On this month’s episode of the Deerfield Public Library Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Paula Derdiger to discuss her recent book Reconstruction Fiction: Housing and Realist Literature in Postwar Britain (Ohio State University Press, 2020). Dr. Paula Derdiger is an Associate Professor of English at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Her book Reconstruction Fiction… Read More
Favorite Theater Resources – in celebration of Deerfield Family Theater
Curtains up! In celebration of the opening of Deerfield Family Theater’s newest production, Schoolhouse Rock Live! (which opens today!) we in the Adult Services Department put together a list of some favorite theater-related resources. Check out the list, with links to items in our catalog, below. You can also listen to me gush about this… Read More
Sam’s Music Reviews: Music Exploration
Happy October everyone. Recently, I’ve been trying to expand my musical repertoire and explore new musicians/bands I’ve never listened to before. Spotify and Bandcamp have been two incredibly useful tools in my exploration. Every recommendation is a brand new album from the selected artist, and each artist represents a different style of music, so there… Read More
Podcast: Poet Lisa Hiton Discusses New Book “Afterfeast”
This month on the Deerfield Public Library Podcast, I am thrilled to present a conversation with Lisa Hiton on the occasion of the publication of her debut full-length poetry collection, Afterfeast. Selected by the poet Mary Jo Bang as the winner of the Dorset Prize for Poetry, Afterfeast is published by Tupelo Press. Lisa Hiton… Read More
Sam’s Music Reviews: Concept Albums
One of my favorite elements to listen for in an album is a conceptual framework that ties the songs together. A concept album allows musicians to exercise creativity during the writing/instrumental/recording process. Whether the album has an intricate fictional storyline, explores different themes, or comments on current issues, the possibilities for what makes a concept… Read More
Sam’s Music Reviews: Native and Indigenous Artists
Music is a mode of communication and education about lifestyles and cultures. Artists write lyrics about their identity and create beats that are a continuation of centuries-long traditions and customs. A group of people known for having such a rich cultural identity around music and dance are the indigenous people of North America. This month,… Read More
Podcast: Chicago-based Poet Rachel Mennies on “The Naomi Letters”
On this month’s episode of the Deerfield Public Library Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Chicago-based poet Rachel Mennies for a conversation about her recent book of poems The Naomi Letters (BOA Editions, 2021). Each poem in The Naomi Letters is a dated letter or draft from the speaker of the poems to the woman… Read More
Sam’s Music Reviews: Chicago Suburban Roots
Happy July, everyone! For this month, I’m recommending four albums from artists/bands that have originated in the Northern/Northwestern suburbs of Chicago. Listening to artists that grew up where we live can bolster a sense of pride and accomplishment for our community and even enhance our listening experience. For each album recommendation, I have provided a… Read More
Sam’s Music Reviews: Queer Music
I hope everyone has been keeping up with Queer Poem-a-Day this Pride Month! Just like there are many styles, voices, and topics that go into queer poems, the same goes for music performed by queer musical artists. It should not come as a surprise that queer music does not fall under one style/genre, but is… Read More
Personalized Picks: Find Your Next Great Read or Watch
So you’re at home, in the car, on vacation, or taking a break from work and the one thing you want is the perfect book or movie that draws you in immediately. We get it. Which is why we are thrilled to offer a brand new service at the Deerfield Public Library called Personalized Picks.… Read More