The premier Sayville Library podcast! Join Sayville Library staff as we discuss books, movies, TV, games, pop culture and all things library-related!
Subscribe on your favorite podcast player (like Apple Podcasts or Spotify) or listen here using the player above each episode description.
"Between the Shelves" is recorded at the Sayville Studio in Sayville Library.
100th Episode: Listener Q&A!
May 12, 2025
To celebrate our 100TH EPISODE, Alex, Tory and Kristina sit down to answer questions submitted by you, our listeners!
Earth Day & Sustainability
April 22, 2025
On this very special Earth Day episode, Assistant Director Tim Sicurella sits down to discuss the Library's progress to becoming certified sustainable with the Sustainable Library Initiative. Then, in the second half of the episode, we feature three Earth Day-themed micro-podcasts created by students from Sunrise Drive Elementary School!
Further Reading:
Sustainable Library Initiative
Sayville Library’s Sustainability
IMLS and its Impact on NY Libraries
March 26, 2025
Library Director Jenn Fowler sits down with Alex to discuss the recent Executive Order to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and how it will affect the libraries of New York.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Take Action: Defend IMLS (NYLA Petition)
Take Action: NYS Library Funding (NYLA Petition)
Take Action: Become a Library Advocate (NYLA)
Suffolk Cooperative Library System
Executive Order Targeting IMLS FAQ (ALA)
IMLS Grant Database (See what projects were funded in your state)
Oscar Review Crew
March 5, 2025
Sean, Marianne and Alex discuss the snubs, surprises and biggest moments of the 97th Academy Awards.
Ask an Archivist
February 24, 2025
Alex is joined by Rob Anen, Project Archivist from the Long Island Library Resources Council, and Steph, Sayville Library's Local History Librarian, to discuss their recent work digitizing Sayville Library's local history archive.
Mentioned in this episode:
Long Island Library Resource Council (LILRC)
NY Heritage Digital Collections
LILRC Accessing Archives Program
Sayville Library Local History
Sayville Library Postcard Collection (NY Heritage)
Sayville Library Audiovisual Collection (NY Heritage)
Sayville Library High School Yearbooks (NY Heritage)
Long Island History Podcast Project (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)
Books We're Looking Forward To In 2025
February 3, 2025
Alex, Marianne and Tory highlight some upcoming books to look out for in 2025, including:
These Strange New Minds: How AI Learned to Talk and What It Means by Christopher Summerfield
The Extended Universe: How Disney Killed the Movies and Took Over the World by Vicky Osterweil
The Love Simulation by Etta Easton
The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb
Crumb: A Cartoonist's Life by Dan Nadel
Two Truths and a Lie by Cory O'Brien
A Star Brighter Than the Sun: Vol 1 by Kazune Kawahara
No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson by Gardiner Harris
Tongues: Volume 1 by Anders Nilsen
The Climber: Volume 1 by Shin'ichi Sakamoto
Karen: A Brother Remembers by Kelsey Grammer
Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry
Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister
Also mentioned in this episode:
The Widow's Husband's Secret Lie: A Satirical Novella by Frieda McFadden
Crumb (documentary)
2024 Movie Recap & Look Ahead
January 20, 2025
Alex and Sean discuss their 2024 movie standouts then turn their attention to the 2025 Oscars and beyond!
Kingdom for the Planet of the Apes
The Remarkable Life of Ibelin (Netflix)
Rap World (Youtube)
Hundreds of Beavers (Kanopy / Hoopla)
Problemista (HBO Max)
Emilia Pérez (Netflix)
I'm Still Here (AppleTV)
Available Soon at the Library:
Didi*
Coming Mid-Late 2025 / Early 2026:
Best of 2024!
(Part 3)
December 30, 2024
Steph, Morgan and Kristina join Alex to chat about their favorite books, albums, shows and video games of the year!
Rejection by Tony Tulathimutte
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
A Guest in the House by Emily Carroll
Through the Woods by Emily Carroll
Wicked: Original Motion Picture Score (YouTube)
Death Becomes Her (Musical)
Life is Elsewhere by Little Comets (YouTube)
Best of 2024!
(Part 2)
December 23, 2024
Marianne, Peter and Rachel join Alex to discuss their favorite books, music, TV shows, movie and podcast of the year!
The Name of the Band is R.E.M. by Peter Ames Carlin
Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak
They Came for the Schools by Mike Hixenbaugh
Wolf at the Table by Adam Rapp
Woodland by Gillian Welch & David Rawlings
Across the Tracks by Boldy James & Conductor Williams (Youtube)
A Man on the Inside (Netflix)
Somebody Somewhere (HBO Max)
All of Us Strangers (Hulu)
Will & Harper (Netflix)
Best of 2024!
(Part 1)
December 16, 2024
Sean, Lizzie and Tim join Alex to discuss their favorite albums, books and concerts of 2024.
