Home
Categories
EXPLORE
True Crime
Comedy
Society & Culture
Business
Sports
Technology
History
About Us
Contact Us
Copyright
© 2024 PodJoint
Podjoint Logo
US
00:00 / 00:00
Sign in

or

Don't have an account?
Sign up
Forgot password
https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts211/v4/e7/7b/77/e77b7794-991f-72c7-e50d-23bc138e4b95/mza_16288105401971454178.jpg/600x600bb.jpg
Top Shelf with Russell Library
Russell Library
70 episodes
2 weeks ago
Diving into a novel usually involves a level of trust. We assume that the characters on the page are telling the truth, or at the very least, we trust that the narrator will inform us when someone is spinning a web of lies. But what happens when the narrator is the deceiver? Unreliable narrators may lead us astray due to a variety of reasons; deliberate deception, mental illness, flawed memory, bias, or a limited or skewed perspective. Sometimes the reader finds themself deep into a story bef...
Show more...
Arts
Society & Culture
RSS
All content for Top Shelf with Russell Library is the property of Russell Library and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Diving into a novel usually involves a level of trust. We assume that the characters on the page are telling the truth, or at the very least, we trust that the narrator will inform us when someone is spinning a web of lies. But what happens when the narrator is the deceiver? Unreliable narrators may lead us astray due to a variety of reasons; deliberate deception, mental illness, flawed memory, bias, or a limited or skewed perspective. Sometimes the reader finds themself deep into a story bef...
Show more...
Arts
Society & Culture
Episodes (20/70)
Top Shelf with Russell Library
Unreliable Narrators | Christy, Kim, Shannon, & Briana
Diving into a novel usually involves a level of trust. We assume that the characters on the page are telling the truth, or at the very least, we trust that the narrator will inform us when someone is spinning a web of lies. But what happens when the narrator is the deceiver? Unreliable narrators may lead us astray due to a variety of reasons; deliberate deception, mental illness, flawed memory, bias, or a limited or skewed perspective. Sometimes the reader finds themself deep into a story bef...
Show more...
1 month ago
27 minutes

Top Shelf with Russell Library
Summerween | Christy, Kim, Stephanie, & Kate
The Russell Library is full of Halloween loving librarians, so we jumped on the chance to celebrate early! If you, too, enjoy the spooky season, you'll love our Summerween conversation. The term “Summerween” comes from the animated mystery TV series "Gravity Falls". The show has inspired fans of the macabre to celebrate this holiday anytime from June through August. Whether you're carving a jack-o-lantern out of a watermelon or throwing a pool party with inflatable skeletons, Summerween remin...
Show more...
2 months ago
31 minutes

Top Shelf with Russell Library
Beach Reads | Stephanie, Briana, Cate, & Shannon
What makes a perfect beach read? Is it the same for everyone or is there room for interpretation? Merriam Webster defines a beach read as, a usually light work of escapist fiction (such as a thriller or romance). While this may be true for many, on Top Shelf we've decided to dive a little deeper into the subject. In today's episode, Briana, Shannon, and Cate share their perspectives on what criteria must be met for the ultimate beach read experience. Our librarians will also explore the wide ...
Show more...
3 months ago
31 minutes

Top Shelf with Russell Library
Free People Read Freely | Briana, Christy, Kim, & Stephanie
Welcome to Episode 1 of Top Shelf with Russell Library! This show is brought to you by the same team behind Middletown Strong: Looking up With Russell Library. After four wonderful community-focused seasons of Middletown Strong, the team has chosen to focus on one of our other great loves... books! Our librarians will share titles that connect to a unique theme each episode. In today's conversation, Briana, Kim, Christy, and Stephanie will explore some of their favorite banned and challenged ...
Show more...
4 months ago
30 minutes

Top Shelf with Russell Library
Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz | Christy & Briana
In honor of Women’s History Month, we are delighted to share this exciting conversation with you. Christy and Briana sit down with a very special woman in our community, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz! In this chat, you'll learn about the many roles fulfilled by the lieutenant governor; including, serving as Acting Governor when Governor Lamont is out of state, presiding over the State Senate, and serving as Chair of the Governor's Council on Women and Girls. Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz shares why Conne...
Show more...
8 months ago
49 minutes

