Your Family, Your Library

Melody and Laurel join the podcast to chat about the importance of intergenerational interactions and how the library creates opportunities for these relationships. 

Brenna and Amy talk with Marni about the trending loneliness epidemic we're experiencing and how the library creates space for human connection. 

Brittany Bouyer and Zeeshan Farooq were chosen as our November 2025 and March 2026 Makers in Residence. Marni sits down with them individually to talk about their inspiration and community projects. 

Librarians Laurel and Maria share the idea behind the Skokie Yearbook Project, a yearlong community-focused initiative, and some of their favorite moments from the past year. 

Information Services Supervisor Amy shares her tips for evaluating and navigating information, as well as some of her favorite reference questions.    Show Notes: https://www.skokielibrary.info/podcast

We wrap up our conversation with Niles Township Supervisor Bonnie Kahn Ognisanti. We explore her background in policy writing, what's new in Springfield, and how the community can give back.   

Niles Township Supervisor Bonnie Kahn Ognisanti joins Marni and Richard to dive into the workings of a township and what services they provide. 

We conclude our conversation with Executive Director Richard Kong. After the interview, we give you a behind-the-scenes look at a recent community volunteer project.    Find the show notes on our website: https://www.skokielibrary.info/podcast

Richard Kong became the Skokie Public Library executive director in 2016. During his tenure, he's experienced a lot of change (like multiple renovation projects), but the library's commitment to the community hasn't wavered.    Show notes: https://skokielibrary.info/your-family-your-library/

In 2025, Skokie Public Library welcomed its first Maker in Residence: Julie Oh!    Learn more about Julie's inspiration, advice to new crafters, and what she's worked on in the Studio.    https://skokielibrary.info/your-family-your-library/

Experiential Learning Supervisor Marni joins Katie to discuss the importance of art in personal and professional growth, and how the library supports STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) for all ages.  Want to connect? Email us at podcast at skokielibrary dot info.  https://skokielibrary.info/your-family-your-library The Studio BOOMbox at Home Time Piece Activity Skokie Fact: Te...

We bid a tearful goodbye to Caitlin and reflect on Katie and Caitlin's achievements as "Your Family, Your Library" hosts.    Keep an eye out for new episodes in 2025!

Katie and Caitlin wrap up their conversation with naturalist Amanda Krause. They chat about the history behind lawns and how families can get started with native plants.  Find our show notes on our website: https://skokielibrary.info/your-family-your-library/

Naturalist Amanda Krause from Oakton College joins our Youth librarians to chat about how adults and children can get involved in nature and highlights the advantages of spending time in nature.    Learn more about our podcast and find show notes here on our website: https://skokielibrary.info/your-family-your-library/ Get in touch with our team by emailing us . 

Does birth order determine your child's personality? Katie and Caitlin share their views on birth order in their own family and chat about how they introduced their older children to their new siblings.    Find our resources at https://skokielibrary.info/your-family-your-library/

Caitlin and Katie talk about how they make time for themselves in their busy schedules. They also share their challenges and successes in growing their relationships with their partners.    Learn more about our podcast: https://skokielibrary.info/your-family-your-library/   Talk to us! Email us podcast at skokielibrary dot info. 

What is burnout, and are we all burned out right now? Katie and Caitlin explore ways to manage burnout and provide library resources for burned-out caregivers.  https://skokielibrary.info/your-family-your-library/ Want to get in touch? Email us at podcast@skokielibrary.info to start the conversation!

Producer Amber and sound engineer Paul join Caitlin and Katie for this special first anniversary episode. The team reflects on their year on the podcast and their parenting journeys.  https://skokielibrary.info/your-family-your-library/ Email us at podcast@skokielibrary.info to get in touch or share a topic idea. 

Were you inundated with parenting wisdom and myths when you were expecting?   Caitlin and Katie share some myths they've heard over the years and share resources and library book recommendations that'll help you when the days feel long.    https://skokielibrary.info/your-family-your-library   Share what parenting myths you've heard with us! Email us at podcast@skokielibrary.info . 

How do you talk to your children about upsetting and challenging occurrences? Skokie Public Library Youth Services librarians Katie and Caitlin chat about their approach and share library books and other resources to help parents and caregivers start the conversation.    Browse our show notes including picture books, parenting collections, and other library resources: https://skokielibrary.info/yo...

Katie and Caitlin kick off the new year by discussing boundaries. They chat about their struggles and how to create boundaries, both as children and adults.  

How do you talk about failure in your home? Mandy joins Caitlin and Katie as they discuss ways parents can fail, adults can fail, and how we should use this as an opportunity to learn and build empathy. 

Katie and Caitlin chat about their experience with climate change, how their families discuss and work to counteract climate change, and share helpful resources from the library. 

Katie and Caitlin share their challenges when dealing with sleep regression and other sleep issues.   Caitlin also gives an overview from a July library event about literacy and how the library can support young readers.    We'd love to hear from you! Email us at:  podcast [at] skokielibrary [dot] info. 

Katie and Caitlin share how they've seen their children make friends, and discuss how difficult it seems to make friends as adults.