EELS by Being Dead (Youtube)
Funeral for Justice by Mdou Moctar
The Tortured Poets Department by Taylor Swift
Manning Fireworks by MJ Lenderman
Diamond Jubilee by Cindy Lee (Bandcamp)
Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment by Jason Schreier
The Boyfriend by Frieda McFadden
4th Annual
Sayville Fan Fest
November 18, 2024
Alex goes out in the field to document our fourth annual Sayville Fan Fest!
Over the Garden Wall ~ 10th Anniversary
November 11, 2024
Tory and Kristina join Alex in celebrating the cult classic animated miniseries Over the Garden Wall for its 10th anniversary.
Over the Garden Wall (DVD)
Tome of the Unknown (Youtube)
Over the Garden Wall graphic novels
The Art of Over the Garden Wall by Patrick McHale (pdf)
Over the Garden Wall Soundtrack (Hoopla)
A Game of Frog Pond box cover (c. 1890)
Over the Garden Wall | 10th Anniversary Stop Motion Short (Youtube)
“Over the Garden Wall” Interview with Patrick McHale (Weird Christmas)
“Over the Garden Wall” and Vintage Postcards (Weird Christmas)
Mobile Games
November 4, 2024
Tory and Alex sit down to discuss their favorite mobile games!
SUPERSTAR SMTOWN (Android, iOS)
Into the Breach (Android, iOS)
Starry Whiskers: Cats Atelier (Android, iOS)
LINE: Disney Tsum Tsum (Android, iOS)
Fallout Shelter (Android, iOS)
Merge Manor: Sunny House (Android, iOS)
Love & Pies - Merge Mystery (Android, iOS)
EverMerge: Merge & Match Game (Android, iOS)
Burly Men at Sea (Android, iOS)
Two Dots: Brain Puzzle Games (Android, iOS)
SAWpisode
October 21, 2024
Keeping in the spirit of this spooky season, Tory, Alex and special guest Lukas celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first Saw film by reviewing each film in the franchise and discussing their legacy.
Saw (2004)
Saw II (2005)
Saw III (2006)
Saw IV (2007)
Saw V (2008)
Saw VI (2009)
Saw 3D (2010)
Jigsaw (2017)
Spiral (2021)
Saw X (2023)
The Blair Witch Project ~ 25th Anniversary
October 14, 2024
Kristina and Alex celebrate the 25th anniversary of the iconic found-footage horror film The Blair Witch Project with a spirited discussion of its famous marketing schemes, production trivia, and various spin-offs.
Films:
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
The Curse of the Blair Witch (1999)
The Scooby-Doo Project (1999)
Blair Witch (2017)
Further Reading:
“Please Help Me; All I Want to Know Is: Is it Real or Not?: How Recipients View the Reality Status of the Blair Witch Project” by Margit Schreier (Poetics Today)
“The Blair Witch is Back!” (Maryland Center For History and Culture)
“Before Reality Became Debatable, There Was ‘The Blair Witch Project’” by Maya Salam (New York Times)
“Nothing That Is Not There, and the Nothing That Is: Language and the Blair Witch Phenomenon” by James Keller (Studies in Popular Culture)
“Method Filmmaking: An Interview with Daniel Myrick, Co-director of The Blair Witch Project” by Scott Dixon McDowell (Journal of Film and Video)
“The Blair Witch Project Project: Film and the Internet” by J.P. Telotte (Film Quarterly)
The Blair Witch Project: A Dossier by D.A. Stern
Guillermo Del Toro's 60th Birthday Bash
October 7, 2024
Oscar-winning director Guillermo Del Toro is turning 60! Alex and Kristina celebrate the filmography of one of their favorite filmmakers by ranking all 12 of his films!
Cronos (1993)
Mimic (1997)
The Devil's Backbone (2001)
Blade 2 (2002)
Hellboy (2004)
Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)
Pacific Rim (2013)
Crimson Peak (2015)
The Shape of Water (2017)
Nightmare Alley (2021)
Banned Books Week
September 30, 2024
Alex, Marianne and Lizzie have a thoughtful discussion on book challenges and highlight some challenged titles worth reading.
ALA 2023 Book Challenge Report
Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2023 (ALA)
Censorship by the Numbers (ALA)
All American Boys by Jason Reynolds, Brendan Kiely
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
The Games That Made Us
September 23, 2024
Alex, Kristina and Morgan celebrate National Video Game Week by discussing the games that shaped their taste and defined their gaming lives.
Barbie Fashion Designer (Wikipedia)
Spyro the Dragon: Re-Ignited Trilogy (Switch, PS4, Xbox One)
The Legend of Dragoon (Wikipedia)
Mario Party Superstars & Jamboree (Nintendo Switch)
Crash Team Racing: Re-Fueled (Switch, PS4, Xbox One)
Bioshock: The Collection (Switch, PS4, Xbox One)
Grand Theft Auto: The Definitive Trilogy (Switch, PS4, Xbox One)
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection (Switch, PS5, Xbox One X)
Halo: Master Chief Collection (Xbox One)
Graphic Novel Week
September 16, 2024
Alex, Sam and Kristina celebrate Graphic Novel Week by sharing some of their favorite graphic novels and series, including:
Peepee Poopoo by Caroline Cash
Shubeik Lubeik by Dīnā Muhammad
The He-Man Effect by Box Brown
Beautiful Darkness by Fabien Vehlmann
The Golden Age by Roxanne Moreil
Hoopla (the free library ebook/streaming app!)
