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PODCAST

Behind the Books

Mercer County Library System

Behind the Books is a bi-weekly podcast, including interviews with an author - many found on New York Times Best Sellers lists - and an MCLS library staff member.

arts books

All Episodes

00:40:36

Fun Across the Generations… and the Dimensions -...

Behind the Books ·

2026/02/04

Bob and Anna catch up with Bekka Trapp from Adult Services at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch to talk about her work at the library and her plans to expand multi-generational programming. The episode also features an interview with husband-and-wife authors Emlyn Rees and Josie Lloyd about their latest collaboration, You & Me & You & Me & You & Me.Fun Across the Generations… and the DimensionsIntro and Welcome1:50 Catch Up with MCLS: Bekka Trapp12:41 Programs and Services @

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00:33:51

Front and Center - Interview with Diana Harmon Asher

Behind the Books ·

2026/01/21

Bob and Anna catch up with Shanna Caines from Adult Services at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch, discussing her work at the library and the impact of Adult Services in the community. The episode then features an interview with middle-grade author Diana Harmon Asher, who talks about her latest book, Trouble Finds Evie Lefkowitz, and the themes that matter most to young readers. Shannon Tuorto's "60 Seconds with Shannon" features works by Noelle Ihli, specifically Ask for Andrea.Front and CenterIntro

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00:28:37

Expansion of Experience - Interview with Tomika Reid

Behind the Books ·

2026/01/07

Bob and Anna catch up with MCLS staff member Pam Murphy from the Acquisitions and Cataloging Department, then sit down with author Tomika Reid to chat about her writing journey and her newest book, The Girl in the Cave.Expansion of ExperienceIntro and Welcome5:25 Catch Up with MCLS: Pam Murphy12:47 Programs and Services @ MCLS16:26 Sixty Seconds with Shannon17:36 Interview with Tomika Reid25:28 Summary and Closing Show Notes:Learn more about Tomika Reid at https://www.tomikareid.com/"60 Seconds with

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00:36:48

Audience Connection - Interview with Samantha Markum

Behind the Books ·

2025/12/24

Bob and Anna catch up with Grace Mandato at the Robbinsville Branch before sitting down with bestselling young adult author Samantha Markum. The conversation includes a sneak peek at Markum's upcoming novel, The Roommate Arrangement, along with insights into how she connects with her young adult readers.Audience Connection - Interview with Samantha MarkumIntro and Welcome6:51 Catch Up with MCLS: Grace Mandato14:17 Programs and Services @ MCLS17:48 Sixty Seconds with Shannon19:00 Interview with

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00:36:09

Culture of Creativity - Interview with Margery Cuyler

Behind the Books ·

2025/12/10

Bob and Anna catch up with Jen Crabtree at the West Windsor Branch and meet up with author Margery Cuyler, who has written more than 60 children's books, including her latest, Stompie the Zombie. She shares her insights on the ever-changing landscape of children's literature and what continues to inspire her work.Intro and Welcome4:31 Catch Up with MCLS: Jen Crabtree14:10 Programs and Services @ MCLS18:30 Sixty Seconds with Shannon19:42 Interview with Margery Cuyler32:30 Summary and Closing

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00:35:32

Imaginary Universes - Interview with Sarah Beth Durst

Behind the Books ·

2025/11/26

Bob and Anna catch up with Jamie Clay at the Robbinsville Branch. New York Times bestselling author Sarah Beth Durst chats with Anna and Bob about cozy fantasies, including her most recent release, The Enchanted Greenhouse.Intro and Welcome3:50 Catch Up with MCLS: Jamie Clay14:11 Programs and Services @ MCLS17:54 Sixty Seconds with Shannon19:05 Interview with Sarah Beth Durst30:58 Summary and Closing Show Notes:Learn more about Sarah Beth Durst at http://www.sarahbethdurst.com/"60 Seconds with

