To celebrate our 200th episode, the creative team got together to share their hot takes by doing some tier ranking! Listen to find out what books ruined Elena, Robin’s favorite author events this year, Dave’s favorite robots, and Tayla’s thoughts about how librarians are represented in the media. Podcast disclaimer Like what you hear? Rate and review Down Time on Apple Podcasts or your podcast player of choice! If you’d like to submit a topic for The Last Chapter you can send your suggestions to [email protected]. Our theme music is Day Trips by Ketsa and our ad music is Happy Ukulele by Scott Holmes. Thanks for listening! Elena - Books That Hurt My Feelings and Made Me Want to Cry Bunny by Mona Awad This Thing Between Us by Gus Moreno Bolero by Wyatt Kennedy Pure Colour by Sheila Heti Down the Drain by Julia Fox We Spread by Iain Reid Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow Jane by Maggie Nelson The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins Ponies by Kij Johnson Toilet-bound Hanako-kun by Aidalro Robin - A Year of Attending Author Events Jennifer Weiner Martha Hall Kelly Sy Montgomery Fiona Davis Warren Zanes A Time to Gather by Kimberly Ragosta Dolls of Our Lives by Mary Mahoney and Allison Horrocks Dale Arnold Jean Kwok Kristen Harmel Nicola Harrison Lisa See Marie Benedict Victoria Christopher Murray Ibram X. Kendi Joel Christian Gill Dave - My Favorite Thing is Robots The Brave Little Toaster (1987) Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009) A Psalm For the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994) All Systems Red by Martha Wells  Short Circuit (1986) The Wild Robot by Peter Brown  The Terraformers by Annalee Newitz Tayla - Librarian Representation In Media Desk Set (1957) The Librarian - SNL (YouTube) Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008) The Librarians (2014-2018) Batgirl of Burnside by Cameron Stewart, Brenden Fletcher and Babs Tarr SECRET TIER - Down TIme Episodes Ranked Episode 189 - Blood and Watershed Episode 178 - Star Wars From a Certain Point of View Episode 168 - Find Your Voice with Mark Binder Episode 153 - Reading Across Rhode Island with Sara Nović, author of TRUE BIZ (YouTube) Episode 145 - Alex Graudins, Author of IMPROVE Episode 188 - CPL’s Teen Volunteers Episode 175 - F*cked Up Fairy Tales with Liz

To celebrate our 200th episode, the creative team got together to share their hot takes by doing some tier ranking! Listen to find out what books ruined Elena, Robin’s favorite author events this year, Dave’s favorite robots, and Tayla’s thoughts about how librarians are represented in the media. If you missed the livestream and would like to watch this episode with video, you can find the video version here. Podcast disclaimer Like what you hear? Rate and review Down Time on Apple Podcasts or your podcast player of choice! If you’d like to submit a topic for The Last Chapter you can send your suggestions to [email protected]. Our theme music is Day Trips by Ketsa and our ad music is Happy Ukulele by Scott Holmes. Thanks for listening! Elena - Books That Hurt My Feelings and Made Me Want to Cry Bunny by Mona Awad This Thing Between Us by Gus Moreno Bolero by Wyatt Kennedy Pure Colour by Sheila Heti Down the Drain by Julia Fox We Spread by Iain Reid Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow Jane by Maggie Nelson The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins Ponies by Kij Johnson Toilet-bound Hanako-kun by Aidalro Robin - A Year of Attending Author Events Jennifer Weiner Martha Hall Kelly Sy Montgomery Fiona Davis Warren Zanes A Time to Gather by Kimberly Ragosta Dolls of Our Lives by Mary Mahoney and Allison Horrocks Dale Arnold Jean Kwok Kristen Harmel Nicola Harrison Lisa See Marie Benedict Victoria Christopher Murray Ibram X. Kendi Joel Christian Gill Dave - My Favorite Thing is Robots The Brave Little Toaster (1987) Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009) A Psalm For the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994) All Systems Red by Martha Wells  Short Circuit (1986) The Wild Robot by Peter Brown  The Terraformers by Annalee Newitz Tayla - Librarian Representation In Media Desk Set (1957) The Librarian - SNL (YouTube) Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008) The Librarians (2014-2018) Batgirl of Burnside by Cameron Stewart, Brenden Fletcher and Babs Tarr SECRET TIER - Down TIme Episodes Ranked Episode 189 - Blood and Watershed Episode 178 - Star Wars From a Certain Point of View Episode 168 - Find Your Voice with Mark Binder Episode 153 - Reading Across Rhode Island with Sara Nović, author of TRUE BIZ (YouTube) Episode 145 - Alex Graudins, Author of IMPROVE Episode 188 - CPL’s Teen Volunteers Episode 175 - F*cked Up Fairy Tales with Liz