Star Trek Day
September 9, 2024
Between the Shelves boldly goes where many podcasts have surely gone before...covering Star Trek! Alex, Peter, Tory and Tim celebrate the anniversary of its premiere by discussing their highlights from the series long legacy.
Watch Star Trek at the Library:
TV Series:
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Movies:
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
The Garfield Episode
September 2, 2024
Alex, Tory & Donna celebrate Ginger Cat Day by honoring the world's most famous ginger cat: Garfield! Plus, Donna faces a lightning round of questions from previous Between the Shelves episodes in The Hot Seat!
Mentioned in this episode:
Garfield: The Movie (2004)
The Garfield Movie (2024)
My Favorite Thing is Monsters
August 26, 2024
In this second edition of the Between the Shelves Book Club, Alex, Sam and Kristina review books 1 and 2 of Emil Ferris' award-winning graphic novel series My Favorite Thing is Monsters.
Mentioned in this episode:
Weird Westerns
August 12, 2024
In this episode, Tory, Kristina and Alex round up some of the weirdest Western films ever made. From killer androids to talking lizards, they're in for a wild ride!
Mentioned in this episode:
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.
"What Are You Into?" with Tory & Meg
August 5, 2024
Tory and Meg drop into the pod to chat about what they're into! Mentioned in this episode:
They Came for the Schools by Mike Hixenbaugh
Southlake (podcast)
Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky
The Murderbot Diaries (series) by Martha Wells
The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
Marvel Cinematic Universe
July 29, 2024
Kerry and Sean, the Library's #1 Marvel movie fans, join Alex to discuss the legacy and future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
MCU movies at Sayville Library
MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios by Joanna Robinson
Marvel Cinematic Universe: It's All Connected by Mike O'Sullivan
Summer Blockbuster Draft
July 22, 2024
The Library's resident movie buffs, Alex and Sean, chat about summer blockbusters and draft their perfect summer blockbuster lineup.
"What Are You Into?" with Tory & Rachel
July 15, 2024
Tory and Rachel join Alex to chat about what they're into, including:
Everything Was Possible: The Birth of the Musical Follies by Theodore Chapin
Follies (cast recordings)
We Could Be So Good by Cat Sebastian
“The Making of Pentiment” - NoClip documentary (Youtube)
Nailed It! (Netflix)
Newcomers (podcast)
Nailed It! Baking Challenges for the Rest of Us
“THE NABOO MOVIE - A 25th Anniversary All Star Live Reading of Star Wars Ep 1: The Phantom Menace” (Youtube)
"What Are You Into?" with Tim, Tory & Lizzie
July 8, 2024
Tim, Tory, Lizzie and Alex discuss what they're into!
Mentioned in this episode:
The Magicians (TV series)
The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman
Lost (TV series)
“An Appropriately Unhinged Recap of Lost” by Mike’s Mic (YouTube)
5th Grader Visits!
July 1, 2024
Sayville Library recently hosted the graduating classes from Cherry Ave, Lincoln Ave and Sunrise Drive Elementary Schools. As part of their tour, our future teen patrons were given an opportunity to drop into the Studio and record themselves answering some prompts. Here are their responses...
Tony Awards Recap
June 25, 2024
Steph and Tory join the pod to discuss this year's Tony Awards, Broadway and all things musical!
Mentioned in this episode:
Clips from this year's nominated shows (Youtube)
Performances at the 77th Annual Tony Awards (Youtube)
"This Party's For You" (Tony Awards opening number) (YouTube)
Audiobook Appreciation Month
June 17, 2024
Audiobook Recommendations:
Mr. Nice Guy by Jennifer Miller (read by Matt Godfrey)
Game of Thrones series (read by Roy Dotrice)
Harry Potter series (read by Jim Dale)
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt (read by Sean Pratt)
Stolen Focus by Johann Hari (read by the author)
Down the Drain by Julia Fox (read by the author)
The Woman in Me by Brittany Spears (read by Michelle Williams)
I’m Glad My Mother Died by Jennette McCurdy (read by the author)
Thursday Murder Club series (read by Lesley Manville)
Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan (read by the author)
Kill Show by Daniel Sweren-Becker (read by Megan Tusing)
None of This is True by Lisa Jewell (read by Kristin Atherton)
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders (multiple narrators)
Lord of the Rings Unabridged Audiobook (created by Phil Dragash)
Lovely War by Julie Berry (read by Jayne Entwistle)
All Systems Red by Martha Wells (read by Kevin R. Free)
Dead Eleven by Jimmy Juliano (read by Lee Osorio)
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston (read by Saskia Maarlevald)
You by Caroline Kepnes (read by Santino Fontana)
Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak (read by Suzy Jackson)
Junie B. Jones series (read by Lana Quintal)
Narrator Recommendations:
Pride Month Recs (Part 2)
June 10, 2024
Keith, Kristina and Tory join the pod to share more LGBTQ+ books, graphic novels and musicals for Pride Month!
