In the Stacks
In the Stacks is a podcast where literature, pop culture, and community intersect. Hosted by the Half Hollow Hills Community Library, it explores stories that shape our lives and voices that inspire change. Episodes cover must-read books and cultural moments, diving into conversations that matter.
Episodes
Conversations with… Jen Rozenbaum
It's time to put your guard down and let go with Jen Rozenbaum, New York boudoir and portrait photographer, author, breast cancer survivor and inspiring storyteller. We dive into Jen’s remarkable path through the challenges of COVID-19, writing a book, surviving breast cancer, navigating divorce and ultimately finding empowerment as a mom with a camera. Through resilience and reinvention, Jen shar
Conversations with...Teresa Evans
Joe speaks with Teresa Evans
Conversations with… Christine Geed
Kick off your Monday on a Friday with Christine Geed, Director of Communications for the Town of Huntington. From why you should always say hello to your sanitation workers to the importance of government continuity, getting your message heard, the weather and learning how to be the salad, not just the carrot. Grab a hand and lead them forward as we head... In the Stacks!
Conversations with… Kara Thomas
Calling all true crime junkies! Triple-check those door locks and settle in as we chat with YA and adult fiction powerhouse author Kara Thomas. Kara shares the three books she'd bring to a desert island, her favorite ice cream flavor, and tackles the tongue-twisting challenge of saying "Literary Bicyclists." Grab your notebook and get ready to doodle, because we're headed... In the Stacks!
A Conversation with Mike Cavallaro
It's time to explore the "why" behind the stories as we sit down with graphic novelist Mike Cavallaro. In this fascinating conversation, Mike shares insights into Eowulf, reflects on his family roots in Calabria, Italy, discusses his musical background and much more. It’s a rewarding journey of discovery as we uncover how great comics create spaces for engagement and a little magic along the way..
A Conversation with Martha Maffei
A kind heart is a universal language! Join us as we sit down with mentor, social worker, and CEO of SEPA Mujer, Inc., Martha Maffei. In this inspiring conversation, Martha reflects on her leadership journey, shares the accomplishments that have shaped her career and discusses her commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive community. Learn how she continues to expand SEPA Mujer’s mission thr
A Conversation with...Sarah Damoff
Listeners, get ready for a conversation that will stay with you long after the final page. This week, we welcome wife, mother, native Texan and bestselling author Sarah Damoff! We dive into the forces that shape us, the ingredients of good and evil and the lasting impact of love, loss and family. Plus, Sarah shares insights into her acclaimed novels, The Bright Years and The Burning Side. So settl
A Conversation with...Robert Hughes
From Huntington’s official town flag to its 20 historic cemeteries, Huntington is full of surprises. In this episode, Huntington Town Historian Robert Hughes shares fascinating insights on liberty, Bloomberg Connects, and preserving our community’s rich past. Celebrate Huntington’s Independence Day and see how local history and libraries go hand in hand…In The Stacks!
A Conversation With... Dete Meserve
Step out of the box and discover the power of paying attention to the little things as we sit down with acclaimed film producer and author Dete Meserve. In this inspiring conversation, Dete shares how the best ideas come from opening doors and reveals the importance of curiosity, joy and positivity in everyday life. It’s time to step into the “quiet zone” and experience the simplicity and clarity
A Conversation With... Lyssa Mia Smith
Never stop turning pages—even if it takes more than 6-seconds - because you never know where the next chapter will take you. YA author Lyssa Mia Smith joins us for a conversation that bounces from literary trends, lightning‑round laughs and a quick game of Kiss, Marry, Kill. From how Twilight reshaped (and arguably invented) the modern YA market to the ripple effects of BookTok, Lyssa brings big e
A Conversation With... Steve Israel
Once upon a time, there was a Mets‑loving Congressman from New York who went on to become an author—and then opened an independent bookstore called Theodore’s Bookshop. On this episode, we welcome self‑proclaimed history nerd Steve Israel. Steve shares his top five book recommendations for reclaiming critical thinking and unpacks the amygdala. Hold your values tightly, but your ideas loosely—becau
A Conversation With... Kwani O'Pharrow
Never stop learning! Go strike up a conversation with your neighbor—or even the person at the deli counter—as we sit down with our F.I.G. (Friend in Government), Assemblyman Kwani B. O’Pharrow. From movies and the “EPCOT of Long Island” to first‑year highlights in office and Capital Grille’s Chilean Sea Bass, we put the Assemblyman to the test. It takes a village—and teamwork—In The Stacks!
