Rockford Public Library

With the grand reopening of Beyer Stadium just around the corner, we're bringing back this episode featuring Author and International Women’s Baseball Center CEO, Kat Williams.  Join us for an exhilarating conversation with Lara Griffin, RPL podcast host, and historian Dr. Kat Williams. Women's baseball has been a lifelong passion for Kat, beginning when she was a girl playing in the str...

In this episode, we sit down with author Andrew Mertzenich to discuss his book, Forest City Yester - Queer , a groundbreaking exploration of Rockford's LGBTQ+ history. Our conversation explores the importance of preserving local history, uncovering stories that were once hidden, and why understanding the past helps us better understand our communities today. Whether you're interested in...

What does it take to build a filmmaking community from the ground up in a mid-sized Midwest city? Bridget Finn, RPL Marketing Director, sat down with Neil Bloom- writer, director, and founder of Future Films, and the Rockford Public Library’s newest Artist in Residence - for a conversation about storytelling, ego-free sets, and why he believes Rockford has everything it needs to support a thriv9ng...

Kick off summer with curiosity, creativity, and reading! In this episode, East Branch Manager Erin Birdsong joins us to share how the Summer Reading Challenge brings the Rockford community together—one book at a time.

We’re proud to partner with the Muslim Women of Rockford to celebrate culture, connection, and community at Rockford Public Library.  In our latest podcast episode, Bridget Finn sits down with Sameena Zahurullah to talk about the special Ramadan Storytimes and the beautiful exhibit, " Threads that Bind: Ramadan, Dress, and Service ,"  now on display in the Elias Cosper Gallery. Together,...

We're talking with Rockford Public Library librarian, Sarah Stumpf, about the book African Americans in Early Rockford (1834-1871). This groundbreaking book uncovers the lives, strength, and contributions of Rockford’s earliest Black residents—individuals and families who built foundations of community, culture, and resilience long before the city we know today fully took shape.  You can pre-...

Join us as Rockford Public Library staff share their top picks in three exciting genres: biography , mystery , and science fiction . Whether you’re curious about inspiring life stories, love unraveling thrilling whodunits, or crave adventures in futuristic worlds, we’ve got recommendations that will keep you turning pages. Tune in for insider insights, hidden gems, and books that deserve a spot on...

 Join us as we sit down with local artist Brett Whitacre to explore his exhibition, Everything’s Fine: cheerfully poking at the disconnect between bright pop imagery and underlying struggles . Brett shares the inspirations behind his work — from vintage Americana and found relics of daily life to salvaged materials like wood, windowpanes, and old televisions. Discover how his cheerful, pop-infused...

 Banned, controversial, essential—Army veteran, poet, author, and owner of the independent bookstore Maze Books , Dave Pedersen joins the RPL Podcast to explore the power of these books. Stay tuned for a great conversation and hear Dave’s banned book recommendations. 

Ever wonder how Rockford Public Library decides which books make it to the shelves — and how that affects you as a reader? In this episode, I talk with Adult Collections librarian Sarah Stumpf about the behind-the-scenes process of building the collection, from community requests to hidden gems. Along the way, you’ll pick up library lingo like ‘circ,’ ‘weeding,’ and discover how Sarah’s passion en...

We’re excited to introduce you to Anthony Cortez, the new Executive Director of the Rockford Public Library. With a strong background in IT and finance, Anthony is stepping into a role that’s all about connection, creativity, and community impact. In this episode, we’ll talk about his vision for the future of the library and what it means to lead one of Rockford’s most vital public institutions. W...

In this episode, we’re joined by Katelyn Coombes, Digital Content Specialist at the Rockford Public Library, who shares the inside scoop on the library’s digital offerings. From free e-books and audiobooks to powerful online databases, Katelyn breaks down how these resources can save you money while expanding your access to knowledge and entertainment. Whether you’re a student, a job seeker, or ju...

Jean Lythgoe began her career at Rockford Public Library at just 18 years old. Six decades later, she's become a beloved fixture and true legend of the institution. In this episode, we sit down with Jean to explore how libraries have transformed and her perspective on the importance of libraries today.  Note: Jean retired shortly before this episode was recorded, capping off an extraordinary...

Artist Kristin Beyers joins us to share the story behind her enchanting dragon installation at the Rockford Public Library — a blend of fantasy, sculpture, and community magic that brings mythical creatures to life among the bookshelves. Come and visit the dragons in the Youth Services area at the Main Library, 118 N. Main St. Follow Kristin on Instagram @trallacreative and on facebook at https://...

Join us for an exciting dive into the Rockford Public Library's Summer Reading Challenge! In this episode, we sit down with Erin Birdsong, the Youth Services Manager who's bringing an epic reading adventure to life. Whether you're a curious kid or an adventure-loving adult, RPL's Summer Reading Challenge has something for everyone. What to Expect: Insider details about the Summ...

We welcome to the podcast Rebecca Olson, a passionate conservationist who has dedicated her career to land and water preservation throughout Northern Illinois and beyond. As the founder and president of Olson Ecological Solutions, a woman-owned consulting firm established in 2006, Rebecca brings extensive expertise in environmental restoration. Her work focuses on creating, protecting, and enhanci...

Join Bridget Finn, RPL Marketing Director, as she sits down with Library Executive Director Lynn Stainbrook to explore the inspiring vision behind the new main library. Discover how thoughtful design and a commitment to accessibility are transforming what a library can mean for an entire community.  Intro and Outro music is A Short Walk With You by Purrple Cat You can find it here: Purrple Cat - A...

Join us for an exhilarating conversation with Lara Griffin, RPL podcast host, and historian Dr. Kat Williams. Women's baseball has been a lifelong passion for Kat, beginning when she was a girl playing in the streets and fields around her home. This dedication led her to author three books on women who have been a part of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). In this e...