Check It Out

Episode Seventy-Seven

Join Kari, Laura, and Kristi as we discuss books about and by women in celebration of Women's History Month! Fiction and non-fiction titles are both discussed in this month's episode.

Episode Seventy-Eight

Join Kathleen, Laura, and Sheri as we celebrate National Poetry Month by discussing our favorite poets, poetry collections, and how to get started reading poetry if your'e unsure of where to start.

Episode Seventy-Nine

Join Laura, Kari, and Kevin as we discuss books about nature and the environment! We'll cover fiction and non-fiction in this episode, including books by Jesmyn Ward, Douglas Adams, John Krakauer, Aimee Nezhukumatathil, and more. For show notes, including an interview with an NPL staff member about her work on climate fiction, visit our website at www.normalpl.org!

Episode Seventy-Six

Join us as we celebrate Black History Month by discussing some of our favorite works by Black contemporary authors. Any of the titles mentioned in this episode would be great choices for February's prompt for the Adult Year-Round Reading Challenge! 

Episode Seventy-Five

Join NPL staff Laura, Kari, and Kristi on our 75th episode of Check It Out as they discuss reading goals, how to develop a habit of reading, and how to challenge yourself in your reading life (and why that's important!). We'll also discuss the reading challenges and book clubs happening this year at NPL and how you can participate, as well as some exciting new reads for 2022!

Episode Seventy-Four

It's our 74th episode and we can't believe it! Laura, Kristi, and Kari celebrate the year of reading by highlighting staff favorites from 2021. Some of our library staff have provided an eclectic list of books—and all are available for checkout or download from Normal Public Library. Some of the items discussed in this podcast: Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey The Silence of Bones by June Hur Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro The Mea...

Episode Seventy-Three

In this episode of Check It Out, Laura discusses noir fiction and its varied dark corners with Megan, Kathleen, and Kari. Titles mentioned include: Lindsey Davis' The Silver Pigs, historical series featuring Marcus Didius Falco, private informer The Darren Mathews, Texas Ranger, series by Attica Locke beginning with Bluebird Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden The Dublin Murder Squad series (begins with In the Woods), written by Tana French Twin Cities Noir, edited by J...

Episode Seventy-Two

In this episode, Laura talks with Kristi and Kari about their favorite horror novels and detail the many different sub-genres of horror that are out there. Settle back and prepare to feel that chill to the bone.

Episode Seventy-One

Join Kari, Kristi, and Laura as they step out on a limb and discuss the great American adventure as discovered through the book. This month Check It Out is celebrating American Adventures Month, which encourages doing something daring and adventurous, traveling to appreciate our human bonds with nature, and promoting a holistic lifestyle.  Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice August Snow novels by Stephen Mack Jones New Yorkers: A City and Its People in Our Time by Craig Tayl...

Episode Seventy

Join us this month as Laura speaks with Kristi and Kari about where and how we find the books we like to read, the books you like to read, and everything in between. We'll discuss Novelist, Goodreads, Book Riot, Kirkus, Tik Tok, Nancy Pearl, and more. Don't forget to ask your librarian what they recommend, settle back, and check it out.

Episode Sixty-Nine

June is Pride Month! On this month's episode, Kristi, Kari, and Morgan recommend titles in the library's collection that celebrate and elevate LGBTQIA+ voices.  Interested in learning more about our local LGBTQIA+ community? We recommend starting with the Prairie Pride Coalition. You can find their website here: https://ppc-il.org/main/ A Study In Honor by Claire O’Dell Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse Fun Home by Alison Bechdel Pulp by Robin Talley Last Seen Leaving by Caleb Roehr...

Episode Sixty-Eight

May is Mental Health Awareness month and in this our sixty-eighth episode Laura speaks with Normal Police Department Community Services Officer Brad Park and library staff Kristi, Shelby, Lyndsey, and Erin about Mental Health and mental health reads both fiction and nonfiction. Join us as we explore this important issue, settle back, and check it out. Tell us what you think! ask at normalpl dot org https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Mental-Health-Awareness-Month

Episode Sixty-Seven

This sixty-seventh episode of Check It Out is Mari's last. Mari has been our host for over thirty thrilling episodes. Mari passes the torch and talks all things library and all things books. Settle back and check it out.

