Mental Health Awareness Month Programs for Youth & Teens
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a perfect time to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with ourselves and one another. We’re inviting families, children, and teens to do just that through a month full of creativity, mindfulness, and uplifting experiences designed to support emotional well-being. From guided meditation and creative expression to a live performance and social connection, Livingston Public Library Youth Department’s Mental Health Awareness Month programming highlights the importance of caring for both mind and body. The month begins with the opportunity to meditate like a Jedi during our Star Wars Stories program on May the Fourth, and practice your reading skills with certified therapy dogs during Paws to Read, (make sure to register!) later that day. Our big event is on Thursday, May 28, as we will host Pause & Play: A Youth Mindfulness Day, a program designed to help young people slow down, manage stress, and build emotional resilience. Taking place from 4:00–5:00 PM, this interactive event is in partnership with local community organizations, including the Mayors Wellness Campaign, the Livingston Health Department, the West Essex Y, Shiv’s Third Eye, Musical Minds, and members from the Livingston Library’s Teen Advisory Board, who will share valuable resources and make the day fun and engaging for all! The evening continues with a lively and meaningful performance: Pause & Play Special Performance: Bee True to You! on May 28th, from 6:30–7:30 PM with a special introduction from Livingston Councilmember Al Anthony. This interactive pop/rock, Broadway-style show blends music, storytelling, and audience participation to explore themes of self-confidence, kindness, and anti-bullying. Young audiences will be encouraged to embrace their individuality, develop empathy, and celebrate what makes them unique. With its focus on social-emotional learning and character development, the show perfectly complements the mindfulness activities earlier in the day. Mental Health Awareness Month is especially important for teens, as May can often bring academic pressure, exams, and end-of-year stress. The Youth Department is offering a variety of programs throughout the month to help teens unwind, recharge, and practice mindfulness in creative ways. Teens are invited to join us after school on Friday, May 1st, to play Mario Kart on the big screen in the Program Room. Then on Monday, begin the week with Teen Brain Break: Meditation Mondays on May 4th and 11th, and enjoy short guided meditation sessions designed to help teens relax, reset and refocus. On May 5th, Steep & Sketch, offers a chance to create art in a welcoming, low-pressure setting. Teens can drop in after school for hands-on, relaxing activities at the YA Desk, as part of the Mindful May series, including: Mindful May for Teens: Puzzled (May 5th & 12th) unwind with puzzles and quiet focus Mindful May for Teens: Sticker Scene (May 6th & 13th) get creative with calming sticker art Mindful May for Teens: Color-by-Number (May 7th & 14th) enjoy a soothing, structured art activity Fridays, teens meet in the Story Room/ Youth Terrace (weather permitting) for: Mindful May for Teens: Stress Ball (May 8th) craft a simple tool to manage stress Mindful May for Teens: Chillin’ on the Terrace (May 15th) relax outdoors with friends and enjoy a treat This May, take a moment, for yourself, your family, and your community, and join us in prioritizing mental wellness. Whether you’re a child discovering mindfulness for the first time or a teen looking for ways to decompress, the Youth Department’s programs offer simple, meaningful ways to pause, breathe, and reset.
