Shows
EBPL Podcast from the East Brunswick Public LibraryLibrarians & Dragons, Part 5: Victory or Failure?In this final episode, Dewely, Banxi Peridothewer, Arvon Botrull, Gramata Spinebreaker, Tayatzin de Maderas, and Daffodil are still fighting, and everythihg comes to a head in this epic finale. Do they find victory or failure?
Cast
Dungeon Master: Adam Samtur, Tabletop Now
Dewey the Owlin Cleric: Angela Lee, East Brunswick Public Library
Banxi Peridothewer the Gnome Artificer: Saleena Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library
Gramata Spinebreaker the Tiefling Barbarian Librarian: Carina Gonzalez, Piscataway Public Library
Tayatzin de Maderas the Human Sorcerer: Marco Arias, New Brunswick Public Library
Arvon Botrull the Vedalken Rogue: Michael Bobish, Eas...
2023-03-0232 min
EBPL Podcast from the East Brunswick Public LibraryLibrarians & Dragons, Part 4: The Battle BeginsIn Part 4, our unlikely group of heroes have subdued the flames of the library, but the nations of Tsort and Ephebe blame each other for the fires, and war may be on the horizon. What sides will be chosen, and will our players come to blows with each other?
Cast
Dungeon Master: Adam Samtur, Tabletop Now
Dewey the Owlin Cleric: Angela Lee, East Brunswick Public Library
Banxi Peridothewer the Gnome Artificer: Saleena Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library
Gramata Spinebreaker the Tiefling Barbarian Librarian: Carina Gonzalez, Piscataway Public Library
Tayatzin de Maderas the Human Sor...
2023-02-2331 min
EBPL Podcast from the East Brunswick Public LibraryLibrarians & Dragons, Part 3: Subduing the FlamesIn Part 3, everyone is trying to save themselves (or others) from the fire in the Grand Library of Tsorephebe. The flames may die down, but something else might be about to ignite!
Cast
Dungeon Master: Adam Samtur, Tabletop Now
Dewey the Owlin Cleric: Angela Lee, East Brunswick Public Library
Banxi Peridothewer the Gnome Artificer: Saleena Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library
Gramata Spinebreaker the Tiefling Barbarian Librarian: Carina Gonzalez, Piscataway Public Library
Tayatzin de Maderas the Human Sorcerer: Marco Arias, New Brunswick Public Library
Arvon Botrull the Vedalken Rogue: Michael Bobish, East Brunswick Public Li...
2023-02-0223 min
EBPL Podcast from the East Brunswick Public LibraryLibrarians & Dragons, Part 2: Our Heroes Converge, and the Fire BeginsIn Part 2, we meet Banxi Peridothewer the Gnome Artificer, Arvon Botrull, the Vedalken Rogue, Daffodil the Halfling Druid with Slow the Tortoise, and Tayatzin de Maderas the Human Sorcerer. When a fire breaks out in the Grand Library of Tsorephebe, our heroes’ storylines all merge together as they fight the flames.
Cast
Dungeon Master: Adam Samtur, Tabletop Now
Dewey the Owlin Cleric: Angela Lee, East Brunswick Public Library
Banxi Peridothewer the Gnome Artificer: Saleena Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library
Gramata Spinebreaker the Tiefling Barbarian Librarian: Carina Gonzalez, Piscataway Public Library
Tayatzin de Maderas th...
2023-01-1936 min
EBPL Podcast from the East Brunswick Public LibraryLibrarians & Dragons, Part 1: The Grand Library of TsorephebeIn Part 1, we learn about The Grand Library of Tsorephebe, a beautiful impressive building full of knowledge. We also meet Dewey the Owlin Cleric, and Gramata Spinebreaker, the Tiefling the Barbarian Librarian, who both work in its walls.