Top Shelf with Russell Library
William Foster | Christy & Briana
In today's episode, Christy and Briana sit down with Bill Foster, Russell Library Board of Trustee, retired professor of English from Naugatuck Valley Community College, and a historical collector of comic books. Bill has been a commentator for CNN News National Public Radio and a consultant for a variety of museums. Libraries around the state have benefited from Bill's enriching programs documenting black characters in comics. In this conversation, you'll learn how Bill's love of comics bega...
Show more...
8 months ago
52 minutes

Top Shelf with Russell Library
Reading Tracking & Setting Goals | Stephanie, Briana, & Cate
It’s officially 2025! Many of us have already thought about eating better and exercising more, but have you considered your reading resolutions? In today’s episode, Stephanie, Briana, and Cate talk about the various ways they approach reading. Whether your reading style involves casually browsing the shelves or crafting carefully curated spreadsheets, this episode will offer tips and tools for starting your 2025 reading journey. The team dives into the pros and cons of using sites like Goodre...
Show more...
9 months ago
57 minutes

Top Shelf with Russell Library
The Salvation Army | Captain Erin & Lieutenant Brian Perks
Most people associate the Salvation Army with the wonderful bell ringers collecting funds in their red kettles around the holiday. However, this is just one of the many ways that the Salvation Army serves its communities From embracing the homeless, uplifting the abused or abandoned, training and mentoring the disadvantaged, providing character building programs for youth, or assisting the displaced or elderly, the Salvation Army is there to support and serve all year long. In today's e...
Show more...
11 months ago
56 minutes

Top Shelf with Russell Library
I like BIG Books | Stephanie Rush & The Shan
We like BIG BOOKS and we cannot lie! In today's episode, Steph and Shan guide us through the world of big books. What are they? Should we read them? What strategies can we use to tackle them? They'll discuss things like choosing the right time to invest in a big book, determining if your lifestyle supports the effort they require, and balancing the completion of a big book with a lighter read. You'll also receive pro tips; such as, using audio books so you can freely move while reading, or bu...
Show more...
11 months ago
46 minutes

Top Shelf with Russell Library
CT Cryptids | Patrick Scalisi & Valerie Ruby-Omen
Are you a fan of the weird and wonderful? If so, you're in for a treat! In today's episode, Briana and Christy sit down with Patrick Scalisi and Valerie Ruby-Omen, author and illustrator of Connecticut Cryptids: A Field Guide to the Weird and Wonderful Creatures of the Nutmeg State. They'll help us define cryptids and cryptozoology and introduce us to cryptids in our local area, such as the Shad Spirit and the Connecticut River Serpent. We'll learn all about the inspiration behind this wonder...
Show more...
1 year ago
56 minutes

Top Shelf with Russell Library
Secrets of the Russell Library 2024 | Library Card Signup Month
Join Cate Tsahalis and Shannon Barillari as they interview our very own Mary Dattilo about the new and improved Secrets of Russell Library! This season, actors will entertain the audience with historical stories told by an eclectic cast of library characters. Shannon returns with Kim Spachman for "Turn That Shhh Up!" where they discuss library card signup month and the goings on here at Russell this September. Lastly, Stephanie Rush, Kate McCarthy-Bond, and Christy Billings give theatrical bo...
Show more...
1 year ago
41 minutes

Top Shelf with Russell Library
Bookstagram & Book Reviews | Christy, Briana, & Stephanie
If you're a book lover and an Instagram user, you may already be familiar with the world of Bookstagram. If this is a new term for you, you definitely won't want to miss today's conversation. Librarians Christy, Briana, and Stephanie share their experiences as Bookstagram content creators and consumers. They'll discuss a variety of social media platforms and online book reviewing spaces. This conversation will even explore proper etiquette when reviewing books. Remember authors are people too...
Show more...
1 year ago
46 minutes

Top Shelf with Russell Library
Friends of the Library | Christy, Briana, & Friends
Join Briana & Christy as they interview Friends of the Russell Library, Sandy Becker and Mary Keating. Learn all about the big upcoming Booksale on June 14-15. Sandy and Mary will discuss what it takes to become a Friend of the Library and why you should consider joining the team. If you're looking for a way to build community surrounded by thousands of books, this might be the volunteer opportunity for you! Stay tuned after the interview for important Russell Library announcements ...
Show more...
1 year ago
1 hour 4 minutes