A Conversation with... Geetu Makin
Get curious—because what you think the thing is… isn’t always the thing! We’re Makin’ It Healthy today with wellness coach and cookbook author Geetu Makin. Tune in to learn what really happens when you grab that Snickers bar, why “organic” doesn’t automatically mean “healthy” and the essential pantry staples every household should have on hand. We may not all get the same things, but eventually we
A Conversation With... Senator Monica Martinez
Every day is different, and today we’re thrilled to sit down with New York State Senator Monica Martinez! She shares insights on the importance of Shannon’s Law, the future of veteran healthcare, and the professor who changed her life’s direction. Join us as we look for the light at the end of the tunnel—because it’s all happening In the Stacks!
A Conversation With... Rebecca Sanin
Class is in session… Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin is here! Sustainability, thinking differently to uncover root causes, empathy and integrating work with life. Turn up the volume in your head… it’s time to welcome the female version of Billy Joel to In The Stacks!
A Conversation With... Madeline Quintyne-McConney
It’s time to show up! We are as pleased as punch to have Madeline Quintyne-McConney, President of the Suffolk County Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women! We talk about the importance of advocacy, mentoring today’s young women, equity in the workforce and grandkids! All we need is love because it’s all In The Stacks!
A Conversation With... Jason Richberg
Do you want to be in the room where it happens? Grab the ramen noodles, today’s episode is with Suffolk County Legislature Minority Leader Jason Richberg! Parenting, work ethics, the path to happiness, his Youth Leadership Caucus, the 12-hour playlist and newsflash, your doctor got an F in school …it's all In The Stacks!
A Conversation With... Steve Stern
Today's episode is with New York State Assemblyman and HHHCL patron, Steve Stern! A conversation about water sustainability, which era he would love to be a politician during, and most importantly, his aspiration of being Deputy Supervisor of the Stern House. It's all In The Stacks!
A Conversation With... Samantha Calandrino
Joe talks to Samantha Calandrino, Volunteer & Community Outreach Coordinator at the Long Island State Veterans Home.
Devil May Cry
|| July 2025 ||Laura, Joe, & Karissa discuss the new Devil May Cry animated series.
Strange Pictures
|| June 2025 ||Laura & Joe discuss Strange Pictures by the mysterious Uketsu.
Suzume
|| May 2025 ||Laura and Karissa discuss Makoto Shinkai's Suzume.
Beyond the Stacks
|| April 2025 ||Beyond the stacks and on to the internet.Joe & Karissa discuss free library resources (Libby, Kanopy, etc.), movies, and the future of streaming!
The Women
|| January 2025 ||Zack & Karissa talk about The Women by Kristen Hannah.
Wishtree
Wishtree
Vacationland
Vacationland
Four Perfect Pebbles
Four Perfect Pebbles
Beyond the Bright Sea
Beyond the Bright Sea
All The Way to Havana
All The Way to Havana
After The Fall
After The Fall
Behold The Dreamers
Behold The Dreamers
Spaceman
Spaceman
The World Broke In Two
The World Broke In Two
The Rent Collector
The Rent Collector
A Visit From the Goon Squad
A Visit From the Goon Squad
Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
Two Family House
Two Family House
The Other Einstein
The Other Einstein
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
Boy Called BAT
Boy Called BAT
Explorers
Explorers
American Nations
American Nations
Lemons
Lemons
Homo Deus
Homo Deus
The One and Only Ivan
The One and Only Ivan
Rosie Project
Rosie Project
Book of Joan
Book of Joan
Lafayette in the Somewhat United States
Lafayette in the Somewhat United States
Big Little Lies
Big Little Lies
Inside the O'Briens
Inside the O'Briens
Vampires in the Lemon Grove
Vampires in the Lemon Grove
Dead Wake
Dead Wake
The Nightingale
The Nightingale
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
Plainsong
Plainsong
First Comes Love
First Comes Love
The Nix
The Nix
All The Bright Places
All The Bright Places
The War That Saved My Life
The War That Saved My Life
Felony
Felony
When Breath Becomes Air/The Last Lecture
When Breath Becomes Air/The Last Lecture
Mustang
Mustang
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
The immortal Irishman : the Irish revolutionary who became an American hero by Timothy Egan
The immortal Irishman : the Irish revolutionary who became an American hero by Timothy Egan
Deep Water
Deep Water
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
The Bridge Ladies by Betsy Lerner
The Bridge Ladies by Betsy Lerner
Not me by Michael Lavigne
Not me by Michael Lavigne
Unfaithful Music and Disappearing Ink by Elvis Costello
Unfaithful Music and Disappearing Ink by Elvis Costello
Our Souls At Night by Kent Haruf
Kent Haruf's last book. Sad, sweet, honest. Listen as we discuss.
The black swan : the impact of the highly improbable by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Hear Ellen defend the Black Swan theory!
Once A Crooked Man by David McCallum
Ellen talks about one of her TV boyfriends, David McCallum
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Listen to Charlene and Ellen talk about Laura Hillenbrand’s book about Louis Zamperini’s story of survival in World War II.
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