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Hamden Library Podcast

31 episodes - English - Latest episode: 25 days ago - ★★★★★ - 7 ratings

A monthly podcast all about Hamden, libraries and community. Your number one listening resource for our unique and diverse community, keeping you informed but also entertaining and inspiring you. Appreciate why Hamden Public Library truly is the heart of Hamden!

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Episodes

Women's History Month

March 04, 2024 05:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MB

This episode features interviews with Geena Clonan, founding president of the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame, and Colette Anderson, executive director of the Connecticut Women’s Consortium, which provides gender-informed and trauma-responsive training to behavior health professionals. In March we celebrate the women who have helped build a fairer, more just society. After you listen to this episode, we encourage you to read the Proclamation on Women's History Month, 2024 put out by the Whi...

Black Librarianship

February 26, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 46.8 MB

In honor of Black History Month, Teen Librarian Jenny Nicolelli interviewed two of her former colleagues from the New Haven Free Public Library to talk about their careers as librarians. First you'll hear Jenny talk with Marian Huggins, branch manager of the Mitchell Library. Then you will hear her interview with Diane X. Brown, branch manager of Stetson Library. These are great talks – especially if you have ever considered entering the field of librarianship and want to get a sense of what...

Finding and Accessing Health Information

January 01, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 45.6 MB

This month we are focusing on health literacy, or the ability to find, access, understand and use health-related information. First up, Ryan talks to Kate Nyhan, the founder of Community Access to Ventilation Information, about her mission to make air quality monitors available to the public through libraries. Then Ariana interviews Yale medical librarians and Hamden residents, Kayla del Biondo and Alexandria Brackett, on the importance of health literacy, how it informs their work and what ...

Best of 2023

December 04, 2023 05:00 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MB

To celebrate the end of the year, we asked our staff to talk about something they loved in 2023: a book, an album, an event - anything that stood out as superlative. Here are their picks.  What did you like best in 2023? Email us at [email protected] and we'll read the best submissions in a future episode!

Native American Heritage Month

November 06, 2023 05:00 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MB

This month we are recognizing Native American Heritage month with two interviews. Ryan spoke to David Eichelberg, a member of the Mohegan tribe who specializes in outreach and is also doing a special program with the library later this month (check our website for more details). Ariana talked with Matthew Makomenaw, enrolled member of the Grand Traverse Bay Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Assistant Dean of Yale College and Director of Yale’s Native American Cultural Center.

Hamden History

September 04, 2023 05:00 - 54 minutes - 37.6 MB

Have you ever wondered about the history of Hamden? I interviewed town historian Dave Johnson about town origins, trolleys, the Leatherman's cave, and more. Also in this episode, hear from a 102-year-old woman who grew up in Hamden, rode the trolleys, and went into the Nurse Corps during World War II. Plus, Ryan and I talk books and a new kind of library program!

Episode 22: Hamden History

September 04, 2023 05:00 - 54 minutes - 37.6 MB

Have you ever wondered about the history of Hamden? I interviewed town historian Dave Johnson about town origins, trolleys, the Leatherman's cave, and more. Also in this episode, hear from a 102-year-old woman who grew up in Hamden, rode the trolleys, and went into the Nurse Corps during World War II. Plus, Ryan and I talk books and a new kind of library program!

Bonus Episode - Mindful Journaling

June 16, 2023 04:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MB

In this special bonus episode, Ariana talks to Kayla Del Biondo about mindful journaling. Look for Kayla's 3-part program series this summer at the Library!

Pride Fest, MLK39 Mural, & Library of Things

June 05, 2023 04:00 - 47 minutes - 32.9 MB

It's a very busy month in Hamden and at the library. In this episode, we talk to Jacky Forcucci, a co-founder of Hamden Pride Fest (which takes place on June 10th) and Emida Roller, the artist who created the MLK39 mural that will be unveiled before the  Hamden Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom on the 17th. Our head of technical services Jessica returns to tell us all about our new Library of Things. And Michael Wheatley spirits us away in an overview of the animated film creations of direct...

Creativity!

May 01, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 56.1 MB

This month on the podcast, we talk with Connecticut-based artist Adam Wallenta and his son Makana about creating their graphic novel "Punk Taco." We've also got a roundtable discussion with three musicians on the library staff about how they think about their own creative practices and an interview with the heads of Hamden's Arts Commission and the Department of Arts, Culture, Recreation and Wellness. And lest we forget, in May we celebrate another kind of creativity - motherhood! Mike Wheat...