This week Tayla is joined by Emily to talk all things romance novels - what draws her to the genre, what keeps the formula interesting, and what she’s reading right now. They also talked about romantasy, Hallmark Channel series, and cults. During the Last Chapter they discuss: have you ever had a crush on a book character and, if so, who? Podcast disclaimer Like what you hear? Rate and review Down Time on Apple Podcasts or your podcast player of choice! If you’d like to submit a topic for The Last Chapter you can send your suggestions to [email protected]. Our theme music is Day Trips by Ketsa and our ad music is Happy Ukulele by Scott Holmes. Thanks for listening! Books Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros Normal People by Sally Rooney Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer A British Girl’s Guide to Hurricanes and Heartbreak by Laura Taylor Namey The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary AV Good Witch (2015-2021) Daughters of the Cult (2024) Love Has Won (2023) Other Rhody Radio Book & Movie Groups at Cranston Public Library

This week Tayla is joined by Dave and Maggie from the Central Library to talk about media with time loops in honor of Groundhog Day. They discuss why they enjoy media with time loops and what some of their favorites are. They also discuss hopeful future narratives, brain candy, and British original vs American remake. During The Last Chapter they discuss: Is there a book that you weren’t able to finish and why? Podcast disclaimer Like what you hear? Rate and review Down Time on Apple Podcasts or your podcast player of choice! If you’d like to submit a topic for The Last Chapter you can send your suggestions to [email protected]. Our theme music is Day Trips by Ketsa and our ad music is Happy Ukulele by Scott Holmes. Thanks for listening! Books Babel by R. F. Kuang All Systems Red by Martha Wells The Future by Naomi Alderman A Psalm For the Wild-Built (Monk & Robot #1) by Becky Chambers Begin Again by Oliver Jeffers Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros Life After Life by Kate Atkinson The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North How to Live Safely In a Science Fictional Universe by Charles Yu Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman 11/22/63 by Stephen King The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell AV Groundhog Day (1993) Ghosts (2021- ) Being Human (2008-2013) Acapulco (2021- ) Staged Season 1 (Kanopy) Loki (2021-2023) Back to the Future (1985) About Time (2013) Other Streaming TV & Movies at Cranston Public Library

This week Tayla is joined by Tia Pinney and Scott McCue from MetroWest Mass Audubon to talk about Massachusetts official groundhog, Ms. G. They discuss how Ms. G became Mass’s official groundhog and their upcoming groundhog’s day festivities. They also discuss King Philip's War and the value of making music. During The Last Chapter they discuss: How do you organize your bookshelves at home? Podcast disclaimer Like what you hear? Rate and review Down Time on Apple Podcasts or your podcast player of choice! If you’d like to submit a topic for The Last Chapter you can send your suggestions to [email protected]. Our theme music is Day Trips by Ketsa and our ad music is Happy Ukulele by Scott Holmes. Thanks for listening! Books Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer The Name of War by Jill Lepore Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt The Woman In the Library by Sulari Gentill AV Life On Our Planet (2023- )  Great British Baking Show (2010- ) Poirot (1989-2013) Dixit Dominus by George Handel (YouTube) Groundhog Day (1993) Other Mass Audubon Metro West Region Ms. G: Massachusetts State Groundhog Rare Books at the Boston Public Library First Day Hikes - American Hiking Society