Mentioned in this episode:
Go Tell It On the Mountain by James Baldwin
The Helios Syndrome by Vivian Shaw
Dr. Greta Helsing series by Vivian Shaw
My Favorite Thing is Monsters: Book 1 by Emil Ferris
My Favorite Thing is Monsters: Book 2 by Emil Ferris
Pride Month Recs
June 3, 2024
Sam and Sean join Alex to share some of their favorite LGBTQ+ books, movies and graphic novels for Pride Month!
Mentioned in this episode:
Belle of the Ball by Mari Costa
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Red, White & Royal Blue (Amazon Prime)
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
Nimona (Netflix)
She-Ra and the Princess of Power
The Owl House (Disney+)
My Favorite Thing is Monsters by Emil Ferris
The Witch Boy by Molly Knox Ostertag
The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag
Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
May 27, 2024
Alex, Kristina and Tory chat about the history of the Gameboy and some of its more eccentric games and accessories, plus some great books!
Mentioned in this episode:
“The Wild Story of The Game Boy’s Development & How Nintendo Almost Ruined It” by Wrestling with Gaming (Youtube)
“Nintendo Game Boy” by Did You Know Gaming? (YouTube)
Tetris (Apple TV+)
A Letter to the Luminous Deep by Sylvie Cathrall
May 20, 2024
Every AniMay, Between the Shelves celebrates all things anime. This year, Alex, Kristina and Tory focus on the popular anime subgenre Magical Girls!
Mentioned in this episode:
He-Man Effect: How American Toymakers Sold You Your Childhood by Box Brown
Sally the Witch (Wikipedia)
Creamy Mami, the Magic Angel (Tubi)
Lalabel, the Magical Girl (Wikipedia)
Sailor Moon (Hulu)
Sailor Moon Crystal (Netflix)
Cardcaptor Sakura (Netflix)
Princess Tutu (Amazon Prime Video)
Pretty Cure (Crunchyroll)
Puella Magi Madoka Magica (Crunchyroll)
Puella Magi Madoka Magica (DVDs)
Puella Magi Madoka Magica manga
Symphogear (Crunchyroll)
Magical Girl Ore (Crunchyroll)
Magical Destroyers (Crunchyroll)
Gushing Over Magical Girls (Wikipedia)
Granblem (Crunchyroll)
May 13, 2024
Alex, Kristina and Tory celebrate the 25th anniversary of Star Wars: Episode 1: The Phantom Menace with the deepest of dives into the film's development, controversies and legacy.
Mentioned in this episode:
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
The Star Wars Archives: 1999 - 2005 by Paul Duncan
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace by Terry Brooks
The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks with Dylan Marron (TED podcast)
The Making of Episode I The Phantom Menace by Laurent Bouzerau and Jody Duncan
May 6, 2024
Kristina, Peter & Alex discuss what they're into!
Mentioned in this episode:
The Jinx (New Series, HBO Max)
The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst (Original HBO Series, DVD/Blu-Ray)
Fallout (Amazon Prime)
Fallout 4 (“Original Pam”) - Monster Factory (YouTube)
Deadloch (Amazon Prime)
X-Men ‘97 (Disney+)
X-Men: The Animated Series (Original TV series, DVD)
April 29, 2024
In our very first Book Club discussion episode, Peter, Kristina and Alex discuss the new book Filterworld: How Algorithms Flattened Culture by Kyle Chayka.
Mentioned in this episode:
Filterworld: How Algorithms Flattened Culture by Kyle Chayka
“Why Do So Many Coffee Shops Look the Same?” (Decoder Ring podcast)
April 22, 2024
Kristina, Rachel, Tim and Alex chat about what they're into right now.
Mentioned in this episode:
Joe Gould’s Teeth by Jill Lepore
These Truths: A History of the United States by Jill Lepore
Ghosts (CBS)
The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin (AppleTV+)
Late Night with the Devil (Shudder)
Shōgun (FX/Hulu)
“Jackie Chan - How to do Action Comedy” by Every Frame a Painting (YouTube)
April 15, 2024
Kristina, Rachel, Tim and Alex celebrate National Board Game Day (April 11th) by discussing their lasting appeal, why they're a perfect fit for libraries and making some recommendations.
Mentioned in this episode:
Gamemaster (documentary)
It’s All a Game: The History of Board Games from Monopoly to Settlers of Catan by Tristan Donovan
Ruthless: Monopoly’s Secret History (documentary)
Life*
Monopoly*
UNO Flip*
Trivial Pursuit*
Parcheesi*
Cards Against Humanity: Family Edition
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza*
Avalon*
Boop*
* not in collection
April 8, 2024
Tory, Kristina and Alex chat about what they're into!
