June 2026 -

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Events

Episode 437: The Declaration of Independence & a Forgotten Revolutionary Playwright

Sal DiVincenzo
June 25, 2026

As part of our ongoing America 250 series, the team digs into the document that […]

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Events

Episode 436: Can you pass the US Citizenship Civics test?

Sal DiVincenzo
June 18, 2026

Preparing for the U.S. Citizenship Civics Test: What You Need to Know Becoming a U.S. […]

The End of Reading + The Odyssey | Ep. 441 - Middle Country Public Library Podcast

In this episode, we tackle some sobering news about reading habits in America and explore why The Odyssey remains essential reading. We discuss a recent Atlantic essay declaring the age of reading is over, declining book readership stats, shrinking attention spans, and the low percentage of adults reading to children. We also share hopeful developments in literacy education and why reading for pleasure still matters for sharp minds and deeper cultural understanding. Then we dive into Homer’s epic: its origins, oral tradition, themes of homecoming and survival, key story elements, cultural influence, and why it continues to inspire modern adaptations. We cover translations, companion resources, and how the story connects to places like Sicily—perfect if you’re inspired by the new film or want to finally read this classic.