This week Tayla is joined by Alyssa from the Central Library and Paula, past librarian and current book lover to talk about their reading goals for the new year. They also discuss Apple TV, going to the movies, and Goodreads. During The Last Chapter they discuss: What is your favorite way to find out about new books? Podcast disclaimer Like what you hear? Rate and review Down Time on Apple Podcasts or your podcast player of choice! If you’d like to submit a topic for The Last Chapter you can send your suggestions to [email protected]. Our theme music is Day Trips by Ketsa and our ad music is Happy Ukulele by Scott Holmes. Thanks for listening! Books Consort of Fire by Kit Rocha The Return of Faraz Ali by Aamina Ahmad A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes   Pageboy by Elliot Page The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green A British Girl’s Guide to Hurricanes and Heartbreak by Laura Taylor Namey The Lost Wife by Susanna Moore AV Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (2023- ) Percy Jackson and the Olympians (2023- ) Fargo (2014-2024) Ted Lasso (2020-2023) Anyone But You (2023) The Marvels (2023)   The Holdovers (2023) Other New Harvest Coffee Roasters The Nook Coffee House, East Greenwich, RI Read Along with Tayla Challenge

This week Tayla is joined by Lucas and Ottavia, co-owners of Riff Raff Bookstore and Bar in Providence. They discuss how taking over the ownership of Riff Raff, for them, is about keeping what is special about the store going. They also discuss books about food, The Golden Bachelor, and preferences for streaming services. During The Last Chapter they discuss: If you could rewrite a book from another character’s point of view, what story/character would you choose?    Podcast disclaimer Like what you hear? Rate and review Down Time on Apple Podcasts or your podcast player of choice! If you’d like to submit a topic for The Last Chapter you can send your suggestions to [email protected]. Our theme music is Day Trips by Ketsa and our ad music is Happy Ukulele by Scott Holmes. Thanks for listening! Books Martyr! by Kaveh Ackbar Wrong Way by Joanne McNeil The Land of Milk and Honey by C. Peng Zhang Blue Ruin by Hari Kunzru Death Valley by Melissa Broder Family Style by Thien Pham Family Meal by Bryan Washington Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure The Book of Goose by Yiyun Li Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder Attachments: On Fatherhood and Other Performances by Lucas Mann Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Julia by Sandra Newman AV Reservation Dogs (2021-2023) The Great British Baking Show (2010- ) Vanderpump Rules (2013- ) The Golden Bachelor (2023- ) Only Murders In the Building (2021- ) Expedition Unknown (2015- ) Other Riffraff Bookstore + Bar

This week Tayla is joined by Robin from the Central Library and her husband Tom to talk about their experience being balloon handlers in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. They discuss how they got involved with the parade and what it’s like to be part of such a big day! They also discuss Yoga, the Avon Theatre, and Hallmark Christmas movies. During The Last Chapter they discuss: What are your reading goals for 2024?  Podcast disclaimer Like what you hear? Rate and review Down Time on Apple Podcasts or your podcast player of choice! If you’d like to submit a topic for The Last Chapter you can send your suggestions to [email protected]. Our theme music is Day Trips by Ketsa and our ad music is Happy Ukulele by Scott Holmes. Thanks for listening! Books His Way by Kitty Kelley  Yoga Life by Brett Larkin Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree Draw a Comic! by J. P. Coovert Browse Great Courses available in the RI eZONE AV The Holdovers (2023) Reacher (2022- ) My Norwegian Holiday (2023) Good Burger 2 (2023) Letterkenny (2016-2023) What If…? (2021- ) Kung Fu Panda (2008) Other The Avon Theatre, Providence, RI Barre & Soul, Wayland Square BRAKING AIDS Ride A Beautiful Noise | The Neil Diamond Musical