Mentioned in this episode:
Dark Souls: Remastered (PS4, Switch, Xbox One)
Dark Souls II: Scholars of the First Sin (PS3, PS4, X360, Xbox One)
Dark Souls III (PS4, Xbox One)
The Psychology of Elden Ring by Anthony Bean
Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth (PS5)
Final Fantasy VII: Remake (PS4)
Decoder Ring (podcast)
April 1, 2024
April is National Humor Month! To celebrate, Alex, Marianna and Melissa talk about some of their favorite comedy books, shows and movies. Plus comedy recommendations for every sense of humor!
Books:
A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jost
Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Based on a True Story by Norm Macdonald
Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome
Stand-Up and Movies:
Atsuko Okatsuka: The Intruder (HBO Max)
Eddie Murphy: Raw & Eddie Murphy: Delirious
TV Shows:
March 25, 2024
To coincide with the release of the hit new game Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, our resident Final Fantasy "amateur experts" explore the history of the iconic franchise and why it remains the king of RPGs 37 years later.
Games:
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion (PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox)
Dissidia Final Fantasy NT (PS4)
Final Fantasy Explorers (3DS)
Final Fantasy Type-0 HD (PS4)
Final Fantasy VII: Remake (PS4)
Final Fantasy VII: Remake Intergrade (PS5)
Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth (PS5)
Final Fantasy X / X-2 Remaster (PS4, Switch, Xbox One)
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age (PS4, Switch, Xbox One)
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII (PS3, X360)
Final Fantasy XIII (PS3, X360)
Final Fantasy XIII-2 (PS3, X360)
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn (PS4)
Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbirngers (PS4)
Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood (PS4)
Final Fantasy XV (PS4, Xbox One)
Final Fantasy XVI (PS5)
Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin (PS4, PS5, Xbox)
The World of Final Fantasy (PS4, Switch, Xbox One)
Books:
Dawn: The Worlds of Final Fantasy by Yoshitaka Amano
FF DOT: The Pixel Art of Final Fantasy
Final Fantasy: Lost Stranger (manga series)
Final Fantasy: Ultimania Archive, Vol. 1 (I-VI)
Final Fantasy: Ultimania Archive, Vol. 2 (VII-IX)
Final Fantasy: Ultimania Archive, Vol. 3 (X-XIV)
The Legend of Final Fantasy X by Damien Mecheri
The Sky: The Art of Final Fantasy by Yoshitaka Amano
Movies/Shows:
Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children (DVD, Blu-Ray)
Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within
Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV (DVD, Blu-Ray)
Soundtracks:
Distant Worlds I: Music from Final Fantasy
Distant Worlds III: Music from Final Fantasy
Lightning Returns: FFXIII Original Soundtrack
March 18, 2024
Kristina and Alex chat about what they're currently into!
Mentioned in this episode:
Fargo: Season 5 (FX/Hulu)
Wrap-Up
March 13, 2024
The Oscar Review Crew shares their post-Oscar thoughts and designs their perfect Academy Awards show.
96th Academy Awards Nominees and Winners List
"I'm Just Ken" performed by Ryan Gosling, Mark Ronson, Slash & The Kens
March 6, 2024
Between the Shelves' Oscar Review Crew reunites to celebrate the 96th Academy Awards! Alex, Sean, Rachel and Maria discuss this year's biggest snubs and surprises and share their personal Best Picture nominees.
Best Picture Nominees:
Maestro (Netflix)
Other Films Mentioned:
Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3
May December (Netflix)
Monster
Rustin (Netflix)
February 26, 2024
To celebrate International Pokémon Day, Alex and Kristina discuss how the niche Game Boy game grew into the world's biggest franchise and share their personal journey's to becoming Pokémon Masters.
Mentioned in this episode:
Pokémon books available in Suffolk County Libraries
Pokémon shows and movies available in Suffolk County Libraries
Pokémon video games available in Suffolk County Libraries
Pokémon Concierge (Netflix)
February 19, 2024
Tory, Kristina and Meg chat about what they're into! Mentioned in this episode:
The Traitors (Peacock)
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV)
The Neverending Story (Babylon, NY)
Tiny Raccoon Books (Sayville, NY)
February 12, 2024
Special guest host Tory chats with Kristina and Meg about romance books and it's many alluring subgenres!
Mentioned in this episode:
Bridget Jones Diary by Helen Fielding
The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
“Hidden Legacy” series by Ilona Andrews
The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
The Dead Romantics by Ahsley Poston
Say I Love You by Kanae Hazuki
Library Wars: Love and War by Kiiro Yumi
My Boyfriend is a Bear by Pamela Ribon
Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell
The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker
The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams
“Wilde” series by Eloisa James
The Ladies Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite
“MacGregor” series by Grace Burrowes
January 29, 2024
Tory and Derek ("A Bite Of" podcast) join Alex to talk about what they're into!
Mentioned in this episode:
Derek’s podcast: “A Bite Of”
Big Brother (CBS)
One Piece (Netflix)
One Piece (graphic novel series)
Superfan (CBS)
“It Was Me” by Rosemary Joaquin
January 22, 2024
Tory and Alex are joined by special guest Derek (“A Bite Of” podcast) on a deep dive of the music phenomena that is K-POP! Tory and Derek also share their top 5 K-Pop tracks, so don't miss!