Cast
Dungeon Master: Adam Samtur, Tabletop Now
Dewey the Owlin Cleric: Angela Lee, East Brunswick Public Library
Banxi Peridothewer the Gnome Artificer: Saleena Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library
Gramata Spinebreaker the Tiefling Barbarian Librarian: Carina Gonzalez, Piscataway Public Library
Tayatzin de Maderas the Human Sorcerer: Marco Arias, New Brunswick Public Library
Arvon Botrull the Vedalken Rogue: Michael Bobish, Eas...
2023-01-0530 min
EBPL Podcast from the East Brunswick Public LibrarySharing Libraries, Ep1: Librarians in MediaSharing Libraries is an LMxAC podcast. LMxAC is the Libraries of Middlesex Automated Consortium, of which East Brunswick and 30+ other libraries share resources to make your library experience bigger and better!
Host Jonathan Upton sits down with Saleena Davidson (Teen Services Supervisor, South Brunswick PL) and Paul Kibala (Adult Services Librarian, East Brunswick PL) about the portrayals of librarians in media and peel back the curtain on what librarians do and how they think about what libraries now do.
Check out some recommendations to watch or read below, or click here for the full list.
2022-10-2734 min
2022-03-2514 minAlchemy of GenresRecommended Best Books for Adults, March 2022This time around, with the new format of "anything goes", I am including nonfiction titles as well as fiction. Hope you enjoy my selections,Saleena
2022-03-1626 minAlchemy of GenresBest of Teen Titles Jan/Feb 2022Hear about a range of teen titles, Saleena chose as the best for the month
2022-02-2513 minAlchemy of GenresTop Adult Titles Read & Recommended Feb 2022Changing our format a bit, now each month will share a "best of" picking out the titles I am going to share for various reasons but always trying to present a variety of options & genres. Enjoy!
2022-02-1627 min
EBPL Podcast from the East Brunswick Public LibraryMeet the "Alchemy of Genres" PodcastWe're excited for this cross-pod episode with Saleena Davidson host of the Alchemy of Genres podcast, located down the road at the South Brunswick Public Library!
Subscribe to the Alchemy of Genres podcast here: https://anchor.fm/alchemyofgenres/
Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
2022-01-251h 02Alchemy of GenresSaleena's Best Teen Books of 21These are my picks for best of the year, according to what I have read from late Dec through to last week. Titles may actually be a bit older, but if they touched me, and I read them this year...it counted. Enjoy and let's hope for an awesome 2022!
2021-12-2826 minAlchemy of GenresSaleena's Best Books of 2021 for AdultsSaleena's picks for best books (and/or series, because some WERE binge-read) of the year. To clarify, these are books read this year, so some books may not be new, just new to her.
2021-12-151h 00Alchemy of GenresFluffy, Fun Teen ReadsA quick episode focused on some fun books to read when you just want to enjoy an adventure or a romance without any deep thinking required.
2021-11-2721 minAlchemy of GenresLight & Fun Fluffy Stories for AdultsThis is a mix (as per usual) of many genres (so many people thing fluffy only means romance stories). Basically I define fluffy as escapist books that allow you to turn off your brain and just enjoy. So, hope you enjoy the list.
2021-11-1139 minAlchemy of GenresDarker Fiction Tales for TeensTales on the dark side, dealing with magic, or just the inhumanity of man or exploring dark eras of history. Highly recommended books to start conversations, make you think or just escape into a world a bit darker than usually expected.
2021-10-2727 minAlchemy of GenresFiction on the Dark Side for AdultsWhat is dark fiction? Sometimes fiction that deals with dark magic, sometimes fictions that delves into difficult subjects and sometimes fiction that looks at a perspective that isn't normally seen (like, Harley Quinn for instance).This podcast will look at book titles & book series' that look at the dark stuff (which doesn't mean there are't happy endings, only that they have to work a bit harder to get there). :)
2021-10-1248 minAlchemy of GenresLight and/or Funny Stories for AdultsLooking at stories that are sometimes both funny and light; but sometimes only one or the other (humor is so personal, right?) Some are classics, some are new and it's a nice mix of options for a day when you want to shut the door on the world and laugh a bit, or at least smirk at the absurdity of it all.
