Squirrels & Shiny Things: A Library Podcast

Ep. 48: Squirrels & Some Frozen Moles

It's February...Black History Month...the Month of Love...whatever you choose, we're here for another episode where Tremain will tell you about a Black History experience in Starbucks and Jessica has a frozen mole she wants to keep as a pet.  Good thing we haven't lost our ability to go off on some wild tangents.  We'll also be discussing: Library Events: Great adult activities including the Free Tax Assistance program, Mardi Gras Mask making workshops, and some great free movie showings to be on the lookout for including "Remember the Titans," "Air Force One," "Enchanted," and "Gemini Man." News From Our Library: We're letting you in on some new equipment at your library...we've got Print Kiosks for the public.  An Inside the Library companion video will be coming to tell you all about it and how to use it. New DVD Releases: This week we'll be telling you about the DVD releases to look out for at your local public library including "Doctor Sleep," "Last Christmas," "Playing with Fire," and "The House That Jack Built." Libraries in the News: There's been some resolution for library staff in Cleveland; another insane bill is being proposed in South Dakota targeting the LGBTQ community; someone's trying to kill off Nancy Drew at the age of 90; looking into laptop checkout station kiosks.

Ep. 47: Squirrels & Some Drag Power to the People

We're back for more podcast fun with Tremain and Jessica at your Abilene Public Library.  First off, we apologize for the technical difficulties with the audio, but we never noticed Jessica's microphone went out after about 20-minutes into recording, so her voice is fainter as it's being picked up on the other mic in the room.  In our last episode of the month we're discussing: News From Our Library: Learn about how construction has begun for the new Abilene Heritage Square facility, and we'll also let you in on our new Inside the Library video series to help keep the community informed on what's going on at your library. New DVD Releases: This week we'll be telling you about the DVD releases to look out for at your local public library including "Terminator: Dark Fate" and "Harriet." Libraries in the News: We've got some stories for you this week including a followup to the Missouri bill that's being presented that could land librarians in jail and cost libraries their funding...but drag queens around the nation have something to say about that; an agreement may have been met for Cleveland libraries; libraries are more popular than going to the movies, sporting events, and concerts in new Gallup poll for 2019; actress Reese Witherspoon is looking for a Librarian-in-Residence for her book club; Wake Forest mom disheartened by her non-verbal, adult, autistic son's treatment.

Ep. 46: Squirrels & Something Wicked This Way Comes from Missouri

January is almost over, but the podcasting fun continues with hosts Tremain & Jessica from the Abilene Public Library.  On today's show you'll hear about the struggle with claustrophobia, how our thoughts are still with Australia, and how awful men are at explaining what's wrong when we're sick.  Plus, we'll also be discussing: Library Events: Great adult activities including a Crafty DIY session making Wax Art Candles, another workshop making Bottle Cap Pincushions, the first Open Mic Night event at your library and free movie showings on Saturday of "The Angry Birds Movie 2,""Judy," and "The Peanut Butter Falcon." News From Our Library: Well let you in on our new  video series titled Inside the Library as well as the Free Tax Assistance Program being offered in February. New DVD Releases: This week we'll be telling you about the DVD releases to look out for at your local public library including "Zombieland: Double Tap," "The Addams Family," and "Countdown." Libraries in the News: We covered two articles with libraries with a local librarian, Eddy Smith, being appointed to the Texas Governor's Broadband Development Council, as well as a new law from Missouri, that if passed, could allow for the banning of books in public libraries...of if challenged, could lead to loss of funding for the library as well as imprisonment for librarians.

Ep. 45: Squirrels & Seeing Clear in 2020

Join Tremain Jackson & Jessica Reyes for a fresh episode for the new year, and since the year is 2020, let's kick off the year with trying to see things a little more clearly. Today's show will be shorter than our usual shows, but we were a little pressed for time, making sure to cover all the great stuff we usually do including: Library Events: Great adult activities including the Photo Digitization Workshop, the startup of the Cover-to-Cover Book Club for the new year, a craft workshop making Alice in Wonderland Bookmarks, the next Genealogy Lock-In Session, and a family movie showing of "Wonder Park." New DVD Releases: This week we'll be telling you about the DVD releases to look out for at your local public library including "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil," "Gemini Man," "Jexi," and "Code 8." Libraries in the News: We covered three great articles with libraries in  Gwinnett County shutting down to ditch the Dewey Decimal system; more news on the employees strike at the Cleveland public libraries; and the shiny new technology lab rolling out of Houston that I wish I could run myself because it's taking technology on-the-go in a souped up RV.

Ep. 44: Squirrels & Some Love for Mariah

Join Tremain Jackson & Jessica Reyes for a fresh episode just before the holidays.  Jessica's loves the holiday season, but Tremain's a bit indifferent; however, congratulations to Mariah Carey and her hit Christmas Song "All I Want for Christmas is You" for celebrating its silver anniversary of 25 years and finally reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100...long overdue.  Other items discussed includes: Library Events: Our holiday operating schedule; Family Board Games fun; some South STEAM Holiday fun making Snowflakes; Movie Saturday showings of "The Lion King," "Pixels," and "Men in Black: International." Abilene Public Library News: We've got so much to tell you about that's been going on at our library including how we're looking to fill some empty seats on the library board and who you can apply to do so; our search for a Director of Libraries begins; ownership of the Abilene High/Lincoln Middle School building has been transferred to Abilene Heritage Square, Inc.; learn how you can register to receive library news and event updates directly to your email; register for new Conversational Spanish series; learn how you can participate in new Open Mic Night series. New DVD Releases: This week we'll be telling you about the DVD releases to look out for at your local public library including "Judy" and "The Gallows Act II." Libraries in the News: We covered three great articles including the possibility of Cleveland library employees going on strike in the new year if agreement isn't met with leadership team by Dec. 27; library system partners with Operation Coats to provide free coats, books, and library cards to families; how a library system found great results with Drag Queen storytimes during LGBTQ history month.