A Musical Journey with Yang Jin: L-Town Radio, Sept. 2025
On the latest episode of the library podcast, Joe talks with acclaimed musician Yang Jin about her musical journey, her work with the Livingston community, and how she seeks to connect people through music. Plus, Archana highlights some of the great programs on our September calendar, Hongmei shares resources to celebrate Classical Music Month, and Ragini tells us about the most anticipated books hitting the library shelves this month. Listen to the episode below, as well as on Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
Remembering Brian Wilson (1942 – 2025)
Brian Wilson, who passed away last week at age 82, was a genius of American music who made records that were both enchantingly accessible and profoundly innovative. He achieved stardom in the early 1960s as a performer, songwriter, and producer on a slew of scintillating pop/rock hits by his band, The Beach Boys. Then by the time the band’s 1966 album Pet Sounds was released, his work reached a level so groundbreaking and sophisticated that none other than The Beatles were envious of his talents. Despite mental health issues that derailed his career toward the end of the ‘60s, Brian eventually returned to recording and performing, and saw his music inspire even more generations of artists and fans. If you’d like to check out some of Brian Wilson’s most acclaimed records, as well as notable books and films about him and his band, here is a sampling of what’s available thanks to your Livingston Library card. Music Surfin’ USA (1963) While the title track is the only song on this album that became one of the band’s greatest hits, the Beach Boys’ second full-length release put them on the map and helped make surf music a nationwide phenomenon. Surfer Girl (1963) The band’s third studio album features more surf rock classics (“Catch a Wave,” “Hawaii”) as well as tender ballads (“Surfer Girl,” “In My Room”) that foreshadow their later transition into exquisite chamber pop. All Summer Long (1964) Hailed by AllMusic.com as the best Beach Boys album of the early ‘60s, this contains summery, irresistible hits like “I Get Around” and “Little Honda.” Summer Days (and Summer Nights!!) (1965) The band’s highest-ever charting album in the U.S. is loaded with pop gems such as “California Girls,” “Help Me, Rhonda,” “Girl Don’t Tell Me,” and “Let Him Run Wild.” Beach Boys Party! (1965) Meant as a stopgap release between proper albums, this campfire-style collection of acoustically performed hits and covers has an infectious vibe that serves as a kind of precursor to MTV’s “Unplugged” concerts of the 1990s. Pet Sounds (1966) Though it initially failed to impress most fans and critics, Pet Sounds has since been hailed as one of the greatest pop albums of all time, thanks to tracks like “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “God Only Knows,” and “Sloop John B.” Paul McCartney cites this as his favorite album ever, and it strongly inspired the creation of The Beatles’ landmark Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. SMiLE (2004) Brian’s follow-up to Pet Sounds, which had been abandoned in 1967 due to his mental health struggles and creative differences with his bandmates, was finally completed in 2004. Though more abstract and experimental than Pet Sounds, it turned out to be another majestic masterpiece. Books Wouldn’t It Be Nice: Brian Wilson and the Making of the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds by Charles L. Granata Written by Livingston’s own Charles Granata, this book takes an in-depth look into the creative process and technical production of The Beach Boys’ magnum opus. Pet Sounds by Jim Fusilli Part of the acclaimed “33 ⅓” series of music books, this focuses more on the “emotional core” of Pet Sounds, and why it has stood the test of time. I Am Brian Wilson: A Memoir (ebook, audiobook) Brian looks back on the inspirations behind his music, as well as his difficult relationship with his father, his relationships with women, and his experiences as a parent. Fifty Sides of the Beach Boys: The Songs That Tell Their Story by Mark Dillon The stories behind 50 classic Beach Boys songs, told through interviews with the band’s members, collaborators, peers, and fans– including Roger McGuinn, John Sebastian, Lyle Lovett, Matthew Sweet, and Cameron Crowe. Why the Beach Boys Matter by Tom Smucker A scholarly examination of how & why the Beach Boys have left such a massive and long-lasting impact on American culture and beyond. Movies Love & Mercy (2014, directed by Bill Polhad) Called “one of the best music biopics ever” by Rolling Stone, this film portrays Brian at the beginning of his career (as played by Paul Dano), as well as in the aftermath of his mental breakdown (played by John Cusack). Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road (2021, directed by Brent Wilson) This documentary features interview footage with Brian and his friend, Rolling Stone editor Jason Fine. –Joe, Adult Services & Acquisitions
