Blog: Movies and Music

9 Television Stars Who Left Us in 2023

Television personalities face the threat of cancellation but also enjoy the possibility of immortality through reruns and binge-watching. In that sense, these nine figures will always be with us.

5 Ways to Commemorate the Summer of Soul

In 1969, over the course of six Sundays the Harlem Cultural Festival was born. Filling Harlem with the mighty sounds of Mahalia Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly and The Family Stone, and Gladys Knight and the Pips just to name a few.

The First: Remembering Sandra Day O’Connor with 5 Books

"Sandra Day O'Connor blazed an historic trail as our nation's first female justice," Chief Justice John Roberts said in a statement. "She met that challenge with undaunted determination, indisputable ability, and engaging candor."

Sinéad O’Connor (1966-2023)

The Irish musician Sinéad O'Connor had one massive hit and a lifetime of influence. Regrettably for those of us who were fans, July 26 was the last day of our acquaintance.

10 Best Flash Comics

Get ready for the Flash’s first solo movie with these 10 great comics featuring the Scarlet Speedster.

The Elephant on the Screen

The classic children’s author and Newbery award winner Kate DiCamillo has another page-to-screen adaptation out while I’m still recovering from Because of Winn-Dixie.

3 Was the Magic Number

De La Soul, featuring the late David Jolicoeur, so thoroughly reimagined hip hop that their records sounded like transmissions from another reality. Plug Two, over and out.

Knock at the Cabin and 10 Creepy Reads

Did you read the novel "Knock at the Cabin" is based on? Did it leave you feeling unsettled, aghast, consumed with despair about human nature? Here are ten books to keep those feelings flowing.

8 Best Doom Patrol Comics

Before you watch the fourth season of the TV show, make sure to check out some of our favorite Doom Patrol comics!

8 Punk Rock Hidden Gems on Freegal

Check out these underappreciated albums and EPs from the world of punk, emo, hardcore, and more—all free to stream and download on Freegal!

10 of the Best Angela Lansbury Movies

Jessica Fletcher, a talking teapot, Sweeney Todd's enterprising neighbor -- Angela Lansbury was different things to different people, but she was always beloved.

Pride for Quiet Gays: Great Movies

If you find parades and crowds overwhelming, there are still a lot of ways to celebrate Pride! Here are some great ideas for quiet gays (or introverts in general!)

6 Obi-Wan Kenobi Books to Read

The Obi-Wan Kenobi series hits Disney+ and now is a great time to get caught up on the adventure of the titular Jedi master.

10 Best Doctor Strange Comics

Excited for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness? Check out some of the Sorcerer Supreme’s greatest comic book adventures.

Children’s Library & Teen Recommends – Summer 2021

Youth Services Librarians love to read, too! Check out what your favorite Children’s and Teen Librarians at Main Library are reading, whether it be a picture book about penguins, a middle grade adventure in a treehouse, vampires in Louisiana, or a time-traveling phone booth!

Discover Dolly!

Here is a selection of available materials at TLCPL of all things Dolly!

The Godfather of Comedy

Comedy writer Paul Mooney worked with household names without ever quite becoming one himself, but the mark he leaves on American culture is unmistakable.

The Comedy Stylings of Charles Grodin

The actor Charles Grodin left his mark on film, in books, and on late-night talk shows, but if all he'd ever done was irritate Robert DeNiro and romance Miss Piggy that would have been more than enough.

Red or White?

Unfortunately, this blog is not about Italian Chianti or Chardonnay. It is about Mother's Day.

Books and Other Strange(r) Things

Stranger Things finally released a new season four teaser after shooting delays due to COVID-19. Since the release date has yet to be announced, you've got some time to catch up on these stories about events before and during the show.

Recs for The Witcher Fans

If you are like us and patiently waiting for the next season of The Witcher on your favorite streaming channel, check out these reads. Here’s hoping that they will help tide you over before the highly anticipated release day!

The Performances of Yaphet Kotto

Yaphet Kotto built a distinguished and celebrated career on stage and screen, but certain fans of "Midnight Run" he'll always have a special place in our hearts as the other Alonzo Mosely.

Daft Punk is Playing at Your House

Daft Punk became one of the most influential acts in pop and dance music. Which is why the French have that old saying: Never underestimate a couple of guys in robot helmets.

Children Love Everything About Music

Whether it’s banging on a pan or plastic tub to hear the sound or dancing enthusiastically to toddler tunes, music has the potential to engage children in fun and unique ways. Music may even help reduce stress and alleviate boredom, which is something we all need from time to time.

My Life in Black Music

From my lens, the deep impact and role that Black music has played in the experiences of the underrepresented, in social justice, celebrations, faith, as a unifying force, and for all people globally, deserves recognition 365 days of the year.

The Enduring Influence of Rance Allen

Just as Thomas Dorsey, “the Father of Gospel,” merged jazz and blues with gospel to mesmerizing effect, Rance Allen used the music he was exposed to during his youth – rhythm & blues, jazz and rock & roll – to shape a style that was the foundation for contemporary gospel music.

1920s America: A Decade of Great Change

In the Fact and Fiction department at the Main Library we field a variety of questions. Every day brings new inquiries from people doing research and/or folks simply trying to gain a better understanding

Music and Dancing and All That Jazz

If it weren't for iconic dancer and choreographer Ann Reinking, there'd be an Ann Reinking-shaped hole in the middle of American culture -- and in the middle of the movie "Annie."