Episode Sixty-Six

Today we join Mari as she interviews several library staff about their favorite childhood books. A childhood favorite is a memory that can last a lifetime. We tend to share these most since the stories have stayed with us for so long. We read, and read again, these beloved stories, discovering new meaning and encountering new joys as we do. So sit back, settle in, and check it out.

Episode Sixty-Five

Mari speaks with Kathleen, Kristi, and Laura about fiction by African American writers, focusing on fiction that explores the lives of Black people in this February 2021 podcast episode.

Episode Sixty-Four

All of us read and books tell a variety of stories. The best among them will sometimes earn recognition by award. There are awards for all types of books and this month, Mari will speak with Kristi, Kathleen, Morgan, and Britni about some of the best titles that book awards have named over the recent past. Sit back and check it out as we look at award books in this sixty-fourth episode of Check It Out.

Episode Sixty-Three

Baking food, making gifts, being creative! Jane, Laura, Kristi, and Mari discuss all things creative for December. Sharpen those pencils, get out the knitting needles, sit back, and check it out!

Episode Sixty-Two

Mari discusses odd titles (and the more odd book covers) of No Reality November with Jane, Kristi, and Laura. Sit back and check it out!

Episode Sixty-One

In our sixty first episode, Mari speaks with Kristi and Laura about books to read in this season of change. Falling leaves, crisp mornings, and warm beverages all pair well with a good story. Sit back, settle in, and Check It Out.

Episode Sixty

Graphic novels are booming in popularity for readers of all ages. Topics range from a young girl navigating the worlds of roller derby and middle school; teenagers disappearing into a fantasy role-playing game; and the life of civil rights icon John Lewis in the 1960s. Plus so much more! Our 60th episode features Mari, Jane, and Kristi exploring the world of graphic novels — check it out!   Titles in the podcast include: Boxers and Saints by Gene Luen Yang Roller Girl by Victoria Jami...

Episode Fifty-Nine

Mari talks travel on this episode. Hear from Laura, Jane, and Kristi about all things nonfiction and fiction related to making that journey—sometimes of the mind, the heart, and often around the bend. Leave the driving to us. Sit back and check it out!

Episode Fifty-Eight

Mari speaks with Ally, Jennifer, Ron, and Laura about their summer reads and shares some insights about what makes it all so summer-like. So sit back, press play, chill down, and Check It Out.

Episode Fifty-Seven

Our podcast host Mari McKeeth interviews Kathleen Kirk about quarantine reads and electronic formats. Kathleen Kirk is a library staff member, actor, poet, and avid reader.

Episode Fifty-Six

In this special episode of Check It Out! Mari and guests Jane, Kristi, and Laura talk about pandemic reads and comfort reads to stimulate the mind. Sit back, stay safe, and Check It Out! Contact us about our podcast and let us know what you think! [email protected]    

Episode Fifty-Five

In this special episode of Check It Out! Mari and guests Jane, Kristi, and Laura talk about free resources for use at home while sheltering in place. Sit back, stay home, and Check It Out!

Episode Fifty-Four

It's bracket time! Four Normal Public Library librarians share their bracket picks for best book and the finish is an all out book-off! March madness with book bracketology.

Episode Fifty-Three

This episode includes Mari and Laura discussing Academy Awards and related titles, an annual episode topic. Books discussed: "I Heard You Paint Houses": Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran and Closing the Case on Jimmy Hoffa -- by Charles Brandt Little Women -- by Louisa May Alcott The Pope: Francis, Benedict, and the Decision That Shook the World -- by Anthony McCarten Caging Skies -- by Christine Leunens

Episode Fifty-Two

Best of the year, best of the decade with Mari, Laura, and Kristi.