“The Insanity Behind the Importance of Music” with Dave Gebroe – L-Town Radio, May 2025
On the latest episode of L-Town Radio, Joe talks with Dave Gebroe of the Discograffiti podcast about growing up in Livingston, about the rough road he traveled between directing films and producing podcasts, and about his fascination with Moby Grape. Plus, Archana tells us about some of the great programs on our May calendar, Hongmei talks about the therapeutic power of Tibetan flute music, and Jessica highlights some of the most anticipated new books hitting our shelves this month. Listen to the episode below, as well as on Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
New Music to Stream on Hoopla: April 2025
From hotly anticipated comebacks by pop megastars, to under-the-radar surprises by renowned indie artists, Hoopla has all kinds of notable new music you can stream using your Livingston Library card. Check out some of the recommendations below, or browse all of Hoopla’s featured releases here. Lady Gaga – MAYHEM Gaga’s latest studio album is being acclaimed as a triumphant return to form. The Los Angeles Times calls it “Brash, squirmy, full of detailed grooves and expertly crafted hooks…a winning reclamation of her trademark sound [and] her best since 2011’s Born This Way.” Bob Mould – Here We Go Crazy The founding member of iconic bands like Hüsker Dü and Sugar is back with another stellar solo album. AllMusic writes, “The craft of Here We Go Crazy is superb, and Bob Mould is one of the very, very few musicians who came up in the 1980s hardcore scene and is still making powerful, relevant music in the 2020s.” Tunde Adebimpe – Thee Black Boltz The full-length solo debut by TV On the Radio’s lead vocalist feels, according to The AV Club, “like the artist laying bare his own angst through a catharsis that feels not bleak but euphoric.” Valerie June – Owls, Omens, and Oracles “Something raw, something ancestral is born and found in the freedom of this album,” declares Clash Music. “It serves beyond the ear and reaches to the core of the collective heart.” Elton John & Brandi Carlile – Who Believes in Angels? The legendary Elton John teams up with country / folk star Brandi Carlile on this fantastic genre-spanning collaboration. The Telegraph says, “This is a set of absolute bangers including a barrel-house Crocodile Rock romp through ‘Little Richard’s Bible,’ the twisty Americana- flavored fantasia of ‘Riverman,’ and a moving Elton solo finale on ‘When This Old World Is Done Me.’ On such evidence, we’re not done with him yet, nor he with us.” FKA Twigs – EUSEXUA The experimental pop star’s third album is “a conceptual masterpiece that speaks to the heart and the head, the spirit and the body, reminding us that these things are not nearly as separate as some would have us believe,” says Pop Matters. Patterson Hood – Exploding Trees & Airplane Screams Pitchfork raves that the first solo record in 13 years from the Drive-By Truckers’ guitarist / vocalist is “surreal and cinematic…his most adventurous and surprising, and his best.” Lucy Dacus – Forever is a Feeling The singer-songwriter’s fourth solo album features appearances by Hozier, Phoebe Bridgers, and Bartees Strange. Paste Magazine writes, “she is doing things a little differently with more expansive musical arrangements and more specific lyrics. In the end, though, Forever Is a Feeling is the next step forward from an artist who continues to discover who she is, and what kind of music she wants to make, which is the sort of journey that hopefully will last for her entire career.” –Joe, Adult Services & Acquisitions
Springtime Music to Stream on Hoopla