The Power of Music

Music has the power to bring joy, happiness and encourage healthy childhood development.

Books on the Big Screen

Which is better, the book of the movie? Here are some of our favorite book and movie adaptations you will enjoy.

Romancing the Streaming Service

Looking for a good dose of onscreen chemistry to set your weekend, right? Check out these romantic comedies for free on Hoopla!

Rachel Recommends: 2019 Spring Edition

The long climb from spring to sandal season requires a little pampering of the spirit. This list should not incite tension or anxiety, but, rather a sense of mellow peace.

Happy Little Trees: A Playlist

A collection of songs that are not thought of as happy songs in the traditional sense, but are uplifting just the same. This post includes classics and lesser known gems from musical groups and/or musicians like The Monkees, Bill Withers, Nick Drake, The Mountain Goats, Outkast and many more.

Yoga @ the Library

The Library has programs and resources designed to help the entire family on their wellness journey.

Two Librarians, Too Many Books: Summer Reads

We're back! This time, we're obsessing over what we consider the best "summer reads" around. Read on for our lightly-edited-for-clarity conversation about what titles we think you should plop down on a beach with or stay safely-contained within your air-conditioned home with. We don't judge.

Pacific Rim Uprising and the Like

The upcoming release of the Universal Pictures film “Pacific Rim Uprising” on March 23, 2018 inspires a new look into past Sci-Fi gems involving Alien Invasions, Robots and unwinnable struggles.

Aging Gracefully

“Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty” – Coco Chanel

10 Songs That Scare Me

While it’s a known fact that "Werewolf Bar Mitzvah" is the spookiest scariest song ever written, these diabolical ditties come a close second!

Stranger Reads: 14 Teen Titles for Fans of Stranger Things

The hit science fiction/horror series Stranger Things will soon be back for season 2 on Netflix. While you anxiously anticipate binging this series, check out these carefully selected teen reads filled with elements of horror, science fiction, 1980’s cultural reference and small midwestern town nostalgia.

A Library Card for the Digital Age

Does your smartphone or tablet go wherever you go? Why not take your Library with you too! With our new eMedia card, you can borrow eBooks, eAudiobooks, music, movies & more - without having to visit us in person.

33 Songs About The Rain

April showers bring May flowers...and apparently a whole lot of musical inspiration too, as heard in these songs about the rain!

Theater Nerds Unite

Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the musical West Side Story by exploring library materials that might be of interest to theater geeks.

Read the Movie, Watch the Book: Part Two!

Which is better - the book or the film? Each version always has its champion. For the most part, seeing a visual interpretation of a book is worth the time spent. Continue reading to explore a selection of book to film adaptations coming out in 2017.

Read the Movie, Watch the Book

There are a number of popular films coming out soon based on even more popular books - check out this blog post to explore the top 11 titles due out this year.

Entertaining Rom-Coms

Featuring a selection of entertaining romantic comedy films that are sure to make you laugh and lighten your mood.

Oscars 2017

Featuring this year's nominees for best picture along with books exploring the history of the Oscars, movies and movie stars.

Holy 50 Years, Batman!

Sanger Branch is celebrating 50 years of Batman in film with a special showing of the 1966 Batman movie, the movie that started it all.

Songs of Summer

Summer will be over before you know it. Make the most of the remaining days of sun and fun with this playlist.

June Is National Accordion Awareness Month!

Hip AND Square: Accordions! From polka to zydeco to klezmer music, they’re an important (and incredibly fun) part of American culture and it’s time to appreciate them! June is National Accordion Awareness Month – so channel your inner Lawrence Welk and get those toes a tappin’.

Dear Old Dad … Top 10 Best And Worst Movie Fathers

Being a Dad isn't the easiest job in the world, but the great ones make it look so easy. Let's all take a moment to thank them for everything they have done for us over the years and take the time to watch a movie together.

Bob Dylan Turns 75

Bob Dylan turns 75! Continue reading to learn more about this timeless musician.

Moms and Movies

This Mother’s Day … take the time to appreciate your mom or any mom for that matter. Everyone knows someone that is a mom or mother figure and those special moms should be honored. So, why not celebrate those special women in your life by enjoying a good film together?

Alice and Mowgli Hit the Big Screen

From Alice to Mowgli to Snow White’s Evil Queen, this Spring the big screen will be filled with children’s book characters that are equally popular with adults. Get up-to-date on how they’re faring in their literary lives by checking them out in eBooks and comics on hoopla

Shadowhunters Mortal Instruments

Have you watched the Freeform TV series Shadowhunters Mortal Instruments? Did you know it was originally a book series written by Cassandra Clare. You can get those books, ebooks, or audiobooks now!

Libraries are a great place to think creatively

Get lost in a fantasy world through a book, breathe new life into a community organization in your local library’s meeting space, or explore the digital world of a computer game. The Library has a new opportunity to offer creative exploration to its patrons through Make U: Mobile Art Labs with programs in drawing, painting, printmaking, installation art, 3D sculpture and digital photography.

Albums to Adore: Surf

​Most people don’t expect a Hip hop group to be led by a trumpeter. However, the debut album by Donnie Trumpet and the Social Experiment does little to conform to expectations. The group features artist Chance the Rapper as well as appearances by other industry giants including; Big Sean, Busta Rhymes, and Erykah Badu.

Albums to Adore: Currents

In their 3rd studio album the Australian rock group, Tame Impala has taken the leap forward from guitar driven indie band to chart topping synth-laced sensation.