Episode Fifty-One

Winter is a time that features holidays celebrated around the world -- Hannukah, Christmas, Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, Los Posadas, Eid-al-Adha, Diwali, and many, many more. There is celebrating of the light, friends, culture, feasting, and giving to others. Today Kristi, Laura, Rachel and Mari will be talking about some favorite gifts - books, music, or film - that they have received, or given. Let us know what you think after you check it out! Email us!

Episode Fifty

Welcome to our fiftieth episode of Check It Out! We celebrate Normal Public Library and our favorite, favorite reads with several staff visiting back to the studio.

Episode Forty-Nine

Our 49th episode may chill you to the bone. Please join our co-hosts Kristi Cates and Mari McKeeth talk with Laura Golaszewski about some of the most frightening title available on our shelves. It's an episode of horrors to fill you with fear. This episode has a listener advisory at the top, so please be aware that some material discusses sensitive topics. Your discretion is advised. Pull the covers over your eyes, bite your lower lip, and check it out... if you dare.   Death's Acre: Ins...

Episode Forty-Eight

Check It Out is the Normal Public Library’s podcast that features book, audio, and movie recommendations, timely info about the library’s programs and services, and fun discussions with talented people. Listen to individual episodes below, or subscribe in iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts to download the latest episode automatically!   We don't know how you did. But you did it. You found our 48th episode, the mystery episode. Co-hosts extraordinaire Kristi Cates and Mari McKeeth ...

Episode Forty-Seven

It's our 47th episode! Co-host Kristi Cates and Jane Jankowski talk about all of their favorite podcasts and books about podcasts. It's an episode for the podcast lover and you don't want to miss it. So settle back and Check It Out!

Episode Forty Six

Summertime, the living is easy, the reading is beachy. Quite often the beachy reading choices are fiction. However, Mari McKeeth and Laura Golaszewski will recommend some fascinating nonfiction books to read during the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. Don't be afraid—nonfiction is great! Daily Rituals of Women at Work: 143 Artists on How They Paint, Write, Perform... by Mason Currey Fashion Climbing: A Memoir with Photographs by Bill Cunningham Vivian Maier: A Photographer's Life and A...

Episode Forty-Five

June: a month of reading in the sun. It's time for Episode Forty-Five of Check It Out and your hosts Mari McKeeth and Kristi Cates join Children's Librarian Jennifer Williams as she reviews and recommends some of her favorites of new and interesting for teens and tweens. Summer reading means adventure, treasure, romance, and mystery. Click play and Check It Out!

Episode Forty-Four

Wow. Is it already time for Episode Forty-Four?  Yes it is, and joining us today are NPL staff members Laura Golaszewski and Julia Cozad-Callighan, here to tell you about some of the newest nonfiction and young adult titles. We also highlight a local event, the Next to Normal Story Slam. Books mentioned in this episode: In Extremis: The Life and Death of the War Correspondent Marie Colvin by Lindsey Hilsum The Moth Presents Occasional Magic: True Stories about Defying the Impossible, ed...

Episode Forty-Three

Congratulations! You have found Episode Forty-Three of the Normal Public Library podcast, Check It Out! Mari McKeeth welcomes children's librarian Lyndsey Carney to the show as Lyndsey interviews visiting author Lisa McMann. Lyndsey and Lisa talk books, art, acting, and British baking shows! Events with Lisa coming up at the library include:  Double Identity: A Night of Discovery featuring Lisa McMann Unwanteds Going Wild Let us know what you think after you check it out! Email us!...

Episode Forty-Two

Are you looking for Episode Forty-Two? It's here! Co-hosts Kristi Cates and Mari McKeeth talk newest in teen fiction with a little insight into what we find interesting, a preview along the way (Lisa McMann), and a few laughs. We even have a book about a cactus!

Episode Forty-One

Cohosts Mari and Kristi discuss all things Academy Awards in this annual round up! Check It Out!

Episode Forty (January 2019)

It's our 40th episode! Co-hosts Kristi Cates and Mari McKeeth celebrate the return of Check It Out! by highlighting staff favorites from 2018. Some of our library staff have provided an eclectic list of books, music, and films—and all are available for checkout or streaming from Normal Public Library.   Some of the items discussed in this podcast: Running Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix On Writing by Stephen King Sweetener by Ariana Grande Kingdom of the Blind by Louise Pe...