Spring is here again! As the weather warms and the flowers bloom, it’s the perfect time to cue up some vibrant and rejuvenating music for your personal soundtrack. Here are some albums with strong springtime vibes that you can stream on Hoopla using your Livingston Library card. Brian Eno – Another Green World One of my all-time favorite albums is the third solo release by super-producer / ambient music pioneer Brian Eno. These mostly-instrumental soundscapes create a lush and vivid atmosphere that’s futuristic and synthetic, yet also ancient and pastoral. R.E.M. – Green R.E.M.’s first major label album is loaded with springy, bouncy bangers like “Pop Song 89,” “Get Up,” and “Stand.” The Shins – Oh, Inverted World The melodies on The Shins’ debut album sound like pretty purple crocuses punching their way through thawing soil. Kacey Musgraves – Golden Hour Winner of the “Album of the Year” Grammy award in 2019, the songs on Golden Hour shimmer with beauty, optimism, and glorious production. Tame Impala – Currents The psychedelic pop artist’s third album is abundant with immersive, invigorating songs of growth and renewal. The Avalanches – Since I Left You This chaotic yet cohesive masterpiece uses samples of old songs like seeds, scattering them and nurturing them until they bloom into exquisite new gems. Weezer – SZNZ: Spring In 2022, alternative rock icons Weezer released four EPs inspired by each of the four seasons, starting with this one. AllMusic described it as “a cheerful, optimistic listen, filled with sunny melodies and bright, hopeful imagery…with instruments that also suggest a flowering rebirth.” –Joe, Adult Services & Acquisitions Librarian
Irish Music to Stream on Hoopla: March 2025
If you’re looking for the perfect soundtrack of traditional and modern Irish music to help you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, here are some albums you can stream for free on Hoopla using your Livingston Library card. The Pogues – If I Should Fall From Grace With God (1988)My personal favorite record by an Irish artist, If I Should Fall From Grace with God mixes the ancient beauty of Celtic folk with the brash swagger of British punk. The Dubliners – The Very Best of The Dubliners (1962-2009)The Dubliners were a major influence on The Pogues and many other bands who wanted to bridge the gap between old and new Irish music. Their version of the traditional favorite “Whiskey in the Jar” is the definitive one. Van Morrison – Moondance (1970)Van Morrison combined soulful and mystical like no other musician, especially on the title track of his third solo album. This Deluxe Edition also contains dozens of bonus tracks and alternate takes for the extra-curious listener. Rory Gallagher – Rory Gallagher (1971)Guitarist Rory Gallagher inspired legendary musicians like Queen’s Brian May, U2’s The Edge, Guns N’ Roses’ Slash, and The Smiths’ Johnny Marr. His debut album is a stirring fusion of blues, rock, jazz, and folk. The Chieftains – The Chieftains 5 (1975)For over six decades, The Chieftains have been keeping traditional Irish music alive and introducing it to global audiences; they were even the first Western musical act invited to play at The Great Wall of China, in 1983. The group’s 5th album makes a superb introduction to their vast and enduring body of work. Thin Lizzy – Live and Dangerous (1978)Considered one of the best rock n’ roll concert albums ever recorded, Live and Dangerous has extra-rollicking versions of classic Thin Lizzy tunes like “The Boys Are Back In Town,” “Dancing in the Moonlight,” and “Jailbreak.” Stiff Little Fingers – All the Best (1977-1983)Northern Ireland’s answer to bands like The Clash and The Sex Pistols, Stiff Little Fingers were among the most incendiary of the early punk bands. Tracks like “Suspect Device” and “Alternative Ulster” still sound feisty and fresh over 40 years later. The Undertones – The Best of the Undertones (1978-1983)While Stiff Little Fingers were playing invigorating songs about heavy political conflicts like The Troubles, their fellow countrymen in The Undertones were making undeniably catchy power-pop about teenage love, summertime fun, and other more lighthearted themes. The Boomtown Rats – Back to Boomtown: Classic Rats Hits (1977-1984)Before Bob Geldof became one of music’s most prominent activists, he fronted the art punk / new wave band The Boomtown Rats, who recorded unforgettable songs such as “I Don’t Like Mondays.”U2 – War (1983)U2 is arguably the biggest rock band ever to come out of Ireland, and War— along with The Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby— is among their most iconic albums, with blistering protest songs like “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and “New Year’s Day.” Enya – Watermark (1988)Enya’s work– cosmic, primordial, densely layered yet ethereal and uplifting– is what most people would probably imagine when they hear the term “New Age Music.” Watermark is her breakthrough album, and features the worldwide smash hit “Orinoco Flow (Sail Away).” My Bloody Valentine – Loveless (1991)Speaking of “densely-layered,” My Bloody Valentine’s Loveless might have more guitar tracks on each song than there are pubs in Dublin. Pulverizing and hypnotic, this album is not merely the quintessential “shoegaze” record, it’s one of the most influential alternative rock statements of all time. The Cranberries – Gold (1993-2002)The Cranberries aren’t always mentioned as one of the best pop/rock bands of the 1990s, but they should be. Their greatest hits span a wide spectrum of style and emotion, from gorgeously tender tracks like “Dreams,” “Linger,” “Ode to My Family,” and “Free to Decide,” to rowdy and rebellious anthems like “Zombie,” “Ridiculous Thoughts,” and “Salvation.” Sinead O’Connor – Faith and Courage (2000)Sinead O’Connor was one of Ireland’s most renowned musicians, as well as one of its most outspoken. On Faith and Courage, she was characteristically spiritual and righteously angry, while collaborating with notable artists like Wyclef Jean, Brian Eno, and the Eurythmics’ David Stewart. The Corrs – In Blue (2000)Celtic motifs meet millennial pop on The Corrs’ 2000 album, which includes their irresistible hit song, “Breathless.” Boyzone – A Different Beat (1996)Though they never made it big in the U.S. like fellow ’90s boy bands NSYNC and The Backstreet Boys, Ireland’s Boyzone were huge in Europe, thanks to tunes like “A Picture of You,” from their second album. The Commitments – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1991)The Commitments may be a fictional band from Alan Parker’s 1991 film (based on Roddy Doyle’s 1987 novel), but the powerful way they infuse American Soul and R&B with gritty Irish passion is 100% real. Spotify users can also hear our very own playlist here: — Joe, Adult Services & Acquisitions Department
New Music to Stream on Hoopla: January 2025
Stellar albums by some of music’s biggest names have been released or reissued in recent months. Here are some new & notable titles you can stream for free on Hoopla using your Livingston Library card. The Cure – Songs of a Lost World The first album in 16 years from the iconic goth-rockers is also among their greatest. The Telegraph raves, “There is something so cathartically bleak about Songs of a Lost World, so epically pessimistic and emotionally wrought, that the results are perversely invigorating, transmuting powerful feelings of loss, grief, anxiety, anger and self-doubt into a work of such grandeur it leaves the listener strangely exhilarated and uplifted.” Kendrick Lamar – GNX The latest release from the Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper includes guest appearances by Jack Antonoff, SZA, and Kamasi Washington. Variety declares, “GNX is Kendrick Lamar at his most compelling — a mosaic that indisputably reaffirms his status as the most dynamic spitter the world has to offer.” Poppy – Negative Spaces The sixth album by the L.A.-based pop artist flirts with harder and heavier sounds. The AV Club writes, “As usual, Poppy can effortlessly move between cutesy coo and blood-curdling scream, often contrasting the two within the same song (opener ‘have you had enough?’)—but the album’s transcendent moments are rarely in the harsh-metal realm at all.” Michael Kiwanuka – Small Changes The British singer-songwriter’s fourth album was co-produced by Danger Mouse. DIY Magazine calls it “an intimate but confident record that reveals more of its magic with every listen.” Father John Misty – Mahashmashana This latest album by the droll singer-songwriter is, according to Clash Music, “intimate yet expansive, beautiful, assured, emotive and luminous.” George Harrison – Living in the Material World (50th Anniversary Edition) Harrison’s second solo album was remastered & reissued late last year. Uncut says, “This new 2024 remix by Paul Hicks and Dhani Harrison brings the album into greater relief when compared to previous releases: the orchestral arrangements are brought out of the murk, Harrison’s vocals are clearer and sharper, and the album’s peculiar air of dry, ascetic starkness is increased.” Ringo Starr – Look Up Another release by a former Beatle, this one has the legendary drummer performing Country songs produced by T Bone Burnett. AllMusic says the album “has a warm, organic feel that meshes comfortably with Ringo’s country influences without forcing the issue or sounding like the typical Nashville product of the 2020s. This music is mature in feel and outlook, in the best ways.” Joan Armatrading – How Did This Happen and What Does It Now Mean The veteran singer-songwriter produced, and played all the instruments on, her latest album. AllMusic notes, “She’s clearly having fun making the music she wants to make and exploring new facets of her craft. Hopeful, romantic, and energetic, Armatrading offers a strong dose of joy in troubled times.” –Joe, Adult Services & Acquisitions
