Episode 27: What's new at the libraries, reading with children, summer events and Kurt Batdorf

Chapter 1 – Hmmm, I didn't know that about … June and July

Once they decide who gets to speak first, podcast co-hosts Ken Harvey, Jim Hills, Cindy Tingley and Paul Pitkin have a bunch of fun chatting about what happens during June and July in the Pacific Northwest and what's new at Sno-Isle Libraries.

Two new videos posted on YouTube focus on early literacy tips and how to find great books to read.

And June and July have official days for lots of things such as dairy, turkey, candy, flip-a-coin, hug your cat, yo-yo's, doughnuts, chocolate ice cream, VCRs, Juneteenth and lots more including … Bloomsday!

In the interest of full disclosure and righting an ill-informed wrong, one of the hosts (shhh, its Jim) noted that June 16 is called Bloomsday in commemoration and celebration of the life of Irish writer James Joyce. The date is observed annually in Dublin and elsewhere around the world as the day in Joyce's novel "Ulysses" of protagonist Leopold Bloom's first outing with his wife-to-be, Nora Barnacle.

However, the Bloomsday Run in Spokane is traditionally the first Sunday in May, part of Spokane's Lilac Festival and not tied to Joyce's book. At all. Ever.

But wait, there's more!

Chapter 2 – Hmmm, I didn't know that about … Kurt Batdorf

Kurt Batdorf is a recent addition to the Communications Dept. at Sno-Isle Libraries. Kurt brings 25 years of journalism experience covering communities within the library district across Snohomish and Island counties.

Kurt recalls what it takes to sit through a school board meeting where even the school board members are falling asleep. Kurt even acknowledges that, on occasion, a source may have given him "the stink-eye" after a story was published. Kurt's experience includes being the editor of a local business publication and started his tenure during the recession that affected many local businesses.

Kurt also opines on the difficulties facing journalists today working to bring forth facts that inform communities.

And some of the things that Kurt didn't know about Sno-Isle Libraries include the Snohomish Library's Hobbitt painting and just how dedicated library employees are to helping others.

Episode length: 1:01:33