The Free Bin
The Free Bin
Toledo Public Library
Join the staff of the Toledo Public Library as they dive deep into history, culture, and the arts! That's Toledo, Oregon, USA, by the way--not the bigger one in Ohio or the original one in Spain. But a public library serves everyone, so if you are someone, The Free Bin has something for you. Whether it's cult movies, cultural history, stories, games, or (of course) books, you never know what you'll find in here, so reach on in! The Free Bin is a production of the Toledo Public Library, which is part of the Lincoln County Library District and the City of Toledo, Oregon. The personal views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any organization with which they are associated. https://www.cityoftoledo.org/library
William Pitt's Appeal
In observance of Independence Day, Harrison reads an appeal delivered to Parliament by William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham, in 1775. Happy Fourth, everybody!
Jul 3
11 min
Grumpy Sunshine
Cindy leads Harrison on a deep dive into the romance genre and its many, many subgenres! Dukes and Skarsgårds abound. A cowboy demonstrates nominative determinism. A fortune-telling session takes an uncomfortable turn.
Jun 26
1 hr 15 min
Two Tales from the Brothers Grimm
Harrison shares some updates and reads "The Mouse, the Bird, and the Sausage" and "Fundevogel"--two German folktales collected by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm and published in 1812.
Jun 20
18 min
Liminality Pt. 2: Feeling All The Feels
Harrison, Cindy and superstar volunteer Olga delve into the concept of "hauntology" and how it applies to culture, society, and music. In this episode: "Etched Headplate" by Burial "Everywhere at the End of Time" by The Caretaker "На Дне" by Molchat Doma "Redline" by Lazerhawk "Хочу перемен" by Kino    
Jun 6
49 min
Liminality Pt. 1: That Looks Like A Place I Used To Live
Harrison and Cindy begin a two-episode trek into the Backrooms, and the concepts, history, and artistic movements that dwell within their endless corridors. In this episode: Backrooms (film, 2026) (IMdB) Kane Pixels (YouTube) r/LiminalSpace (subreddit)
May 30
27 min
Girls, You Know Nothin'
Cindy and Harrison observe Memorial Day. Harrison introduces some new whale science. Vowels merge. Formants emerge from phonic lips. Pinchy abides.   In this episode: Beguš, et al. (2026). The phonology of sperm whale coda vowels. Proc Biol Sci, 293(2069). https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2025.2994 Dominica Sperm Whale Project Fleet of Flowers Sperm whale sounds (from Voices in the Sea)
May 22
53 min
Everybody Has Stuff in Their Inbox
Content Warning: This episode discusses sexual assault, violence, death, and war. This week, Cindy and Harrison discuss the rather harrowing books they've recently finished. Yes, you read that correctly: Harrison actually finished a book!   In this episode:  "Big Old Boats" (YouTube channel) "Brick Immortar" (YouTube channel) "The Gales of November" (book, 2025) by John U. Bacon "The Quiet Librarian" (book, 2025) by Allen Eskens
May 15
49 min
"May is Building Her House"
Harrison reads Richard Le Gallienne's poem "May is Building Her House," from the "The Lonely Dancer and Other Poems" (1913).
May 8
4 min
Caffeine Makes Me Tired
Cindy and Harrison are joined by youth correspondent Anara to discuss the local weather and her favorite books!   In this episode: "Key Lime Pie Murder" (book) by Joanne Fluke "Lemon Meringue Pie Murder" by Joanne Fluke "The School For Whatnots" (book) by Margaret Peterson Haddix  
May 1
26 min
Don't Mess With Me
The gang shares bittersweet news and celebrates Autism Acceptance Month! 
Apr 28
1 hr 4 min
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