2021-09-2426 minAlchemy of GenresLight and/or Funny Teen ReadsA list of really funny, or a bit funny or just fun to read books for teens (or adults who enjoy teen books).
2021-09-1131 min
Alchemy of GenresHorror Tales for Teens & AdultsWe all love a good scary story, so here is a list of a few good ones....some classic, some new and a range of ages (nothing uber-graphic/slasher)Enjoy!
2021-08-1436 minAlchemy of GenresTeen Summer ReadsJust some fun new (and old) books that will be great to read for teens (or adults) looking for something to devour without being too serious.
2021-07-1351 minAlchemy of GenresFun Summer Reads for Adults (aka Potato Chip Books)What are Potato Chip Books? Books that, like chips, you cannot stop with just one. These are fun, light, books or suspenseful and quick; but fun to dive into and devour like a Netflix marathon of your favorite show. Listen and find your next binge session.
2021-06-121h 11Alchemy of GenresWere-animals and Shifter StoriesThere are all kinds of stories of shape shifters and were-animals (wolves, foxes, etc); some fae, some magical, some in the traditional sense of "I've been bitten by x and now am cursed to be it".....we are exploring some of those stories and sharing some fun titles that have either (or both) types of supernatural beings. Enjoy!
2021-05-211h 13Alchemy of GenresGood Titles You May Have MissedA gathering of a range of stories that I have really enjoyed (some you have heard about, some you have not). All titles were published for adults, though not all have inappropriate content; they just weren't written with teens in mind. Hope you enjoy!
2021-05-071h 15Alchemy of GenresParanormal & Supernatural Mystery StoriesCheck out these titles where your mystery is mixed with ghosts, psychics, witches and/or wizards (or so many other supernatural creatures)It's a fun way to discover you like mystery stories; or maybe dip a toe into magical fantasy......or (for me) explore stories not told in the expected way and usually resolved in twists you didn't see coming (because...magic!)
2021-04-231h 02Alchemy of GenresBooks in Verse: Fiction & Nonfiction poetry narrativesI tried to find Novels in Verse in adult stories, but unless it was an actual book of poetry (or a weird literary genre), it didn't exist. So, these are all teen titles, feel free to enjoy whether teen or adult. Poetry is a beautiful and emotive way to tell a story.
2021-04-1055 minAlchemy of GenresFinding the Silver Lining (Overcoming Obstacles): Stories for AdultsAs part of our SB Reads 2021 partnership with the South Brunswick schools, this is a list of books matching the selected topic (silver linings) and everyone in the township is encouraged to find books to read and share in the discussion. This is a small selection of books for adults.
2021-03-2545 minAlchemy of GenresFinding the Silver Lining (Overcoming Obstacles): titles for teensAs part of our SB Reads 2021 partnership with the South Brunswick schools, this is a list of books matching the selected topic (silver linings) and everyone in the township is encouraged to find books to read and share in the discussion. This is a small selection of books for teens.
2021-03-2534 minAlchemy of GenresHot New Titles in SF/Fan/HorrorHere is a best of list of 2020 and 2021, based purely on what I've read and what I've enjoyed. The blog to accompany this list will go up soon. Enjoy! All titles are meant for adults, just FYI
2021-03-061h 14Alchemy of GenresAhh, romance (this time for grownups)We explore some fun romance stories, with no werewolves or vampires (though some psychic powers were present); just humans finding love and happy ever afters.....yay! Enjoy
2021-02-1232 minAlchemy of GenresAhh, romance. Teen Romance Picks, enjoy!We are looking at romance stories for teens, leaving off supernatural or fantastical creatures (but allowing fantastic powers, like psychic abilities and stuff). Humans, falling in love....in fiction. Yup. Enjoy.