Tracks played on this episode:
“As If It’s Your Last” by BLACKPINK
More K-Pop albums available at the library:
January 15, 2024
Alex is joined by Melissa and Steph to talk about what they're into!
Mentioned in this episode:
Class of '07 (Amazon Prime)
Good Trouble (Hulu)
Sure, I'll Join Your Cult by Maria Bamford
Ask Me About My New God - Maria Bamford
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
January 8, 2024
Between the Shelves celebrates 50 years of hip-hop with our tribute its best era, the '90s. Alex, Melissa and Steph play some of their favorite '90s hip-hop tracks and talk about what makes this decade rap's greatest.
Artists played in this episode:
Big L
Ol' Dirty Bastard
Other mentions:
"It was all a dream: Hip-hop turns 50" by Sean Carter (Washington Post)
Hip-Hop Evolution (Netflix)
December 18, 2023
In our final "Best of 2023" episode, Jenn, Marianne, and Peter join Alex to discuss their favorite books, TV shows and albums of the year!
How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair
The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osmon
Nobody Needs to Know by Pidgeon Pagonis
Telemarketers (Max)
Our Flag Means Death (Max)
Fisk (Netflix)
The Bear (FX/Hulu)
Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die (World War) by Jaimie Branch
Workin on the World by Iris Dement
This Girl is Crying in Her Latte by Sparks
Everything is Alive by Slowdive
Burden of Guilt (podcast)
(Part 2)
December 11, 2023
Kristina and Tory join Alex to share their favorite books, TV shows, music and video game of 2023!
Number Go Up: Inside Cryptos Wild Rise and Staggering Fall by Zeke Faux
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
Our Flag Means Death (Max)
So Much (for) Stardust by Fall Out Boy
The Continental: From the World of John Wick (Peacock)
Here Lies Love (Musical)
(Part 1)
December 4, 2023
November 27, 2023
Kristina and Alex review season 1 of Ahsoka and chat about some other things they're currently into, like ghost stories, suplexing trains, and exploring the strange stories behind America's favorite theme park.
Deserter: Junji Ito Story Collection by Junji Ito
Ghostland: An American History in Haunted Places by Colin Dickey
“Disney Channel’s Theme: A History Mystery” (Defunctland)
“Disney’s FastPass: A Complicated History” (Defunctland)
“The History of Gullah Gullah Island” (Defunctland)
“The Rise & Fall of Showbiz Pizza Place & Chuck E. Cheese Pizza Time Theatre” (Yesterworld)
“The Troubled History of The Black Cauldron” (Yesterworld)
“The History of Walt Disney Home Video and the Infamous Disney Vault” (Yesterworld)
Celebration
November 20, 2023
In honor of Life Day, the cherished Wookiee holiday, Kristina and Alex celebrate by thoroughly examining the galactic disaster that is the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special.
The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)
"The Troubled History of the Star Wars Holiday Special" (Yesterworld)
"The Epically Terrible Star Wars Holiday Special: An Oral History" (Lit Hub)
November 13, 2023
(Part 2)
November 6, 2023
Alex, Steph and Rachel continue their rating of every single hand-drawn Disney film! In part two, they cover:
The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
Oliver & Company (1988)
The Little Mermaid (1989)
The Rescuers Down Under (1990)
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Aladdin (1992)
The Lion King (1994)
Pocahontas (1995)
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
Hercules (1997)
Mulan (1998)
Tarzan (1999)
The Emperor's New Groove (2000)
Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)
Lilo & Stitch (2002)
Treasure Planet (2002)
Brother Bear (2003)
Home on the Range (2004)
The Princess and the Frog (2009)
(Part 1)
October 30, 2023
On this very special two-part episode, Alex, Steph and Rachel celebrate 100 years of Disney by rating every single Disney hand-drawn film! In part one, they cover:
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Pinocchio (1940)
Fantasia (1940)
Dumbo (1941)
Bambi (1942)
Cinderella (1950)
Alice in Wonderland (1951)
Peter Pan (1953)
Lady and the Tramp (1955)
Sleeping Beauty (1959(
One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)
The Sword in the Stone (1963)
The Jungle Book (1967)
The Aristocats (1970)
Robin Hood (1973)
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
The Rescuers (1977)
The Fox and the Hound (1981)
The Black Cauldron (1985)
(Part 2)
October 23, 2023
In part 2 of our "Horror-ween Challenge," Peter and Alex discuss their picks in 12 more horror movie categories. Part 2's categories include:
(Part 1)
October 16, 2023
In this extra spooky episode, Alex and Peter discuss our first ever "Horror-ween Challenge" and pick their favorites for the first 13 of 25 horror movie categories.
Mentioned in this episode:
A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night
Halloween III: Season of the Witch
October 9, 2023
Jenn and Marianne join Alex to talk about what they're into! Discussed in this episode:
Heartstopper series by Alice Oseman
Heartstopper (Netflix)
A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen
October 2, 2023
On this special Banned Books Week episode, Alex is joined by Library Director Jenn and Head of Teen Services Marianne dive deep on book challenges and the challenges in curating a collection that reflects our diverse community.
