staffers Amy, Erin and Thomas and their very special guest Mike Schubert, host of the PJ podcast The Newest Olympian and many others as they explore the book and TV series Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief.

Welcome to the first episode of the Ocean County Library's history series, "Wheeler Talk: The History of Ocean County." Each episode will focus on a historic event that originated or involved the county and its residents and will highlight artifacts, articles and documents that can be found in the Hugh B. Wheeler Room, OCL's archival preservation space. The fire that consumed the...

Join Straw Hat librarians on the high seas as they discuss what drew them to One Piece, which Devil Fruit they would want to eat and much more in this rollicking adventure episode!

Is it true that "a picture says a thousand words?" Join our OCL Librarians Summer, Cecilia and Chris as they examine world of graphic novels and the evolution of the genre over time, discuss some of their favorites, and take a look at their importance in children's and teen lit.