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00:34:18

Unsung Heros - Interview with Tim Brown

Behind the Books ·

2025/11/12

Bob and Anna catch up with Caitlin Decker in the Acquisitions and Cataloging Department. Tim Brown discusses his journalism background and how it contributes to his book endeavors, including his most recent release, The Tao of the Backup Catcher: Playing Baseball for the Love of the Game.Intro and Welcome4:03 Catch Up with MCLS: Caitlin Decker13:22 Programs and Services @ MCLS16:27 Interview with Tim Brown30:39 Summary and Closing Show Notes:Learn more about Tim Brown at

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00:36:14

Evolving with Purpose - Interview with Jayci Lee

Behind the Books ·

2025/10/29

Bob and Anna debut a new segment, "Catch Up with MCLS" toperiodically revisit past guests from the MCLS staff. This episode they touch base with Youth Services Coordinator, Christine Crawford. Jayci Lee discusses her latest release, King Foretold, the second book, in the Realm of Four Kingdoms series, as well as her most recent contemporary romance, Give Me a Reason. Shannon Tuorto's "60 Seconds with Shannon" highlights the book, The Late-Night Witches, by Auralee

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00:36:46

Stories to Tell - Interview with Carrie Turansky and...

Behind the Books ·

2025/10/15

Anna and Bob close out their fifth Behind the Books year with two author interviews! First, they chat with bestselling author, Carrie Turansky, a local creator of inspirational historical and contemporary novels and novellas. Then from across the pond, author, comic artist, and Illustrator, Lara Pickle, talks about her 2025 Alex Award graphic novel, I Feel Awful, Thanks! Shannon Tuorto is back with a "60 Seconds with Shannon", featuring How to Survive a Horror Story by Mallory

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00:32:45

Oh, the Horror! - Interview with Auralee Wallace

Behind the Books ·

2025/10/01

Joe Jenkins, Head of Circulation at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch, shares with us all the magic that happens at the Circulation Desk. Auralee Wallace discusses her latest book, The Late-Night Witches. Shannon Tuorto's "60 Seconds with Shannon" provides a teaser to the recently released edition of the children's book, Hansel and Gretel, authored by Stephen King with illustrations by Maurice Sendek.Intro and Welcome 4:02 Interview with Joe Jenkins 15:37 Programs and Services @

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00:33:29

Reinventing Oneself - Interview with Jane Willan

Behind the Books ·

2025/09/17

Soumya Balaji from the Circulation Department at West Windsor joins Anna and Bob to talk about the small joys of library cards and impromptu book chats. Jane Willan discusses her latest book, Widow's Walk. Shannon Tuorto provides an overview of The Rom-Com Cookbook by Tara Theoharis during "60 Seconds with Shannon."Intro and Welcome4:45 Interview with Soumya Balaji13:11 Programs and Services @ MCLS17:03 Sixty Seconds with Shannon18:15 Interview with Jane Willan30:03 Summary and Closing

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00:35:59

Speaking to Children - Interview with Andrea Zuill

Behind the Books ·

2025/09/03

Anna and Bob have a talk with Laiba Khurshid about her role in Circulation at the Hopewell Branch. Andrea Zuill, author and illustrator of children's books, discusses her most recent release, Bob the Vampire Snail, as well as the challenges and joys of creating books for a younger audience. Shannon Tuorto is back with a "60 Seconds with Shannon," featuring the book, Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher.Intro and Welcome 3:46 Interview with Laiba Khurshid 14:40Programs and

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00:37:42

Public Library: Good Place to Get Some Thinking Done...

Behind the Books ·

2025/08/20

Debby Scherholz, Friends of the Hickory Corner Library President, shares the magic that happens behind the scenes of one of our invaluable Friends groups. Jonathan Gould discusses his latest book, Burning Down the House: Talking Heads and the New York Scene That Transformed Rock. Shannon Tuorto provides an overview of A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna during "60 Seconds with Shannon."Intro and Welcome3:13 Interview with Debby Scherholz13:29 Programs and Services @

