Pop, Paradox, and Found Objects: A Conversation with Local Artist Brett Whitacre

The Stories Hidden in Plain Sight: Author Andrew Mertzenich on His book, Forest City Yester-Queer

In 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 conversation explores the importance of preserving local history, uncovering stories that were once hidden, and why understanding the past helps us better understand our communities today. Whether you're interested in history, storytelling, LGBTQ+ experiences, or the people who helped shape the communities we call home, this episode offers a fascinating look at the stories waiting to be found.

Forest City Stories: Neil Bloom on Film, Community, and Rockford

What 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, director, and founder of Future Films, and the Rockford Public Library’s newest Artist in Residence - for a conversation about storytelling, ego-free sets, and why he believes Rockford has everything it needs to support a thriv9ng creative community.  Neil talks about his journey from theater kid to filmmaker, the vision behind Forest City cinema Community, what it means to call RPL’s Nordlof Center home, and the five short films he and his collaborators have been quietly building toward a big night on May 30th. This one is for every Rockford creative who’s ever wondered if this city is the right place to make something real. Tickets to the Neil Bloom Short Film Showcase are $10 at this link. JR Sullivan Theater at RPL’s Nordlof Center, Saturday, May 30th – doors open at 6PM screenings are at 7PM.   Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/neil-bloom-short-film-showcase-tickets-1988600601932?aff=oddtdtcreator [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eventbrite.com%2Fe%2Fneil-bloom-short-film-showcase-tickets-1988600601932%3Faff%3Doddtdtcreator&data=05%7C02%7Clgriffin%40rockfordpubliclibrary.org%7Ca85cb5348b894dd2fb9f08debb491c6f%7Ce73a7f369d084f5fb663eb6df1fe46d3%7C0%7C0%7C639154119871306897%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=KjHV%2B4jE1xkOGCP2TbgoBKH%2Fm0LTNMuPpDW%2FIMfjWQo%3D&reserved=0]

Unearth a Story: Discover Summer Reading at Rockford Public Library

Kick 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 community together—one book at a time.

Threads that Bind: Celebrating Ramadan Through Global Fashion

We’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 sits down with Sameena Zahurullah to talk about the special Ramadan Storytimes and the beautiful exhibit, "Threads that Bind: Ramadan, Dress, and Service,"  now on display in the Elias Cosper Gallery. Together, we explore how these programs create space for learning, understanding, and shared experiences across our city. Listen now and be inspired by the power of partnership.

Early African Americans in Rockford (1834–1871): Uncovering Untold Stories

We'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, strength, and contributions of Rockford’s earliest Black residents—individuals and families who built foundations of community, culture, and resilience long before the city we know today fully took shape.  You can pre-order the book using the following link: https://square.link/u/jQrUAJVE [https://square.link/u/jQrUAJVE] Join us: February 17 | 6P–7P Nordlof Center-118 N. Main St., Rockford IL Celebrate the release of the updated edition of African Americans in Early Rockford by Dr. John Molyneaux with a spirited panel talk about Rockford’s unique black history and keeping it alive for generations to come.  Dr. Molyneaux will be joined by RVC history educator Skip Gilbert, Amanda Becker from the Rockford Historical Society, and Sarah Stumpf from the Rockford Public Library to discuss making this valuable history accessible again and sharing some of their favorite people and stories.  Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signature.