Earth Day Mini Episode!

April 21, 2023 14:00 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MB

On our special Earth Day mini-episode, Ryan talks with Lynn Stoddard, the founder and executive director of Sustainable CT about helping the towns of Connecticut become cleaner, greener and more equitable for everyone.

Building A Sustainable Future

April 03, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 41.8 MB

Earth Day is on April 22nd so this month we're talking about sustainability, reducing waste and recycling. Guest interviews include Joe DiRisi, Hamden's recycling coordinator; Rebekah Smith-Aldrich, Executive Director of the Mid-Hudson Library System; and Lorrice Grant of Haven's Harvest. We also have updates from the Seed Library and more!

Behind the Scenes at the Library

March 06, 2023 06:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MB

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a public library?  On this episode, the first of an occasional series, we'll take a peek at some things that the technical services department does, including everything that needs to happen to get books and other items on our shelves. We also talk to reference librarian David Scanlon about digital preservation, an important topic in our field that has assumed enormous relevance now that so much of our lives are online.

Teaching Black History

February 06, 2023 06:00 - 1 hour - 42.6 MB

For this episode, we wanted to explore how Black history is being taught in Connecticut and in the Hamden and New Haven area. A new state law made Connecticut the first in the nation to compel all its secondary schools to offer elective courses in African-American, Black, Puerto Rican, and Latino studies. Ryan Keeler talked to Paquita Jarman-Smith of SERC, the State Education Resource Center, who helped create the curriculum being used in these courses. Ariana Davis spoke with Jennifer Vie...

How To Be A Library Champion!

January 02, 2023 05:00 - 54 minutes - 37.5 MB

What is library advocacy and why is it necessary? What makes libraries important beyond being a place to borrow books and engage in quiet study? In this episode, we interview Maureen Sullivan, former ALA President and current interim Director of New Haven Free Public Library, about being a champion for the library, why we need the library and other "palaces for the people," how the role of the public library has shifted, and more. Also in this episode, the first in a new "behind the scenes"...

Holiday Movie Discussion

December 05, 2022 05:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MB

For December we are doing another movie discussion. This time we focus on holiday films and the wonderful, warm feelings of nostalgia they bring us. Much like our October discussion, it’s very free-form and fun so we hope you enjoy this break from our usual, information-packed episodes.

Thanks To Those Who Give

November 07, 2022 06:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MB

This month's episode is all about non-profits that help those in need in their communities. We talked to Y'Isiah Lopes of Hamden's Keefe Community Center, Kate Shafer from Hands on Hartford, and Suzanne Burbage of Hamden's Elderly Services about some of the many programs and services they provide, not just during the winter holidays but throughout the year.

Horror Movie Discussion

October 03, 2022 04:00 - 58 minutes - 40.4 MB

We tried something different for this episode. Since it is October, we decided to celebrate the season with an hour-long discussion of horror films (and some books, of course)! Don't be scared, we promise it's fun. CW: Discussion of horror films, brief mention of body horror imagery, brief mention of rape

Substance Abuse Prevention and Recovery

September 05, 2022 04:00 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MB

Substance addiction is a pervasive problem that touches everyone in our society. This episode we talk with Dennis Leary of Aware Recovery Care to discuss what addiction is, how to understand it, and how it can be successfully treated. Kara Sepulveda of Quinnipiack Valley Health District also joins us to discuss the overdose epidemic, why the advent of fentanyl has made street drugs even more dangerous, how to recognize an overdose victim and how to help. CW: Drug use, overdose More resourc...

Community Animal Shelters & Rescues

August 03, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 52.3 MB

It’s August, which means we are officially in the dog days of summer.  So we decided to talk to some local shelters and rescues about what they do, how people can help out (through donations, volunteering, fostering and adopting an animal) and what it’s been like for them over the past couple of years dealing with the COVID pandemic. We spoke with three organizations: Where the Love Is Animal Rescue, located right here in Hamden; The Animal Haven no-kill shelter in North Haven; and JP Farm ...

Summer Fun - Day Trips and Museum Passes

July 04, 2022 04:00 - 53 minutes - 37.1 MB

This month we spotlight our Museum Pass program available to all Hamden residents with a Hamden Public Library card. We also discuss day trips to the Book Barn and speak to Tabitha Logan, the organizer of Compassionfest, a yearly vegan festival that takes places right here in Hamden at Whitneyville Cultural Commons (July 23rd this year). Also features interviews with Jennifer Holmes Weston of West Hartford's Children's Museum and John Proto of the Shoreline Trolley Museum. This is a fun epis...

