Summer Reading is just around the corner, and Ross is joined by Sarah Brubaker, Programming Manager at FCPL, to discuss how to make the most of this year's Summer Reading Fun! Sarah shares how to get started using Beanstack, as well as some tips and tricks for logging your and your family's reading. Curious about our incremental and grand prizes, or want to know who is performing at our Summer Reading Kickoff Events? Sarah provides a sneak peak of what you can expect this year. Hint: It's going ...
May 08, 2025•10 min
In this episode of Unreadable , Ross speaks with Shelby Van Pelt about her novel Remarkably Bright Creatures , this year's Forsyth Reads Together selection. Van Pelt’s debut novel, published in 2022, remains a New York Times bestseller and features the unique perspective of Marcellus the octopus as a narrator. Van Pelt spoke with Ross about how she developed her characters, some based on true life and others based on people (and marine life) watching at the Georgia Aquarium, and she shared her e...
Feb 11, 2025•17 min
It's that time again! Our Winter Reading Challenge is back. If you enjoyed the reading challenge last year, especially collecting those trading cards, we have good news for you: we have a whole new set of trading cards to collect this winter! The Winter Reading Challenge is for all ages. Listen to find out how to participate and what grand prizes can be won this year. Links Beanstack
Dec 18, 2024•6 min
Earlier this month, the Southeastern Institute of Paranormal Research conducted a paranormal investigation at the Hampton Park Library. In this episode, you’ll hear an abridged version of investigation, including an equipment overview and sessions conducted in different parts of the library. Are there ghosts in the library? You’ll have to listen to find out!
Oct 25, 2024•29 min
In this episode, Ross speaks with Sarah Brubaker about The Smokey Bear Reading Challenge, which celebrates Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday. Listen to hear about prizes, deadlines, and an upcoming Smokey Bear Celebration taking place at the Cumming Library on October 26. Also, in this episode, we include our first ever listener submitted book reviews. Thank you, Carolynn and Andrea! If you’d like to submit a book review or library-related question, you can email the podcast at unreadable@forsythpl.or...
Sep 13, 2024•7 min
Are you ready for an adventure? FCPL's Summer Reading Fun begins May 23. In this episode, Kim Ottesen, Programming Manager at FCPL, previews what you can expect during our Summer Reading program, including prizes and performers. From lanyards to camping gear to magicians, listen to get a little taste of all the exciting adventures we have planned for you this summer! Links Summer Reading Guide Episode Transcript...
May 09, 2024•8 min
In this episode, Ross speaks with Benjamin Herold about his book Disillusioned : Five Families and the Unraveling of America's Suburbs , which follows five families in different areas of the United States, including Gwinnett County, and examines their experiences living in suburbia and their experiences with suburban school systems. Benjamin Herold is a education journalist, who has reported for Education Week, PBS NewsHour, NPR, the Hechinger Report, Huffington Post, and the Public School Noteb...
Apr 08, 2024•12 min
This year's Forsyth Reads Together book pick is Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate. In this episode, Ross speaks with Lisa about her inspiration for the book and its characters, as well as the book's impact on the victims of the Tenneessee Children's Home Society. Lisa also previews her new book, out this summer, called Shelterwood , which is about the women who fought to protect Choctaw children, who owned oil rich land in Oklahoma, from the land barons seeking power and wealth. Lisa Wingate ...
Mar 01, 2024•28 min
In this episode, we revisit The Science of Love (2019) in which Ross interviews Dr. Larry J. Young, professor at Emory University, about his research on prairie voles and what their relationships can teach us about ourselves. This episode was originally run in February 2019. Read the transcript on our blog, Bookmarked .
Feb 01, 2024•10 min
Is your New Year's resolution to learn something new? This January, we are offering a series of programs for adults dedicated to learning a new hobby. In this episode, Ross speaks with Sarah Brubaker, Information Services Supervisor at the Cumming Library, about the Pastime Pursuits program series. From photography to cosplay, there is something for everyone. Let us help you achieve your New Year's goal and learn something new! Events: Take a Hike! Prepare for Your Adventure Sunday, January 7 at...
Jan 02, 2024•9 min
In this episode, Ross talks to Kim Ottesen, Programming Manager at FCPL, for the inside scoop on our winter reading challenge and this year's unique, cool prizes. Winter Reading Fun starts on December 19, 2023 and runs through January 21, 2024. You can learn more about Winter Reading Fun on our website .
Dec 16, 2023•7 min
In this episode of Unreadable, Ross talks with Anu Murari, Youth Specialist at the Sharon Forks Library. Anu explains the significance and history of Diwali and previews upcoming Diwali events at both the Cumming Library and the Sharon Forks Library. Diwali Crafts and Demonstrations Saturday, November 4, 2023 1:30 PM -3:00 PM Cumming Library 585 Dahlonega Street Cumming, GA 30040 Diwali Celebration Sunday, November 5, 2023 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM Sharon Forks Library 2820 Old Atlanta Road Cumming, GA ...