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00:35:24

It's a Small World - Interview with XiXi Tian

Behind the Books ·

2025/08/06

Tyler Restucci discusses with Anna and Bob her role at the Twin Rivers Branch. Contemporary fiction author XiXi Tian delves into her upcoming novel, All the Way Around the Sun, available September 30. Shannon Tuorto is back with a "60 Seconds with Shannon" to share her thoughts on Matchmaking for Psychopaths by Tasha Coryell.Intro and Welcome3:12 Interview with Tyler Restucci13:34 Programs and Services @ MCLS17:50 60 Seconds with Shannon19:21 Interview with XiXi Tian32:07 Summary and

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00:34:08

Witchy Ways - Interview with Angela M. Sanders

Behind the Books ·

2025/07/23

Rebekkah Siegelheim provides the inside scoop of a student assistant's work amidst the carts of books at the Hopewell Branch. Angela M. Sanders discusses the last installment of her Witch Way Librarian Mysteries series, Witch and Tell, as well as a A Whiff of Murder -- a debut spin-off from Witch Way Librarian Mysteries -- due out February 2026.Intro and Welcome3:05 Rebekkah Siegelheim10:31 Programs and Services @ MCLS13:38 Interview with Angela M. Sanders26:41 Summary and Closing Show

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00:34:54

Multiple Points of View - Interview with Mia Sosa

Behind the Books ·

2025/07/09

Jennifer French discusses her role at the Ewing Branch with Anna and Bob. Mia Sosa, an award-winning and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance, discusses her most recent book, When Javi Dumped Mari. Shannon Tuorto is back with a "60 Seconds with Shannon," featuring a selection of "beach reads" for our listeners. Intro and Welcome3:52 Interview with Jennifer French11:57 Programs and Services @ MCLS15:38 Sixty Seconds with Shannon16:50 Interview with Mia Sosa30:58

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00:33:09

No Cyborgs Here - Interview with Laurie Sheck

Behind the Books ·

2025/06/25

Angela Fee-Maimon from the West Windsor branch, shares her library experience with Anna and Bob. Novelist and poet Laurie Sheck discusses her most recent novel, Cyborg Fever. Shannon Tuorto provides an overview of Our Infinite Fates, by New York Times bestselling Young Adult author Laura Steven, during "60 Seconds with Shannon."No Cyborgs HereIntro and Welcome5:14 Interview with Angela Fee-Maimon14:11 Programs and Services @ MCLS17:50 Sixty Seconds with Shanno18:57 Interview with Laurie

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00:36:15

Faces and Places - Interview with Anne Wynter

Behind the Books ·

2025/06/11

Darya Tahvildar Zadeh discusses her role at the Hightstown Memorial Library Branch with Anna and Bob. Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning author, Anne Wynter discusses her recent picture book, So Many Years: A Juneteenth Story, illustrated by Jerome Pumphrey. Shannon Tuorto is back with a "60 Seconds with Shannon," featuring an overview of #1 New York Times bestselling author, Fredrik Backman's newest release, My Friends. Faces and PlacesIntro and Welcome4:29 Interview with Darya

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00:34:15

Poetry in Motion - Interview with Diane Wald

Behind the Books ·

2025/05/28

Kartika Shree shares her experience at the West Windsor Branch with Anna and Bob. Award-winning poet and novelist Diane Wald discusses her most recent novel, The Bayrose Files, as well as transitioning back and forth between poetry and fiction. Shannon Tuorto is back with "60 Seconds with Shannon," featuring an overview of the newest release, The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds, by USA Today bestselling author, Jennifer Morgan.Intro and Welcome3:16 Interview with Kartika Shree13:06

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00:36:14

Perceptions and Perspectives - Interview with Juana...

Behind the Books ·

2025/05/14

Anna and Bob talk with Susan Cox about her role in the Circulation Department at the Hopewell Branch. Juana Martinez-Neal discusses her experience as a picture book illustrator/writer, sharing details about illustrating the recently released, Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka con la Papa (written by Sara Andrea Fajardo), as well as the upcoming release, A Gift of Dust (written by Martha Brockenbrough). Shannon Tuorto is back with a "60 Seconds with Shannon," featuring an overview of the

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139 results

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