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.

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Episode Seventy-Two

 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 Taylor Epic Journeys: 245 Life-Changing Adventures by National Geographic Epic Bike Ride’s of the America’s by Lonely Planet Best Rail Trails Illinois by Ted Villaire Running with Sherman by Christopher McDougall    

Episode Seventy-One

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 Seventy

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 Roehrig 

Episode Sixty-Nine

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-Eight

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-Seven

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-Six

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-Five

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-Four

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-Three

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-Two

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-One

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 Jamieson Primates by Jim Ottaviani Queen of the Sea by Dylan Meconis The Mars Challenge by Alison Wilgus and Wyeth Yates The Way of the House Husband, vol. 1 by Kousuke Oono The Phantom Twin by Lisa Brown Die vol. 1 by Kieron Gillen and Stephanie Hans March, books 1, 2, 3 by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, Nate Powell  

Episode Sixty

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-Nine

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-Eight

Normal Public Library's podcast features book, audio, and movie recommendations, timely info about the library's programs and services, and fun discussions with awesome people.

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