Mentioned in this episode:
Sayville Library’s Materials Selection Policy
Challenged Resources: An Interpretation of the ALA’s Bill of Rights
“Censorship by the Numbers” (ALA)
September 18, 2023
Kristina, Tim and Alex celebrate Hobbit Day (Sept 22nd) by discussing the classic book that started it all. Then, they go “back again” to review The Hobbit’s less-than-stellar movie adaptations!
Discussed in this episode:
The Hobbit, or, There and Back Again by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)
The Return of the King (1980 film)
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012 film)
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013 film)
The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies (2014 film)
Tolkien’s World: Paintings from Middle-Earth by Alan Lee
September 4, 2023
Tory and Alex talk about what they're into!
Mentioned in this episode:
“Best of the Doobies. Volume II” by the Doobie Brothers
August 28, 2023
Alex and Tory deep-dive on all things podcasts. That's right, a podcast about podcasts. It's...the Pod-Ception!
Mentioned in this episode:
Comedy:
Pistol Shrimps Radio / Mallwalkin’
Narrative:
True Crime:
Pop Culture & Gaming:
News:
Misc:
August 14, 2023
Erin and Gianna share their perspectives on library school, academic libraries, archives, collection development, book challenges and ... UFOs!
Mentioned in this episode:
Under the Eye of Power by Colin Dickey
UFOs: Investigating the Unknown
August 7, 2023
Alex speaks with librarians-to-be, Angela and Jillian, about why they decided to become librarians, their library school experiences, and the ever-changing nature of library work.
Mentioned in this episode:
July 31, 2023
Mary & Rachel join Alex to talk about what they're into! In this week's episode, we discuss:
Rudeboy: the Story of Trojan Records (film)
Rudeboy: the Story of Trojan Records (soundtrack)
The Harder They Come (soundtrack)
Cymbeline by William Shakespeare
Celebrity Memoir Book Club podcast
Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend podcast
The World’s Worst Assistant by Sona Movsesian
Mallwalkin’ & Pistol Shrimps Radio podcasts
Pearlmania500 podcast
Shameless podcast
Mamamia podcast
July 24, 2023
Mary and Rachel, our resident astrologists, explain the fundamentals of astrology and read Alex's birth chart!
Mentioned in this episode:
MinnowPond (Youtube Channel)
The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need by Joanna Martine Woolfolk
July 17, 2023
Kristina, Morgan, Tim and Alex discuss what they're into, including:
The Feather Thief by Kirk W Johnson
The Orvis Guide to Beginning Fly Fishing
Hunt for the Roses by Drea Scott
This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
July 10, 2023
It's National Video Game Week! In this episode, we celebrate by talking all things video games, from our first gaming experiences to our thoughts on this year's biggest title: Tears of the Kingdom.
Mentioned in this episode:
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Mario Strikers: Battle League Football
The Super Mario Bros Movie (2023)
Super Mario Bros. Movie (1993)
July 3, 2023
Marianne, Meg, Stephanie and Alex talk about what they're into! Plus, some 5th graders from Cherry Ave, Lincoln Ave and Sunrise Drive Elementary Schools talk about their summer plans!
Hestia Strikes a Match by Christine Grillo
Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane
June 26, 2023
Alex, Marianne, Meaghan, and Stephanie celebrate the launch of Sayville Library's Summer Reading Club by discussing what makes a perfect summer read. Plus, some 5th graders from Cherry Ave, Lincoln Ave, and Sunrise Drive Elementary Schools share their own favorite summer reads!
Mentioned in this episode:
I Have No Secrets by Penny Joelson
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
The Lake Wobegon Virus by Garrison Keillor
June 19, 2023
Peter, Marianne, Kristina and Alex talk about some of their favorite LGBTQ+ bands, TV shows and films, including:
Los Espookys
Heartstoppers (TV series)
Dropout.tv
Somebody Somewhere
The Conners
Ted Lasso
June 12, 2023
Peter, Marianne, Kristina and Alex discuss some of their favorite LGBTQ+ books, including:
Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel
My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness by Nagata Kabi
This Body I Wore: A Memoir by Diana Goetsch
Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki
Sorrowland / The Deep by Rivers Solomon
Heartstopper Series by Alice Oseman
Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather
The Kingston Cycle Series by C.L. Polk
All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin
June 5, 2023
Peter and Alex discuss some things they're into, including:
May 29,2023
DJs Peter and Alex play some choice tracks from their favorite albums in Sayville Library's vinyl record collection, including:
(Come on feel the) Illinoise! - Sufjan Stevens
Heaven or Las Vegas - Cocteau Twins
Odessey and Oracle - The Zombies
Time Out - Dave Brubeck Quartet
May 22, 2023
Kristina, Tory and Alex talk about what they're into! Discussed in this episode:
Fall Out Boy - Under the Cork Tree
May 15, 2023
Tory and Kristina join Alex to talk all things anime! We discuss our favorite shows and movies followed by an in-depth review of the classic Neon Genesis Evangelion.