2021-02-1228 minAlchemy of GenresA look at vampires in fictionDecided to spend some time going over some of my favorite vampire stories, and talk about the different societies, hierarchies, abilities, etc that authors give their creations. Check it out, maybe you'll find some new stories!
2021-01-231h 04Alchemy of GenresHistorical Fiction and Alternate Historical Fiction (all those "what if" stories)I decided to take a look at a genre that is important (as it highlights what has happened in history) but also difficult to read (lots of bad, terrible things have happened in history); but also wanted to look at the very small but mind blowing section of speculative fiction; alternate history...where authors say "what if" and change a thing or a few things and see where the story takes them. I talk about books written for teens and adults as usual, and divide the list between the two. Hope you enjoy!
2021-01-141h 17Alchemy of GenresExploring short storiesSaleena explores various short story collections, for teens and adults; some realistic, some horror, some SF, some fantasy (basically a bit of an overview) and shares some of her favorite stories from some cool collections.
2020-12-3055 minAlchemy of GenresGraphic Novels you should read, part 2; new(ish) fictionGot some new, some new (ish) ....ok, maybe not really new but not old enough to be classic either, so it's here..... =)There is a range of types and a range of ages, for teens and adults, you'll find something you like or that you may want to try.Enjoy!
2020-12-0352 minAlchemy of GenresGraphic Novels You Should Read (Part 1)This is a list of books & manga some of which you may have missed, but that I wanted to suggest. This episode focused on non-fiction (or inspired by real life fictionalized books) as well as a list of some classics that you should check out (classics in the sense of either old but still good or genuinely important and known as part of comic history. Enjoy!Next one will focus on some newer titles and authors you should explore if you haven't already.
2020-11-1942 minAlchemy of GenresFriendships, both magical and realistic (or is it all really fantasy?)Saleena explores friendships in all sorts of fiction, mainly fantasy but also romance, SF, historical fiction for example; looking at the nature of friendship, how it changes things, how it can give or take strength and courage (depending on the friend). Enjoy!
2020-11-051h 13Alchemy of GenresBooks that should be movies or shows (YA titles edition)These are series' or books that I think would easily translate into shows or movies everyone would enjoy....and in the meanwhile, you should DEFINITELY read the books.Thoughts or comments? Email me at sdavidson@sbpl.info
2020-10-2959 minAlchemy of GenresBooks that should be movies or shows (Grown Up titles version)These are series' or books that I think would easily translate into shows or movies everyone would enjoy....and in the meanwhile, you should DEFINITELY read the books.Thoughts or comments? Email me at sdavidson@sbpl.info
2020-10-2950 minAlchemy of GenresGods & Demons & a few monstersLet's explore some stories with demons, gods and monsters
2020-10-2236 minAlchemy of GenresEdge of Your Seat TitlesI decided to look at a variety of genres (just to keep things interesting) and pull my favorite stories that kept me guessing or just kept me nervously turning pages ....hope you enjoy them!
2020-09-241h 04Alchemy of GenresSF/Fantasy/Mystery stories featuring People of Color as main characters and/or authorsLet's explore some speculative fiction that strays from Western norms, or at the very least shows diversity in its main characters. I definitely am not claiming that this is everything, as there is SO much coming out (especially in YA); but it seemed like a timely topic. Enjoy!
2020-09-1036 minAlchemy of GenresIntricate & Immersive Worlds in SF & FantasyWe are looking at & talking about long running series or intricately built worlds with depth and gravitas.
2020-08-2057 minAlchemy of GenresStories of the Fae/FairyThis list is a mix of teen and adult titles focused on the land of the Fae, aka Tir na Nog aka Fairyland and so many other pseudonyms....this is not "elvish" stories in general as they have gotten into their own mythology thanks to Dungeons & Dragons as well as Tolkien; but there are many stories with fairies/fae/sidhe/fair folk and this is a small list of some of my favorites.