Happy Trails Day!

June 03, 2022 01:00 - 1 hour - 42.3 MB

This month we are celebrating Trails Day (June 4th-5th) and encouraging everyone to get outdoors and enjoy the natural wonders of our community. We interview Julie Hulten of the Sleeping Giant Park Association, Chuck Toal of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, and our co-worker Sandy Bartell, avid hiker and trail runner! Listen and be inspired to start (or continue) your own outdoor adventures! Plus: check out this post from our library blog for more Trails Day resources.

Mental Health Awareness Month

May 09, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 59.6 MB

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. In this episode, we discuss mental health - the stigmas, the myths and the misconceptions, and generational changes toward self-care and wellness. We interview Sylvia Moscariello, Program Director of Liberty Community Services, Amanda Forcucci, Health & Physical Education Curriculum Director for Hamden Schools and Judy Campbell, a school psychologist for Hamden Public Schools. Mike Wheatley examines the role of Hollywood in shaping popular conceptions of...

Spring Is Here!

April 04, 2022 04:00 - 54 minutes - 37.5 MB

Spring has sprung and we're all abuzz! We interview Seed Librarian Betsy Goldberg, Spring Glen Garden Club's President Theresa McCabe, Solid Waste & Recycling Coordinator Joe DeRisi, and the chair of the Energy Use & Climate Change Commission Larry Rosenthal. Your humble host Michael Pierry recommends two books on ancient life, and Mike Wheatley once again graces us with his film recommendations.

Unsung Heroes of Hamden

March 07, 2022 05:00 - 55 minutes - 38.2 MB

What do Hamden Public Library's Digital Navigators, local Hamden youth non-profit organization We Are The Village, the town's Elderly Services and Public Works departments all have in common? They are all "unsung heroes" of Hamden featured in this episode! Lots of great interviews and information in this one, you won't want to miss it.

It's Electric ... Vehicles, That Is!

February 07, 2022 05:00 - 47 minutes - 33 MB

Hamden EV enthusiast Robert Langdon takes us on a ride into the future with an interview all about electric vehicles. Alyssa accidentally reads an historical fiction novel ("Bitter Greens" by Kate Forsyth) and Michael Pierry enthuses about revisionist historical tome "The Dawn of Everything" (David Graeber and David Wengrow). Plus: Mike Wheatley takes us on a tour of cinematic portrayals of futuristic cars. This is a good one!

Holiday Episode

December 27, 2021 05:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MB

Whether you celebrate a religious holiday or not, December is a special time of year. We talk about year-end traditions and emotions and staff share some favorite holiday stories. Plus our usual book and movie recommendations.

National Diabetes Awareness Month

November 29, 2021 05:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MB

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. To help us better understand what this means, Hamden Library staff member Ariana Davis takes the reins, guiding us through the ins and outs of what diabetes is and how it affects the lives of tens of millions of Americans. She also interviews Dr. Helen Anaedo, a board-certified endocrinologist with Hartford HealthCare, to help dispel some of the myths and misconceptions about this chronic condition.

October Spooktacular!

October 25, 2021 04:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MB

Alyssa tells some spooky stories and learns about State Street Cemetery. Mike gets scared. Plus, book and movie reviews.. and more!

Telling Our Story

September 21, 2021 15:00 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MB

We kick off the podcast with an episode exploring what public libraries do, throwing off tired stereotypes of book palaces with shushing librarians who don't like to be disturbed. Our patrons sound off on why they love their library. Our co-hosts interrogate one another and learn about something called "fun." We review books both fiction and non- plus a film review by our own media obsessive (and stalwart Best Video employee) Mike Wheatley. Plus: An in-depth interview with Hamden Public Libr...

Episode One: Telling Our Story

September 21, 2021 15:00 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MB

We kick off the podcast with an episode exploring what public libraries do, throwing off tired stereotypes of book palaces with shushing librarians who don't like to be disturbed. Our patrons sound off on why they love their library. Our co-hosts interrogate one another and learn about something called "fun." We review books both fiction and non- plus a film review by our own media obsessive (and stalwart Best Video employee) Mike Wheatley. Plus: An in-depth interview with Hamden Public Libr...