Unreadable
Education & Explainer
About
The official Forsyth County Public Library podcast for news, upcoming programs, and recommendations.
Episodes
- Unearth a Story - Summer Reading Challenge 2026
In this episode, Ross speaks with Sarah Brubaker, Programming Manager at FCPL, about this year's Summer Reading Challenge: Unearth a Story. The Summer Reading Challenge will run from May 22nd to August 5th and will feature a variety of awe…
- The Georgia Reads for America250 Challenge
In this episode of Unreadable, Ross speaks with Programming Manager Sarah Brubaker about the Georgia Reads for America250 Challenge. This challenge, designed to celebrate Georgia's and America's history, encourages you to read a book from…
- Forsyth Reads Together featuring Liz Moore
This year's Forsyth Reads Together selection is The God of the Woods by Liz Moore . In this episode, Liz Moore joined Ross to talk about the genesis of the book, how her camp experience as a child informed some of the scenes and settings,…
- Winter Reading Challenge 2025
In this episode, Ross speaks with Programming Manager Sarah Brubaker about the upcoming our Winter Reading program. Listen for more information on this year's theme (HINT: Get ready to press the A button!), incremental prizes, and grand pr…
- Author Talk with Dr. Ashley Baker
In this episode, local author Dr. Ashley Baker speaks with Ross about her new book The Ashes of Us , which is a novel that navigates themes of trauma, paternal love, and the devastating price of retribution. Dr. Baker talks about her inspi…
- Forsyth Reads Together with William Kent Krueger
In this episode, Ross talks with William Kent Krueger about his Cork O'Connor series, including a sneak peak of the next book in the series, God's Country . Krueger discusses his use of a small town setting, spirituality, and a dynamic pro…
- The Dedication of Denmark Library
It has been an exciting year for the Forsyth County Public Libraries. We opened a brand new library branch in March: Denmark Library! On May 10, 2025, the library's official dedication took place. Many local and state officials were on han…
- Color Our World: Your Summer Reading 2025 Guide
Summer Reading is just around the corner, and Ross is joined by Sarah Brubaker, Programming Manager at FCPL, to discuss how to make the most of this year's Summer Reading Fun! Sarah shares how to get started using Beanstack, as well as som…
- Forsyth Reads Together with Shelby Van Pelt
In this episode of Unreadable , Ross speaks with Shelby Van Pelt about her novel Remarkably Bright Creatures , this year's Forsyth Reads Together selection. Van Pelt's debut novel, published in 2022, remains a New York Times bestseller and…
- Winter Reading Challenge 2024
It's that time again! Our Winter Reading Challenge is back. If you enjoyed the reading challenge last year, especially collecting those trading cards, we have good news for you: we have a whole new set of trading cards to collect this wint…
- Ghost Hunting at The Library
Earlier this month, the Southeastern Institute of Paranormal Research conducted a paranormal investigation at the Hampton Park Library. In this episode, you'll hear an abridged version of investigation, including an equipment overview and…
- The Smokey Bear Reading Challenge
In this episode, Ross speaks with Sarah Brubaker about The Smokey Bear Reading Challenge, which celebrates Smokey Bear's 80th birthday. Listen to hear about prizes, deadlines, and an upcoming Smokey Bear Celebration taking place at the Cum…
- Adventure Begins, Your 2024 Summer Reading Preview
Are you ready for an adventure? FCPL's Summer Reading Fun begins May 23. In this episode, Kim Ottesen, Programming Manager at FCPL, previews what you can expect during our Summer Reading program, including prizes and performers. From lanya…
- Benjamin Herold on Disillusioned: Five Families and the Unraveling of America's Suburbs
In this episode, Ross speaks with Benjamin Herold about his book Disillusioned : Five Families and the Unraveling of America's Suburbs , which follows five families in different areas of the United States, including Gwinnett County, and ex…
- Forsyth Reads Together with Lisa Wingate
This year's Forsyth Reads Together book pick is Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate. In this episode, Ross speaks with Lisa about her inspiration for the book and its characters, as well as the book's impact on the victims of the Tenneess…
- Revisiting The Science of Love (2019)
In this episode, we revisit The Science of Love (2019) in which Ross interviews Dr. Larry J. Young, professor at Emory University, about his research on prairie voles and what their relationships can teach us about ourselves. This episode…
- Learn something new with Pastime Pursuits
Is your New Year's resolution to learn something new? This January, we are offering a series of programs for adults dedicated to learning a new hobby. In this episode, Ross speaks with Sarah Brubaker, Information Services Supervisor at the…
- Winter Reading Fun!
In this episode, Ross talks to Kim Ottesen, Programming Manager at FCPL, for the inside scoop on our winter reading challenge and this year's unique, cool prizes. Winter Reading Fun starts on December 19, 2023 and runs through January 21,…
- Diwali at FCPL
In this episode of Unreadable, Ross talks with Anu Murari, Youth Specialist at the Sharon Forks Library. Anu explains the significance and history of Diwali and previews upcoming Diwali events at both the Cumming Library and the Sharon For…
- Sparkle or Burn? It's Stokerfest!
Join us this month as Ross speaks with Brianna Schantz, Information Specialist at the Cumming Library, about the month-long celebration of Bram Stoker and all things spooky known as Stokerfest. The programs mentioned in this episode can be…
- FCPL goes batty!