Top Shelf with Russell Library
Summer Reading 2024 | Christy, Stephanie, Kate, & Briana
Join Christy, Stephanie, Kate and Briana as they talk about upcoming summer reading and their reading recommendations to get you started. Summer Reading Kick-off is Saturday, June 15th for All AGES! Sign up in person or online at www.russelllibrary.org. Choose your tracker and complete library prompts to earn tickets for a drawing with fantastic prizes. Join us for the Summer of 2024 at Russell Library! Book Recommendations The Other Americans a Novel by Laila Lalami Six Walks: In the Foot...
Show more...
1 year ago
32 minutes

Top Shelf with Russell Library
All Things Graphic Novels! | Dillon Willhelm
Join Stephanie, Christy, and Kate as they interview the newest member of the podcast team, Dillon (me the editor) about all things Manga. As well as some important announcements and upcoming events from Shannon and Kim in TTSU followed by more book recommendations from Stephanie, Christy, and Kate in Shelf Life. Book Recommendations Heartstopper by Alice Oseman Lore Olympus (Vol 1) by Rachel Smythe Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi Fu...
Show more...
1 year ago
58 minutes

Top Shelf with Russell Library
Deconstructing the Romance Genre | Christy, Briana, & Stephanie
When it comes to romance, readers have historically landed squarely on one side of the fence... love em' or hate em'. As the genre evolves, however, we're starting to see a new wave of romance fans. In today's episode, Stephanie, Christy, and Briana strive to deconstruct the contemporary romance genre. They'll explore a variety of tropes; such as, second chance romance, enemies to lovers, grumpy sunshine, forced proximity, slow burn, and friends to lovers, just to name a few. They'll also cov...
Show more...
1 year ago
1 hour 10 minutes

Top Shelf with Russell Library
Calling All Oscar Buffs︱Jeremy Bond
Do you identify as an Oscar buff? Are you fascinated by the history and lore surrounding this annual cinematic event? If so, this episode is for you! Kate, Kim, and Christy sit down with special guest, Jeremy Bond, to chat about all things related to the world-renowned Academy Awards. Pull up a comfy chair, grab some popcorn, and get inspired to celebrate the best pictures of 2024! This podcast uses music by Ashutosh, under a creative commons license: Time by ASHUTOSH | https://soundcloud.co...
Show more...
1 year ago
1 hour 4 minutes

Top Shelf with Russell Library
Winter Solstice︱Shannon, Kate, & Cate
The winter solstice is upon us! Too many of us enter the darker months with a feeling of dread, but what if it didn't have to be this way? The solstice is a time to embrace the return of the light and rejoice in the gifts that the colder months have to offer. In this conversation, Kate will share a little history surrounding the winter solstice. Shannon will offer ideas for solstice celebration and Cate will share positive winter practices inspired by the Nordic and Scandinavian culture. Enjo...
Show more...
1 year ago
58 minutes

Top Shelf with Russell Library
Artist Retrospective︱Kyle O'Neil
We are thrilled to bring this episode to our listeners on the last day of Indigenous People's Heritage Month! The Russell Library recently had the pleasure of partnering with Kyle O'Neil and her father and Wangunk Elder, Gary O'Neil, to showcase Kyle's 20 year retrospective journey as an artist. This conversation includes a retelling of Briana and Christy's experience hosting this beautiful event, along with sound bites of conversation from Gary and Kyle taken during a guided tour of the coll...
Show more...
1 year ago
58 minutes

Top Shelf with Russell Library
CT Urban Legends︱Storytelling Librarians
Do urban legends intrigue you? Does local folklore spark your imagination? If so, you won't want to miss our second spooky episode of the season! Librarians, Shannon, Briana, and Christy sit down with our Assistant Director of Public Services, Mary, to share CT urban legends. Where did these stories start? What was their intended purpose? Is there truth behind the myth?... You decide... And stayed tuned for a behind-the-scenes unexplained event that happened after the recording of this conver...
Show more...
2 years ago
41 minutes

Top Shelf with Russell Library
Diving into a novel usually involves a level of trust. We assume that the characters on the page are telling the truth, or at the very least, we trust that the narrator will inform us when someone is spinning a web of lies. But what happens when the narrator is the deceiver? Unreliable narrators may lead us astray due to a variety of reasons; deliberate deception, mental illness, flawed memory, bias, or a limited or skewed perspective. Sometimes the reader finds themself deep into a story bef...