Episode Thirty-Nine (July 2018)

Check It Out host Mari McKeeth examines Normal Public Library's science fiction offerings with Kristi Cates, our Teen Librarian and resident SciFi reader and advisor. She also buys all of our SciFi, by the way! Pretty cool job, huh? Titles that our host and guest discuss include: All Systems Red by Martha Wells Space Opera by Catherynne Valente The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal Sea of Rust by C. Robert Cargill Lock In and Head On by John Scalzi An Unkindness of G...

Episode Thirty-Eight (June 2018)

Check It Out host Mari McKeeth examines Normal Public Library music offerings with four guests: Amy, Kristi, Cedric, and John. John talks folk and trombones, Kristi talks some film, and more! Tim Burton soundtracks? You'll find out all this, about Make Music at Normal Public Library (June 22-23), and what Mari likes in music when you Check It Out with Mari!

Episode Thirty-Seven (May 2018)

Check It Out host Mari McKeeth examines all things tea with our resident barista and tea sommelier, Ben Mills. Ben's favorite tea is revealed, he talks tea, tea geography, tea books, and he advises on tea sipping be it local or afar. Melons and tea? Who knows? Give it a listen and give it a read: Tea: History, Terroirs, Varieties The Art and Craft of Tea by Joseph Uhl Tea Bliss by Theresa Fancis-Cheung The Book of Tea by Kakuzō Okakura Let us know what you think! Email us! Tweet ...

Episode Thirty-Six (April 2018)

Check It Out host Mari McKeeth takes time out to speak with Children's Librarian Lyndsey Carney as she discusses reading and visiting with Margaret Peterson Haddix coming up soon on April 28, 2018. Our visiting author series is sponsored by the Normal Public Library Foundation and other wonderful local sponsors.

Episode Thirty-Five (March 2018)

Episode Thirty-Four (February 2018)

Episode Thirty-Three (October 2017)

Ben Mills recommends a cookbook full of year-round farm-fresh recipes (11:12); Silvia Schuh talks October and November arts and crafts (7:57); and Mari McKeeth recommends some epistolary novels, with the help of the host (19:07). Ben recommends: Dishing Up the Dirt by Andrea Bemis Mari recommends: Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn World War Z by Max Brooks The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie Giliad by M...

Episode Thirty-Two (September 2017)

In this episode, Tori Lieggi introduces us to a unique and quirky travel book (9:31), and Kristi Cates recommends a stack of young adult historical fiction (17:16). Plus, we interview visiting antique and fine art appraiser Mark Moran (11:17). Mark Moran's website is here. Tori recommends: Atlas Obscura by Joshua Foehr, Dylan Thuras, and Ella Morton Kristi recommends: The Great Trouble: A Mystery of London, the Blue Death, and a Boy Called Eel by Deborah Hopkinson The Wicked a...

Episode Thirty-One (August 2017)

In this back-to-school-themed episode, Laura Rocco gives us one last school-themed recommendation before heading back to school herself (17:43); Silvia Schuh ushers in the fall semester with September arts and crafts (6:51); and Mari McKeeth takes us all to school with some quirky and educational nonfiction (15:10). Laura recommends: The Magicians by Lev Grossman Mari recommends: Away With Words by Joe Berkowitz The Not-Quite States of America by Doug Mack The Physics of Ever...

Episode Thirty (July 2017)

In this, our thirtieth episode, Kathleen Kirk recommends an especially literary cookbook (7:29); Ally Byerly puts out the call for submissions to our Normal Library Extraordinary Stories project (6:11); and Kristi Cates sorts some YA novels into their appropriate wizarding houses (23:20). Kathleen recommends: Feast: Poetry and Recipes for a Full Seating at Dinner, edited by Diane Goettel and Anneli Matheson Kristi recommends: Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein Highly Illogical ...