Our team is on break for one more week, but don’t fret, we have a delicious Rhody Radio episode here to keep your podcast feed fed. Back in October, the Rhody Radio team enlisted library workers from around the state to try out all of the restaurants featured in the Rhode Island Food Fights TacoMania competition, and they’ve compiled their reviews into an audio feast to guide your own taco adventures! They also sat down with Jim Nellis, the Founder of Rhode Island Food Fights, to talk about the competition and how it got started. We hope you enjoy this episode, and we’ll be back next week with a brand new episode of Down Time. Podcast disclaimer Like what you hear? Rate and review Down Time on Apple Podcasts or your podcast player of choice! If you’d like to submit a topic for The Last Chapter you can send your suggestions to [email protected]. Our theme music is Day Trips by Ketsa and our ad music is Happy Ukulele by Scott Holmes. Thanks for listening! – ⁠Click here to read a transcript of this episode.⁠ Rhody Eats is a segment in which we rank the most popular foods in Rhode Island. In this episode, we enlist our colleagues across the state to find the best tacos Rhode Island and choose our favorites, using the ⁠RI Food Fights⁠ Taco Mania 2023 as a guide. We are also joined by Jim Nellis, founder of RI Food Fights, to talk about his work sharing Ocean State food culture with our communities. Our sincere thanks to Jim Nellis for joining us, as well as our colleagues Kate, Heather, Pam, Patricia, Peter, and Heather for joining us on our taco adventures. And be sure to check out this bonus episode from October 27, with even more taco reviews from our RI library colleagues: BONUS: A Second Helping of Tacos! Did you try something from the episode or disagree with our ranking? Be sure to ⁠let us know⁠ what you think! Theme song: Happy Cooking Show by ⁠Music for Videos⁠ from ⁠Pixabay.⁠

The team at Down Time is taking some down time for the holidays, and we’re using this opportunity to share a couple of episodes from Rhody Radio. First up, we have an episode presented by Liz Gotauco. You may remember Liz from Episode 175 of Down Time, when she introduced us to her TikTok channel, F*cked Up Fairy Tales. In this episode of Rhody Radio, she offers some spooky Christmas stories served up in her signature style. Enjoy! Podcast disclaimer Like what you hear? Rate and review Down Time on Apple Podcasts or your podcast player of choice! If you’d like to submit a topic for The Last Chapter you can send your suggestions to [email protected]. Our theme music is Day Trips by Ketsa and our ad music is Happy Ukulele by Scott Holmes. Thanks for listening! – Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Looking for less merry and more macabre in your Yuletide stories? Liz Gotauco AKA ⁠Cosbrarian⁠ is here to help! By day Liz is the children's librarian at Cumberland Public Library, but by night she is a storyteller for adults, best known for her comedic series ⁠"F*cked Up Fairy Tales" on TikTok⁠. With a passion for strong women leads, marginalized voices, salacious stories, and surprising plot elements, Liz reminds grown-ups to take a break and imagine. We hope you enjoy this collection of eerie stories from around the world, sure to put an extra chill in even the darkest winter night. Story sources and further reading: ⁠“Frau Perchta, the Belly-Slitter” by Bone and Sickle⁠ ⁠“Meet the Thirteen Yule Lads, Iceland’s Own Mischievous Santa Clauses” by Smithsonian Mag⁠ ⁠“Why Iceland’s Christmas Witch Is Much Cooler (and Scarier) Than Krampus” via Smithsonian Mag⁠ ⁠“Hans Von Trotha” via Wikipedia⁠ ⁠“The Evil Butcher” via the St. Nicholas Center⁠ ⁠Ginevra, or, The old oak chest, a Christmas story by Susan Wallace (1894)⁠ ⁠“The Legend of the Mistletoe Bough” via Wikipedia⁠ ⁠“The Romance of Certain Old Clothes” by Henry James (1868)⁠ “Secrets of the Old Oak Trunk” is an original short story by Liz Gotauco, November 2023 Music: ⁠“The Demons Dance on Christmas Eve” by melodyayresgriffiths⁠ ⁠“Coventry Carol” by Chillmore⁠ ⁠“A Christmas Tale” by lena_orsa⁠ ⁠“Our Love is Here to Stay” performed by Gracenotes in 2011, featuring Charles Wizon on violin, Lou Messana on guitar and Al Cardillo on bass⁠ ⁠“Gray Cuckoo Christmas Background Music” by Oleksii Kaplunskyi⁠ ⁠“In the Bleak Midwinter” by Julius H.