Episode 9: A Love of Books

The Watchung Booksellers Podcast

In this episode of the Watchung Booksellers Podcast, Janet Torsney and Margot Sage-EL sit down to discuss the wonderful partnership between the Montclair Public Library and Watchung Booksellers--two institutions in Montclair devoted to the love of books.
Guest Bios:
Janet Torsney became the director of the Montclair Public Library in August 2022 after six months serving as Interim Director. Previously she was director of the Bradley Beach, Keyport and Brielle Public Libraries and assistant director of the Montclair Public Library. Highlights of her library career include expansion and restoration of an historic library, creating welcoming programs in and outside of libraries, a variety of successful fundraising campaigns and improving library relations with their communities. Janet is a popular speaker about libraries, community outreach and literacy. Prior to becoming a librarian, Janet had a distinguished career in communications with leading nonprofits and UN agencies. Born and raised in New Jersey, Janet earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Theory and Medieval Literature from Georgetown University and a Master of Library Science from Rutgers University. She lives in Asbury Park with her husband, Greg, and is extraordinarily proud of their two daughters, Hannah and Michaela.
Margot Sage-EL is the former owner of Watchung Booksellers. Margot started Great Owl Books in 1994, bought Watchung Booksellers in ‘96 and with the help of fabulous booksellers and devoted readers, cultivated a bookstore that reflected and nurtured this wonderful community. After running the store for nearly 30 years, she recently passed the helm to her daughter, Maddie, and continues to help with author events and in-store consulting. Her commitment to reading, social justice, and community partnerships has made Watchung Booksellers a cornerstone of Montclair.
Books:
A full list of the books and authors mentioned in this episode is available here.
Fundraising Event: Karaoke Party Funraiser to celebrate Janet's retirement!
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The Watchung Booksellers Podcast is produced by Kathryn Counsell and Marni Jessup.

Recording and editing by Timmy Kellenyi, Bree Testa, and Derek Mattheiss at Silver Stream Studio in Montclair, NJ.

Original music is composed and performed by Violet Mujica.

Art & design and social media by Evelyn Moulton.

Research and show notes by Caroline Shurtleff.

Thank you to the staff at Watchung Booksellers and The Kids’ Room for their hard work and love of books!

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1. Episode 9: A Love of Books (00:00:00)

2. Library Director and Bookstore Owner Chat (00:00:12)

3. Collaborative Bookstore-Library Community Engagement (00:12:54)

4. Community Engagement With Author Events (00:18:31)

5. Summer Reading Programs Magic and Impact (00:22:48)

6. Library Town Community Engagement (00:29:22)