Join us this month as Ross speaks with Larry and Laurie Alvord, Georgia Master Naturalists, who will be hosting bat walks at the Post Road Library and Hampton Park Library this fall. Learn about the importance of bats to the Georgia ecosys…
- Staff Pick: Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean
In this mini episode, Erin of the Post Road Library recommends the Young Adult novel Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean. After learning she is a literal princess, Izumi travels to Japan to meet her father, the Crown Prince of Japan. Once there…
- Staff Pick: Act of Oblivion by Robert Harris
In this mini episode, Ross of the Hampton Park Library recommends Act of Oblivion by Robert Harris, a historical novel set after the English Civil War. The book follows two British Colonels who flee to the American colonies after the execu…
- Staff Pick: Happy Place by Emily Henry
In this mini episode, Emily and Andrea of the Cumming Library talk about Emily Henry's new book Happy Place , which focuses on an engaged couple who broke up and now must act like they are still together while on a trip with their friends.
- Staff Pick: Clytemnestra by Constanza Casati
In this mini episode, Brooke of the Hampton Park Library recommends Clytemnestra by Constanza Casati , a retelling of Greek mythology focusing on Clytemnestra, the Queen of Mycenae and the wife of Agamemnon.
- Staff Pick: The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles
In this mini episode, Brittany of the Post Road Library shares one of her favorite reads of the year: The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles, a historical romance set in Regency England.
- Book Recommendations for Kids
In this mini episode, Anu of the Sharon Forks Library sits down with Amy Billings, Youth Services Supervisor at the Sharon Forks Library, for some children's book recommendations on this summer's theme: All Together Now. Books discussed in…
- The Summer of Jane Austen
In this special mini episode, Ross speaks with Melissa of the Cumming Library about one of her favorite books, Persuasion by Jane Austen, and an upcoming Austen-themed program series happening this summer at our Cumming branch. Program Dat…
- All Together Now! Your Summer Reading Preview
In this episode, Ross interviews Programming Manager Kim Ottesen about our upcoming Summer Reading Program, themed "All Together Now!" Join us for a sneak preview of programming and prizes. Summer Reading Kickoffs: Sharon Forks - May 30, 2…
- Chitra Divakaruni on One Amazing Thing
Chitra Divakaruni, author of One Amazing Thing , joins host Ross Gericke to talk about her inspiration for the novel, her literary influences, and the power of sharing stories. One Amazing Thing is the 2023 Forsyth Reads Together book sele…
- Women and Crime, a historical look
History and True Crime collide! Dr. Erin Bush, professor at the University of North Georgia, discusses violent women, death dioramas, and her upcoming talk at the Post Road Library on how the murder of the Bailey sisters affected the Tempe…
- What is an Archivist?
JoyEllen Williams from Kennesaw State University discusses her role as an archivist and her upcoming program at FCPL.
- Summer is Back in 2022!
Programming Manager Cleo Joyce talks about the exciting return of full Summer Reading programming and some cool Summer Reading prizes.
- FCPL Reads in 2022
Youth Services Supervisor Kayla Bolton talks about the FCPL Reads in 2022 program. More information can be found at https://www.forsythpl.org/fcpl-reads
- Jeff Shaara on Gods and Generals
Author Jeff Shaara discusses his book Gods and Generals , the official selection of Forsyth Reads Together in 2022. Come see Jeff Shaara in person at the Forsyth Conference Center on March 7th, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
- Winter Reading Fun!
Programming Manager Cleo Joyce talks Winter Reading Fun prizes and upcoming programs.
- FCPL's 25th Anniversary with Mary Helen McGruder
Library Board Chair Mary Helen McGruder provides some unique insight on the library's past and some tantalizing hints about its future.
- Caste by Isabel Wilkerson
Information Specialist Alicia Cavitt discusses Caste by Isabel Wilkerson, the September selection of the Page Turners book club at Sharon Forks.
- In-Person Programming Returns!
Programming Manager Cleo Joyce talks about the exciting return of in-person programming to all FCPL branches.
- The Turbulent Life and Mysterious Death of Cherokee Chief James Vann
Martha and Jimmy McConnell, Co-Presidents of the Historical Society of Cumming/Forsyth County, recount the life of James Vann, his mysterious death and burial, and his legacy in Forsyth County.
- The Life Cycle of a Book
Materials Services Manager Jeff Fisher takes us through the process of adding, maintaining, and removing a book from the library's collection.
- Raising the Cumming Library Roof
Branch Manager Denise Leeson discusses the Cumming Library's new roof renovation, along with a number of other interesting projects occurring this summer.
- 2021 Reading Challenge
Host Ross Gericke and Materials Services Supervisor Jeff Fisher discuss the 2021 Reading Challenge and provide a few book recommendations along the way.
- A Ride on the Bookmobile
Hitch a ride on the library's new bookmobile with Outreach Specialist Lorraine Lane.
- Winter Reading Prizes and 2021 Programming
Program Manager Tracy Walker talks about Winter Reading Fun and some exciting programming coming in 2021.
- The Library at the Laundromat
Outreach Specialists Lorraine Lane and Joanie Goforth talk about the unique way the library provides services to laundromat users in Forsyth county.
- The Library Bookstores Reopen
Jodie Barger, President of the FCPL Friends and Advocates, announces the reopening of the library bookstores on October 1st. She also talks about the important role the Friends and Advocates play for the library and how you can join.
- Virtual Programming Revisited
Librarians Brooke Rose and Amy Szvetecz return to discuss recent exciting changes to our virtual programming options.
- A Reading Challenge
Librarian Kayla Bolton talks about reading challenges and recommends graphic novels for all ages.
- Forsyth Remembers Lake Lanier
Two Forsyth County residents reminisce about the early days of Lake Lanier.