Top Shelf with Russell Library

Join Stephanie, Christy, and Kate as they interview the newest member of the podcast team, Dillon (me the editor) about all things Manga.  As well as some important announcements and upcoming events from Shannon and Kim in TTSU followed by more book recommendations from Stephanie, Christy, and Kate in Shelf Life. Book Recommendations Heartstopper by Alice Oseman Lore Olympus (Vol 1) by Rachel Smyt...

When it comes to romance, readers have historically landed squarely on one side of the fence... love em' or hate em'. As the genre evolves, however, we're starting to see a new wave of romance fans. In today's episode, Stephanie, Christy, and Briana strive to deconstruct the contemporary romance genre. They'll explore a variety of tropes; such as, second chance romance, en...

Do you identify as an Oscar buff? Are you fascinated by the history and lore surrounding this annual cinematic event? If so, this episode is for you! Kate, Kim, and Christy sit down with special guest, Jeremy Bond, to chat about all things related to the world-renowned Academy Awards. Pull up a comfy chair, grab some popcorn, and get inspired to celebrate the best pictures of 2024! This podcast us...

The winter solstice is upon us! Too many of us enter the darker months with a feeling of dread, but what if it didn't have to be this way? The solstice is a time to embrace the return of the light and rejoice in the gifts that the colder months have to offer. In this conversation, Kate will share a little history surrounding the winter solstice. Shannon will offer ideas for solstice celebrati...

We are thrilled to bring this episode to our listeners on the last day of Indigenous People's Heritage Month! The Russell Library recently had the pleasure of partnering with Kyle O'Neil and her father and Wangunk Elder, Gary O'Neil, to showcase Kyle's 20 year retrospective journey as an artist. This conversation includes a retelling of Briana and Christy's experience host...

Do urban legends intrigue you? Does local folklore spark your imagination? If so, you won't want to miss our second spooky episode of the season! Librarians, Shannon, Briana, and Christy sit down with our Assistant Director of Public Services, Mary, to share CT urban legends. Where did these stories start? What was their intended purpose? Is there truth behind the myth?... You decide... And s...

Spooky Season is almost here and the Russell Library Podcast Team couldn't be happier about it! In preparation for our Secrets of Russell Library Tours, Kim and Briana interviewed Ursula Wiebusch and Melissa Whited from the Eastern CT Paranormal Society. Ursula supports ECPS as an investigator/photographer and Melissa serves as an investigator and Karuna Reiki® II Practitioner. This conversat...

Most of us have had the experience of curling up with a cup of tea and a good book, but have you ever tried pairing that book with a bowl of ice cream? If not, we highly recommend it! The podcast team took this episode on the road and visited AL's Ice Cream Shoppe located at 696 Main Street. We combined AL's exciting array of flavors with summer book recommendations. The results were a l...

Welcome to Middletown Strong's first ever in-the-field interview! As Middletown Pride partners, we wanted to share the experience of being at this joyful live event. You'll feel like you're standing beside us on Main Street as you listen to Shannon and Christy talk banned books with Olivia Scully and Mary Richardson. Olivia is the Help Desk Coordinator for Bibliomation Inc. and Co-c...

Middletown Juneteenth 2023 is right around the corner! Juneteenth is a federal holiday celebrated on June 19th to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. In today's episode, Ayanna and Christy chat with Andre Keitt, renowned storyteller, who will be performing at this year's Juneteenth celebration. We will also share excerpts from a previous interview with Erica Hunte...

Middletown Pride 2023 is almost here! On today's episode, Ayanna & Christy will be interviewing this year's Middletown Pride Grand Marshalls, Derek Cartagena and Karleigh Webb. They generously share a bit about their personal journeys, along with the many hats they wear within the Pride community. This interview reminds us that we always have something to learn from one another, as l...

Countless people around the world are living with chronic illness and chronic pain. Unfortunately, many of these individuals jump from doctor to doctor and still fail to find relief within the mainstream medical system. Our guest today, Erik Harris, found himself in this very position. When he finally exhausted all of his options within the  conventional medicine system, he started exploring the r...