Holiday Music to Stream on Hoopla
If you’re looking for some great music to provide the soundtrack for your holiday party this season, there are plenty of great albums available to stream for free on Hoopla thanks to your Livingston Library card. Check out the recommended titles below, or browse all of Hoopla’s “Christmas Classics” collection here. A Very Special Christmas A Very Special Christmas, Vol. 2 A Very Special Christmas, Vol. 3 Highlights from the first three volumes of this seminal series include “Winter Wonderland” by the Eurythmics, “Do You Hear What I Hear” by Whitney Houston, “Christmas in Hollis” by Run- D.M.C., “Silent Night” by Stevie Nicks, “Christmas All Over Again” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, “The Christmas Song” by Luther Vandross, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Darlene Love and Ronnie Spector, “Oi to the World” by No Doubt, and “O Holy Night” by Tracy Chapman. Frank Sinatra – Ultimate Christmas This collection features Ol’ Blue Eyes’ timeless renditions of “White Christmas,” “Mistletoe and Holly,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” plus many more. The Ultimate Motown Christmas Collection Detroit’s legendary soul / R&B label released dozens of stellar holiday songs over the years, and this compilation contains tracks like Stevie Wonder’s “What Christmas Means to Me,” The Jackson 5’s “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” Marvin Gaye’s “I Want to Come Home for Christmas,” and the Supremes’ “Joy to the World.” Ella Fitzgerald – Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas The First Lady of Song jazzes up Christmas classics like “Sleigh Ride,” “Frosty the Snowman,” and “Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” Now That’s What I Call Merry Christmas Some of pop music’s biggest Christmas hits are on this album, including Wham!’s “Last Christmas,” Jose Feliciano’s “Feliz Navidad,” Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas,” Andy Williams’ “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” and Bing Crosby & David Bowie’s “Little Drummer Boy / Peace on Earth” medley. Christmas Hip Hop ‘N R&B This all-star anthology features tracks like Kurtis Blow’s “Christmas Rappin’,” The Temptations’ “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and Brian McKnight’s “The First Noel.” Jewel – Joy: A Holiday Collection Jewel’s divine voice shimmers on songs like “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” and “Ave Maria.” Kacey Musgraves – A Very Kacey Christmas The Grammy-winning country star hosts a festive yet mellow holiday party with tunes like “A Willie Nice Christmas” (featuring Willie Nelson), “Present Without a Bow” (featuring Leon Bridges), “Mele Kalikimaka” (featuring the Quebe Sisters), and “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.” Vince Guaraldi Trio – A Charlie Brown Christmas This jazz-infused soundtrack to the classic “Peanuts” cartoon is sure to stir up nostalgia thanks to tracks like “Linus and Lucy,” “O Tannenbaum,” and “Greensleeves.” Mary J. Blige – A Mary Christmas The R&B superstar brings both soulful passion and effortless cool to songs like “This Christmas,” “My Favorite Things,” and “Petit Papa Noel.” Holidays Rule This selection of tunes performed by indie-rock acts and critical darlings contains tunes like “Wonderful Christmastime” by The Shins, “May Ev’ry Day Be Christmas” by Irma Thomas and the Preservation Jazz Hall Band, “Santa, Bring My Baby Back (To Me)” by Eleanor Friedberger, and “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” by The Civil Wars. Gift Wrapped: 20 Songs That Keep on Giving Gift Wrapped 2: Snowed In Gift Wrapped 3: A Holiday Smorgasbord From Country stars to Punk pioneers to Swing revivalists to Psych-Rock jam-bands, the “Gift Wrapped” trilogy offers a cornucopia of festive songs like Dwight Yoakam’s “Santa Claus is Back in Town,” The Ramones’ “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Wanna Fight Tonight),” The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” The Grateful Dead’s “Run Run Rudolph.” –Joe, Adult Services & Acquisitions
Howling in Shadows: A Halloween Playlist
We made a special Spotify playlist of spooky songs to get you in the holiday spirit. Happy Halloween! —Joe, Adult Services & Acquisitions