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Drinks in the Library

Drinks in the Library

Written by: Gigi Howard
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Drinks in the library, the only library where drinks aren’t just allowed, they are required! Each episode librarian Gigi Howard interviews a guest about their favorite book and we pair it with a drink for you to make at home or share with your next book club meet-up!

2024 Gigi Howard Art Social Sciences
Episodes
  • An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin with Amy Carleton, Ph D.

    An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin with Amy Carleton, Ph D.
    Jan 13 2026
    Our book this week is An Object of Beauty, a novel released in 2010 by Steve Martin, chronicles the journey of the driven and charming Lacey Yeager as she navigates the New York art scene. Starting as an intern at Sotheby's, Lacey ascends to become a prominent gallery owner, revealing her questionable methods and the fluctuating dynamics of the art market from the 1990s to the present. Narrated by her friend Daniel, the story delves into themes of art, collecting, ambition, and social ambition within the art world, all infused with Martin's characteristic wit and dry humor.My guest this week is Amy Carleton, Ph D. She teaches in the Comparative Media Studies/Writing program at MIT and is the co-founder of Black Notes Project, a Charlotte, NC-based music festival and nonprofit, as well as the creator of Lecture Notes, a public humanities series (and now Substack!). Her research focuses on the behavioral economics of online communities and the intersection of race and digital culture. She is a recipient of the MIT Teaching With Digital Technology award, holds a graduate certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University, and was selected by the WikiEducation Foundation as a Wikipedia Black History Scholar. Find out more about Amy through her website TheAmyCarleton.comOur Drink this week is La Marca Prosecco, which is a popular offering at art galleries and showings. So sip some along with us as we dive into the art world of the 90s and 2000s!In this EpisodeWays of Seeing by John BergerBorn Standing Up by Steve MartinDavidson collegeExit Through the Gift Shop DocumentaryIsabella Stewart Garden Museum TheftThe Mint Museum Boston Museum of Fine ArtsBechtler Museum of Modern Art Harvey B. Gantt CenterInstitute of Contemporary ArtYour Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy RossNovant Health Art InitiativeVirginia Museum of Fine ArtsThe Story of Art Without Men by Katy HesselUnfinished: The Role of the Artist in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Lucas Cantor SantiagoA Little Life by Hanya YanagiharaRandom Family: Love, Drugs, Trouble, and Coming of Age in the Bronx by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc Brookline BooksmithRJ Julia Bookstore
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    Less than 1 minute
  • Heartbeat by Terreece M. Clarke with Liz Bullard

    Heartbeat by Terreece M. Clarke with Liz Bullard
    Jan 6 2026

    Happy New Year Libration Nation! We are kicking off the year with Heartbeat by Terreece M. Clarke, a romance suspense novel in which Mike and Maya find love in the midst of danger and messiness. This is the first book in Clarke’s Courageous Love Series, and with excellent characters and diverse voices, it is a favorite of this week’s guest, Liz Bullard!

    Liz Bullard is a multi-genre author, therapist, and coach known for her captivating storytelling and passion for helping creatives overcome obstacles. Her notable works include The Prophecy Series and the Lira Somers Mysteries—praised for fast-paced plots, vivid characters, and movie-like imagery. Liz’s love of reading and writing is evident in the eReads Podcast, where she celebrates the power of creativity and storytelling. When she’s not writing, coaching, or recording the podcast, she’s cooking, reading, or spending time with Preston the corgi.

    Our drink this week is a Hibiscus French 75 Mocktail, using one of my favorite syrups Wild Hibiscus, which includes hibiscus flowers that make the cocktail match Heartbeat’s cover!

    Ingredients

    1 oz NA gin

    .5 oz Wild Hibiscus syrup

    .5 oz fresh lemon juice

    NA Sparkling wine

    Ice

    Lemon twist or edible flower (for garnish)

    1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, wild hibiscus syrup, and fresh lemon juice.

    2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for about 15-20 seconds until the mixture is chilled.

    3. Place hibiscus flower from the syrup in a champagne flute.

    4. Pour mixture from shaker into flute

    5. Top it off: Gently top off the drink with your choice of chilled NA sparkling wine.

    In this Episode

    Terreece M. Clarke’s Website

    James Patterson

    Janet Evanovich
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    Less than 1 minute
  • This is the Honey by Kwame Alexander with Nick George The Poet

    This is the Honey by Kwame Alexander with Nick George The Poet
    Dec 16 2025

    Hello Libration Nation! This week I am joined by Nick George, a poet and educator, to discuss This Is The Honey an anthology of poems edited by Kwame Alexander. We talked about Nick’s journey with poetry, the significance of diverse voices in poetic anthologies, and the importance of seeing yourself reflected in stories. We read and analyze poems from the anthology, including works by Mahogany L. Brown and Jabari Asim. This is the last episode of 2025 as I’m taking a little break to relax and spend time with my family. Looking forward to some great episodes coming out in 2026!

    Nicholas Steven George (or, Nick George the Poet) is a poet, educator, DJ and facilitator. He has performed at venues such as TedXCharlottesville, American Psychology Association Annual Convention, University of Lynchburg & Opera Roanoke. In performing his original work, he has opened for renowned poets like Jasmine Mans, Levi the Poet, Alysia Harris, Black Ice & Joshua Bennett. His work dwells at the intersection of culture, identity and spirituality. He has been writing, performing, and teaching for more than two decades. Nick’s award-winning work has been featured in a variety of industries and highlighted on platforms on the local and nationwide scale, ranging from private group facilitation and workshops, 1 on 1 coaching, and virtual/in-person performances. Find him on his website or on social media.

    Moscow Mule

    2 oz vodka

    1 oz fresh lime juice

    4 oz ginger beer

    Fresh mint leaves (about 8-10)

    Lime wedge (for garnish)

    Ice

    Copper mug (traditional)

    In the bottom of a copper mug, add the fresh mint leaves. Gently muddle them with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their oils.

    Fill the mug with ice cubes.

    Pour the vodka and fresh lime juice over the ice.

    Top off with ginger beer, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.

    Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of fresh mint.

    Enjoy your refreshing Moscow Mule!

    In this Episode

    Drinks in the Library Merch

    Sonya Sanchez

    Langston Hughes

    Still I Rise by Maya Angelou

    Amiri Baraka Black Art
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    Less than 1 minute
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