Rockford Public Library
by Rockford Public Library
Latest episode
Stories That Connect Us: Kathi Kresol on Rockford Public Library…
Stories That Connect Us: Kathi Kresol on Rockford Public Library…
About this podcast
The Rockford Public Library Podcast brings the heart of our community's literary world directly to you. Join us for engaging conversations with authors, local historians, community leaders, and library experts as we explore diverse perspectives, celebrate storytelling, and give you a behind the scenes look at library operations. Each episode offers insights into books, community resources, upcoming events, and the many ways the Rockford Public Library serves as a hub for learning, creativity, and connection. Whether you're a lifelong library goer or new to the Rockford community, this podcast invites you to discover the transformative power of libraries in today's world. Subscribe now to be part of our ongoing story at Rockford Public Library.
Episodes
The newest 20 of 21 episodes
- Stories That Connect Us: Kathi Kresol on Rockford Public Library, Local History, and Haunted Rock River Valley · 31 min · Season 2 Episode 9What does it take to bring library services directly into the community while also preserving the stories that make a region unique? In this episode, we sit down with Kathi…
- From Rockford to the National Archives: A Conversation with Jill Zawacki · 38 min · Season 2 Episode 8What does it take to preserve the nation's story, one government record at a time? Bridget Finn, RPL Marketing Director, sat down with Jill Zawacki, Supervisory Archivist at the…
- What If Reading Starts Before You Can Read? An Interview with Youth Services Librarian Amy Pfeifer · 30 min · Season 2 Episode 7In this episode of the Rockford Public Library Podcast, Lara Griffin talks with Youth Services Librarian Amy Pfeifer about the surprising ways children begin developing literacy…
- Historian, Dr. Kat Williams and her book All the Way: The Life of Baseball Trailblazer Maybelle Blair (Rebroadcast) · 26 minWith the grand reopening of Beyer Stadium just around the corner, we're bringing back this episode featuring Author and International Women’s Baseball Center CEO, Kat Williams…
- The Stories Hidden in Plain Sight: Author Andrew Mertzenich on His book, Forest City Yester-Queer · 33 min · Season 2 Episode 5In this episode, we sit down with author Andrew Mertzenich to discuss his book, Forest City Yester - Queer, a groundbreaking exploration of Rockford's LGBTQ+ history. Our…
- Forest City Stories: Neil Bloom on Film, Community, and Rockford · 36 min · Season 2 Episode 4What does it take to build a filmmaking community from the ground up in a mid-sized Midwest city? Bridget Finn, RPL Marketing Director, sat down with Neil Bloom- writer…
- Unearth a Story: Discover Summer Reading at Rockford Public Library · 22 min · Season 2 Episode 3Kick off summer with curiosity, creativity, and reading! In this episode, East Branch Manager Erin Birdsong joins us to share how the Summer Reading Challenge brings the Rockford…
- Threads that Bind: Celebrating Ramadan Through Global Fashion · 19 min · Season 2 Episode 2We’re proud to partner with the Muslim Women of Rockford to celebrate culture, connection, and community at Rockford Public Library. In our latest podcast episode, Bridget Finn…
- Early African Americans in Rockford (1834–1871): Uncovering Untold Stories · 30 min · Season 2 Episode 1We're talking with Rockford Public Library librarian, Sarah Stumpf, about the book African Americans in Early Rockford (1834-1871). This groundbreaking book uncovers the lives…
- Rockford Reads: Curated by Your Library Crew · 1 h 1 min · Season 1 Episode 12Join us as Rockford Public Library staff share their top picks in three exciting genres: biography, mystery, and science fiction. Whether you’re curious about inspiring life…
- Pop, Paradox, and Found Objects: A Conversation with Local Artist Brett Whitacre · 41 min · Season 1 Episode 11Join us as we sit down with local artist Brett Whitacre to explore his exhibition, Everything’s Fine: cheerfully poking at the disconnect between bright pop imagery and…
- Silenced & Significant– A Conversation with Dave Pedersen on Banned and Challenged Books · 35 min · Season 1 Episode 10Banned, controversial, essential—Army veteran, poet, author, and owner of the independent bookstore Maze Books, Dave Pedersen joins the RPL Podcast to explore the power of these…
- Who Chooses the books? An interview with RPL Librarian Sarah Stumpf · 52 min · Season 1 Episode 9Ever wonder how Rockford Public Library decides which books make it to the shelves — and how that affects you as a reader? In this episode, I talk with Adult Collections…
- A New Chapter at the Library–Meet the New Executive Director Anthony Cortez · 34 min · Season 1 Episode 8We’re excited to introduce you to Anthony Cortez, the new Executive Director of the Rockford Public Library. With a strong background in IT and finance, Anthony is stepping into…
- Smart Library Hacks: Go Digital and Save Big · 32 min · Season 1 Episode 7In this episode, we’re joined by Katelyn Coombes, Digital Content Specialist at the Rockford Public Library, who shares the inside scoop on the library’s digital offerings. From…
- 60 Years of Library Service: A Conversation with Jean Lythgoe · 26 min · Season 1 Episode 6Jean Lythgoe began her career at Rockford Public Library at just 18 years old. Six decades later, she's become a beloved fixture and true legend of the institution. In this…
- Fabled Forms: Kristin Beyers’ Dragon Installation in Rockford · 33 min · Season 1 Episode 5Artist Kristin Beyers joins us to share the story behind her enchanting dragon installation at the Rockford Public Library — a blend of fantasy, sculpture, and community magic…
- Book Your Summer: Rockford's Summer Reading Challenge Explained · 19 min · Season 1 Episode 4Join us for an exciting dive into the Rockford Public Library's Summer Reading Challenge! In this episode, we sit down with Erin Birdsong, the Youth Services Manager who's…
- What the Bioswale? Ecological Solutions with Rebecca Olson · 35 min · Season 1 Episode 3We welcome to the podcast Rebecca Olson, a passionate conservationist who has dedicated her career to land and water preservation throughout Northern Illinois and beyond. As the…
- Community Spaces: More Than Just Books - An Interview with Rockford Public Library Executive Director Lynn Stainbrook · 49 min · Season 1 Episode 2Join Bridget Finn, RPL Marketing Director, as she sits down with Library Executive Director Lynn Stainbrook to explore the inspiring vision behind the new main library. Discover…