2020-08-0634 minAlchemy of GenresRetold & Twisted Fairy Tale StoriesI don't know for sure, but given the huge number of them out there, I can't be the only one who loves when authors take inspiration from classic fairy tales and then go off on a new adventure. A large number of these ended up being YA but that doesn't mean adults can't read them (really, they are fun and escapist regardless). Enjoy!
2020-07-3126 minAlchemy of GenresCharacters that feel like family/friendsYou know how it is, you fall in love with a character, a series, a universe; then all you want to do is stay.....you feel like they are your friends or should be. I have quite a few......I have lots of friends that live in worlds that don't exist, how about you?
2020-07-2355 minAlchemy of GenresScary & Creepy Stories that Have Stuck With MeMaking a dive into horror, ok, I don't normally like bloody stories so it won't be a DEEP dive, but I do love a good spine tingler of a tale. A bunch of these may be on the older side but hey, I'm a bit older; so it's fine.....and unlike humans, stories don't age. Enjoy
2020-07-1542 minAlchemy of GenresKickass Females in FictionThought I'd have fun exploring strong females who are heroines in various ways; are strong in varying ways and see all the options. Enjoy!
2020-07-081h 11Alchemy of GenresLBGTQ Titles that affected me in some wayI put this list together in the hopes of sharing some LGBTQ titles for teens & adults that I thought were important or different or just affected me. This is a personal list, not a comprehensive list one. The teen titles end about the 44:00 min mark; and sorry but this episode is a little long (about 90 min). I hope you enjoy the titles, feel free to explore and read!
2020-06-261h 27Alchemy of GenresBooks that make you LOLSometimes you just need a good laugh. Here's a list of silly books from teen to adult, uber-silly to absurd mixed with fantasy or mystery or just life. Enjoy!
2020-06-1843 minAlchemy of GenresAlien EncountersWe are exploring all kinds of encounters with aliens or just worlds where everyone is an alien. Join me!
2020-06-1036 minAlchemy of GenresCrimes, Cops & Criminals in Magic and FantasyIt is fun (and surprising to newbies) how often mystery/suspense is mixed with magical fantasy. For those who prefer mystery stories or suspenseful stories of finding the murderer chasing you; these may work for you. They incorporate the many ways magic, as a tool can be used to solve crimes and help people or to be a criminal. One thing common to most, even when magic is known by all, is the undercurrent of secrets because magic and secrets are like chocolate chips and ice cream; yes, you can have them separately....but why? Hope you enjoy the titl...
2020-06-0344 minAlchemy of GenresPandemics & Conspiracies in SF & HorrorToday we explore different pandemics and differing conspiracies (sometimes related to the disease, sometimes not) in SF & Horror. These aren't books that people are talking about, and they should be because they are really good! Some are older, some are newer; all are amazing. Listen, go find the books & leave comments about them. Off we go!
2020-05-2946 min
Alchemy of GenresClassics that aren't awfulToday we are talking about fun classics in literature, but that also had an effect on SF/Horror & Fantasy Fiction in general. Get out your fancy clothes and cosplay as intellectuals, we're going highbrow here..haha
2020-05-2019 min
Alchemy of GenresRomance as Fantasy: a selection of amazing readsAgain, thanks for listening; hoping I don't ramble too much (small silences are me trying to find words and not say "umm" too much)Romance as Fantasy allows us, as readers; to explore what a Happy Ever After is; and pretend that they are reality (which they aren't but....yeah....it is fun to pretend). I am going over (as it says in the blog) my top pics, not necessarily THE top picks in the world. Feel free to comment and send your thoughts (but please be nice)
2020-05-1241 minAlchemy of GenresPodcast #1: exploring some good booksThis being the first episode, I just go over some of my favorite authors, some new reads and why I love them. As we get more input we can add more of YOU into this. Sorry for the random background noises, 1st time doing this, and don't have a studio (and do have a teenager living with me). Will work on the "umm" proliferation and generally plan to do better as I get better at it.
2020-05-0640 min