Middletown Strong: Looking Up with Russell Library
Russell Library presents stories of Middletown community members, exciting library happenings, and book recommendations hand-picked by our wonderful librarians. Middletown Strong: Looking up with Russell Library is full of love and community spirit.
Episodes
61 episodes
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 a...
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Season 4
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Episode 6
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56:18
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 libr...
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Season 4
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Episode 5
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41:35
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 thei...
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Season 4
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Episode 4
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46:14
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 Librar...
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Season 4
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Episode 3
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1:04:19
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
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Season 4
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Episode 2
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32:43
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...
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Season 4
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Episode 1
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58:49
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 B...
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Season 3
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Episode 12
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1:10:27
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 rela...
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Season 3
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Episode 11
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1:04:00
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...
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Season 3
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Episode 10
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58:55
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 showcas...
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Season 3
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Episode 9
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58:03
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, ...
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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41:40
Spirited CT︱Eastern CT Paranormal Society
Spooky Season is almost here and the Russell Library Podcast Team couldn't be happier about it! In preparation for our Secrets of Russell Library Tours, Kim and Briana interviewed Ursula Wiebusch and Melissa Whited from the Eastern CT Paranorma...
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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1:14:45
Delicious Pairings︱AL's Ice Cream & Books
Most of us have had the experience of curling up with a cup of tea and a good book, but have you ever tried pairing that book with a bowl of ice cream? If not, we highly recommend it! The podcast team took this episode on the road and visited A...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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28:04
Pride Up Close︱Olivia & Mary
Welcome to Middletown Strong's first ever in-the-field interview! As Middletown Pride partners, we wanted to share the experience of being at this joyful live event. You'll feel like you're standing beside us on Main Street as you listen to Sha...
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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49:44
Juneteenth︱Andre Keitt
Middletown Juneteenth 2023 is right around the corner! Juneteenth is a federal holiday celebrated on June 19th to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. In today's episode, Ayanna and Christy chat with Andre Keitt, renowned...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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1:45:46
Pride Preview︱2023 Grand Marshalls
Middletown Pride 2023 is almost here! On today's episode, Ayanna & Christy will be interviewing this year's Middletown Pride Grand Marshalls, Derek Cartagena and Karleigh Webb. They generously share a bit about their personal journeys, alon...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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1:31:15
Holistic Healing︱Erik Harris
Countless people around the world are living with chronic illness and chronic pain. Unfortunately, many of these individuals jump from doctor to doctor and still fail to find relief within the mainstream medical system. Our guest today, Erik Ha...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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1:07:17
Women Who Weld︱Marcelina Ortiz
Welcome to Season 3 of Middletown Strong: Looking Up with Russell Library! We are thrilled to kick off our new season during Women's History Month. Our guest today, Marcelina Ortiz, is an inspiration to anyone who has ever been told they couldn...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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1:18:12
Death Doula︱Marcella Trowbridge
As we close out Season 2 of our podcast, it seems fitting to talk about how endings, endings of all sizes, shape the human experience. Our guest today, Marcella Trowbridge, speaks about the most significant ending of all... the end of life.&nbs...
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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58:24
Hygge︱Christy, Stephanie, Kate & Cate
Over the past several years, the word "hygge" (pronounced "hoo-gah") has made it's way into the American lexicon. If you're new to the term, we invite you to get cozy with this Danish word meaning, a quality of coziness and comfortab...
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Season 2
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Episode 21
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49:24
Anti-Resolutions︱Stephanie, Jae & Shannon
Are you tired of making resolutions every January 1st? Do you feel disappointed just thinking about how you'll likely let yourself down again this year? Well, perhaps it's time to put a new spin on things. In today's episode, Stephanie, Shannon...
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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31:54
Holiday Expectations︱Jae, Stephanie & Christy
The holidays can be a magical time, but they can also weigh one down with expectations. In this episode, Jae, Stephanie, and Christy talk honestly about these expectations and how to set healthy boundaries this holiday season. If you've been wo...
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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38:52
Sustainable Holidays︱Yasemin & Kim
The holidays are officially here, for many of us, this means a season of gift-giving and increased consumption. Are you dreading the idea of creating more waste? If so, this episode is for you. Christy and Jae chat with Yasemin Ugurlu, owner of...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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1:05:54
Trans Awareness Week︱Christine Rebstock
Inclusivity is one of the many great reasons to call Middletown home. In today's episode, Ayanna chats with Christine Rebstock, Middletown resident and LGBTQIA Commissioner for the City of Middletown. Christine shares her personal story and off...
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Season 2
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Episode 17
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57:52
Middletown Community Thanksgiving Project︱Lara SantaMaria
It's always a good time to think about the needs of others, but it's especially top of mind around the holidays. The Middletown Community Thanksgiving Project is a perfect example of Middletown's ability to come together in service. In today's ...
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Season 2
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Episode 16
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40:07