Nov 01, 2023•14 min
Join us this month as Ross speaks with Brianna Schantz, Information Specialist at the Cumming Library, about the month-long celebration of Bram Stoker and all things spooky known as Stokerfest. The programs mentioned in this episode can be found on our website in the events section. All Stokerfest programs will take place at the Cumming Library.
Oct 07, 2023•8 min
Join us this month as Ross speaks with Larry and Laurie Alvord, Georgia Master Naturalists, who will be hosting bat walks at the Post Road Library and Hampton Park Library this fall. Learn about the importance of bats to the Georgia ecosystem and what kind of bats are found in Forsyth County, as Larry and Laurie preview what you expect at their bat walks. Post Road Library Bat Walk - September 12, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Hampton Park Library Bat Walk - October 25, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM You can learn more ...
Sep 05, 2023•8 min
In this mini episode, Erin of the Post Road Library recommends the Young Adult novel Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean. After learning she is a literal princess, Izumi travels to Japan to meet her father, the Crown Prince of Japan. Once there, she must learn to navigate the imperial court, familial relations, the press, and a forbidden romance.
Jul 17, 2023•3 min
In this mini episode, Ross of the Hampton Park Library recommends Act of Oblivion by Robert Harris, a historical novel set after the English Civil War. The book follows two British Colonels who flee to the American colonies after the execution of King Charles I.
Jul 10, 2023•4 min
In this mini episode, Emily and Andrea of the Cumming Library talk about Emily Henry’s new book Happy Place , which focuses on an engaged couple who broke up and now must act like they are still together while on a trip with their friends.
Jul 03, 2023•7 min
In this mini episode, Brooke of the Hampton Park Library recommends Clytemnestra by Constanza Casati , a retelling of Greek mythology focusing on Clytemnestra, the Queen of Mycenae and the wife of Agamemnon.
Jun 26, 2023•4 min
In this mini episode, Brittany of the Post Road Library shares one of her favorite reads of the year: The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles, a historical romance set in Regency England.
Jun 19, 2023•5 min
In this mini episode, Anu of the Sharon Forks Library sits down with Amy Billings, Youth Services Supervisor at the Sharon Forks Library, for some children’s book recommendations on this summer’s theme: All Together Now. Books discussed in this episode: Animal Teams written by Caroline Stamps and illustrated by Charlotte Milner Boxitects by Kim Smith Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer by Megan McDonald Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funk Last Kids on Earth series by Max Brallier...
Jun 12, 2023•5 min
In this special mini episode, Ross speaks with Melissa of the Cumming Library about one of her favorite books, Persuasion by Jane Austen, and an upcoming Austen-themed program series happening this summer at our Cumming branch. Program Dates Regency Crafts with Jane Austen Friday Jun 9, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Learn Regency Dance Saturday Jun 17, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Escape Mr. Wickham Saturday June 24, 2023 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM 3 sessions; registration required Session 1 Session 2 Session 3...
Jun 05, 2023•5 min
In this episode, Ross interviews Programming Manager Kim Ottesen about our upcoming Summer Reading Program, themed “All Together Now!” Join us for a sneak preview of programming and prizes. Summer Reading Kickoffs: Sharon Forks - May 30, 2023 Post Road - May 31, 2023 Cumming - June 1, 2023 Hampton Park - June 2, 2023 Important Dates: Summer Reading registration starts on May 1, 2023. Summer Reading begins on May 25 and ends on July 30. August 3 is the last day to apply tickets to the prize drawi...
May 01, 2023•13 min
Chitra Divakaruni, author of One Amazing Thing , joins host Ross Gericke to talk about her inspiration for the novel, her literary influences, and the power of sharing stories. One Amazing Thing is the 2023 Forsyth Reads Together book selection.
Mar 28, 2023•16 min
History and True Crime collide! Dr. Erin Bush, professor at the University of North Georgia, discusses violent women, death dioramas, and her upcoming talk at the Post Road Library on how the murder of the Bailey sisters affected the Temperance movement in Georgia. She also previews her new book Under the Guise of Protection: Wayward Girls, Eugenics, and the Growth of Social Authority in Twentieth-Century Virginia .
Mar 01, 2023•14 min
JoyEllen Williams from Kennesaw State University discusses her role as an archivist and her upcoming program at FCPL.
Feb 01, 2023•14 min•Season 1Ep. 46
Programming Manager Cleo Joyce talks about the exciting return of full Summer Reading programming and some cool Summer Reading prizes.
Apr 29, 2022•9 min•Ep. 44
Youth Services Supervisor Kayla Bolton talks about the FCPL Reads in 2022 program. More information can be found at https://www.forsythpl.org/fcpl-reads
Mar 29, 2022•6 min•Ep. 43
Author Jeff Shaara discusses his book Gods and Generals , the official selection of Forsyth Reads Together in 2022. Come see Jeff Shaara in person at the Forsyth Conference Center on March 7th, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
Jan 28, 2022•14 min•Ep. 42
Programming Manager Cleo Joyce talks Winter Reading Fun prizes and upcoming programs.
Dec 19, 2021•7 min•Ep. 41
Library Board Chair Mary Helen McGruder provides some unique insight on the library's past and some tantalizing hints about its future.
Oct 16, 2021•17 min•Ep. 40