Welcome to Season 3 of Middletown Strong: Looking Up with Russell Library! We are thrilled to kick off our new season during Women's History Month. Our guest today, Marcelina Ortiz, is an inspiration to anyone who has ever been told they couldn't do something. In 1977, Marcelina made the decision to train as a welder as a means of supporting her four young children. She never anticipated...

As we close out Season 2 of our podcast, it seems fitting to talk about how endings, endings of all sizes, shape the human experience. Our guest today, Marcella Trowbridge, speaks about the most significant ending of all... the end of life.  She shares openly with Christy and Stephanie about her role as an end-of-life doula, also known as a death doula. While it's natural to fear our mortalit...

Over the past several years, the word "hygge" (pronounced " hoo-gah ") has made it's way into the American lexicon. If you're new to the term, we invite you to get cozy with this Danish word meaning, a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being . As we journey through the long, dark days of winter, hygge can...

Are you tired of making resolutions every January 1st? Do you feel disappointed just thinking about how you'll likely let yourself down again this year? Well, perhaps it's time to put a new spin on things. In today's episode, Stephanie, Shannon, and Jae talk about "anti-resolutions". They'll define what this means and how to apply it in your own life. Maybe '2023...

The holidays can be a magical time, but they can also weigh one down with expectations. In this episode, Jae, Stephanie, and Christy talk honestly about these expectations and how to set healthy boundaries this holiday season. If you've been worried about finding the perfect gift, managing your holiday finances, or letting go of traditions that no longer fit, this episode will be a balm to yo...

The holidays are officially here, for many of us, this means a season of gift-giving and increased consumption. Are you dreading the idea of creating more waste? If so, this episode is for you. Christy and Jae chat with Yasemin Ugurlu, owner of Reboot Eco and Kim O'Rourke, Middletown Recycling Coordinator, for this eco-conscious powerhouse of an episode! They'll discuss environmental ini...

Inclusivity is one of the many great reasons to call Middletown home. In today's episode, Ayanna chats with Christine Rebstock, Middletown resident and LGBTQIA Commissioner for the City of Middletown. Christine shares her personal story and offers thoughtful guidance as we enter into Trans Awareness Week. Don't miss this great conversation! https://www.middletownct.gov/529/LGBTQIA-Commis...

It's always a good time to think about the needs of others, but it's especially top of mind around the holidays. The Middletown Community Thanksgiving Project is a perfect example of Middletown's ability to come together in service. In today's conversation, Ayanna sits down with Lara SantaMaria, Executive Director of Ministry Services at Fellowship Church and the coordinator of...

There's nothing quite like browsing through a beautiful store to find that perfect gift. In an age of online shopping and instant gratification, it's a joy to slow down and connect with the tangible, tactile world. In today's episode, Christy and Stephanie chat with Kristin Smith from Pocket Full of Posies to explore the wondrous shop created by her mother, Dottie. Together, Dottie...

Today's episode dives into the Secrets of Russell Library. Kim sits down with staff members, Amy Slowik, Mary Dattilo, and Denise Mackey-Russo to discuss the history of our "Franken-building" and the spooky tours happening throughout the month of October. Our library certainly isn't lacking in intrigue, register for a tour today and see for yourself! https://russelllibrary.org/...

If you're a fan of middle grade fiction you are absolutely going to love this episode! Our three eager hosts (Stephanie, Kate and Christy) enjoy an enthusiastic Shelf Life Takeover with local author, Jake Burt. They discuss Jake's writing process, the inspiration behind his dynamic characters, lessons as an educator, and even the eerily predictive nature of Cleo Porter and the Body Elect...

To say it's been a challenging past two years for educators would be a massive understatement. In today's conversation, Cate Tsahalis chats with local educator, Sarah Schulenburg. Sarah is the EIST at Snow School, a parent of an MPS student and the newest member of the Russell Library Board of Trustees. Cate and Sarah discuss the effects of the pandemic on educators, the impact of techno...

Grab a cup of coffee and settle in for this wonderful conversation between Christy and local author and teacher, Matthew Dicks. This interview is a journey... weaving effortlessly between topics; such as, the art of storytelling, the education system, writing, parenting, finding hidden gems in Connecticut and the challenges of living unhoused. Matthew is an open and generous guest who will inspire...