Mentioned in this episode:
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
Neon Genesis Evangelion (series)
Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion
Evangelion: 1.01: You Are (Not) Alone
Evangelion: 2.22: You Can (Not) Advance
May 8, 2023
Alex, Chuck, Kristina and Tim return to talk more Star Wars! We cover our personal histories with the franchise, our favorite Star Wars books and video games, and play a new game: "Know Your Podracer!"
Mentioned in this episode:
Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Leia: Princess of Alderaan by Claudia Gray
Master and Apprentice by Claudia Gray
Rogue Squadron by Michael Stackpole
Star Wars: Brotherhood by Mike Chen
Queen's Shadow by E.K. Johnston
May 1, 2023
Episode XIV: THE RANKING OF STAR WARS
Four brave podcasters boldly attempt to rank every film and show in the galaxy's most beloved franchise.
April 24, 2023
Alex, Marianne and Peter discuss what they're currently into! Mentioned in this episode:
Anatomy: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz
Immortality: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz
Annals of the Western Shore by Ursula K. LeGuin
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. LeGuin
I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself by Marisa Crane
Liberation Day by George Saunders
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
Tenth of December by George Saunders
April 17, 2023
Marianne and Peter go on a deep-dive of their favorite Spring TV shows (Yellowjackets and Ted Lasso) … and Alex is there too!
Mentioned in this episode:
April 10, 2023
Jenn, Jonathan, Morgan & Alex talk about what they're into! Discussed in this episode:
Independence by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
April 3, 2023
Library Director Jenn and Department Heads Jonathan and Morgan help kick off National Library Month with a heartfelt, enlightening discussion on how public libraries remain as relevant today as ever.
Mentioned in this episode:
TED Talk: Reimagining the Public Library
Digital Library: Streaming Apps
Digital Library: Online Learning
March 20, 2023
Broadway aficionadas, Stephanie and Tory, join Alex to celebrate World Theater Day!
Mentioned in this episode:
March 15, 2023
The Oscar Review Crew returns for a very special bonus episode! In it, we discuss our favorite moments from the 95th Academy Awards and movies we're looking forward to seeing in next year's Oscars.
Mentioned in this episode:
March 7, 2023
Movie-buffs Chuck, Sean and Rachel join Alex to discuss this year’s Best Picture nominees!
Mentioned in this episode:
All Quiet on the Western Front
February 27, 2023
Jonathan and Erin join Alex to discuss their varied and interesting past jobs and what led them to becoming a librarian, all the while taking some nice detours on cooking, finding time to read, indie role playing games, and motorcycle gangs!
Mentioned in this episode:
Good Owners, Great Dogs by Brian Kilcommons
Julie and Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen by Julie Powell
February 13, 2023
Jenn and Peter, the Library's unofficial detectives, join Alex on a special mystery-themed episode! We discuss our favorite mystery books and series, what makes a good cozy mystery, and review The Thursday Murder Club.
Mentioned in this episode:
An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good by Helene Tursten
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
Demon Copperhead - Barbara Kingsolver
The Devil House by John Darnielle
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
In These Times - Makaya McCraven
Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers - Kendrick Lamar
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
The 7th Hand - Immanuel Wilkins
January 30, 2023
Children’s Librarians, Kerry and Meg, join Alex in this episode to discuss audiobooks, Twilight, fantasy series, and modern romance books, then we wrap up with a fun round of “Would You Rather?”
Mentioned in this episode:
Audiobooks narrated by Julia Whelan
The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion & The Fall of Imperial Russia by Candance Fleming
The Greatest Love Story Ever Told by Megan Mullally
The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera
Paddle Your Own Canoe by Nick Offerman
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnetgut
Stories I Only Tell My Friends by Rob Lowe
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jost
January 17, 2023
Alex and Morgan are joined by Assistant Director Tim! In this episode, we talk more best books of 2022, recommendations that just didn’t land for us, all things Elden Ring, and we play a fun round of “Two Truths and a Lie!”
Mentioned in this episode:
The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
How to Raise an Antiracist by Ibram X Kendi
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
January 9, 2023
Librarians Marianne and Melissa join Alex to discuss their favorite books of 2022! We also talk book adaptations, Andor, video games, Lord of the Rings, Nope, and recap the year with some 2022 pop culture trivia!
Mentioned in this episode:
Demon Copperhead - Barbara Kingsolver
The Escape Artist: The Man Who Broke Out of Auschwitz to Warn the World by Jonathan Freedland
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
December 30, 2022
Welcome to Between the Shelves, the premiere Sayville Library podcast! In this episode, Librarians Alex, Morgan and Kristina talk Star Wars, Kingdom Hearts, their favorite books of 2022 and play some Santa-themed movie trivia.
Mentioned in this episode:
All Quiet on the Western Front
An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good by Helene Tursten
Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion
Crossroads by Jonathan Franzen
Everything Everywhere All At Once
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
Meet Me by the Fountain by Alexandra Lange
The Nineties by Chuck Klosterman
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid