KLOI and the Lopez Library have collaborated to bring local radio programs to the Lopez community in yet another form — as audio books that can be checked out of our library.
Several KLOI programs have been copied to CD and are available now at the library, including: “Once Upon an Island,” an enchanting hour of storytelling with islanders young and old about Lopez in days past; “Lopez Writers Read,” featuring interviews with and readings by Lopez writers; “Colors of the San Juans,” interviews with and music by island musicians; “This Strange and Wonderful World,” Richard Fagen’s talks about his journeys to exotic places on the globe; and “Joy Spring of Jazz” with Gary Alexander’s informed take on Jazz and, of course, the music!
“When Lorna Reese came to me with the idea, I jumped at it,” says Lou Pray, Lopez librarian. “As a Lopez DJ myself, I hear the programs, and the variety and quality of content is amazing. I felt more islanders could be exposed to it by having it on hand at the library to check out and play at home. I am always encouraging folks to tune in on their computers since the station is available as streaming on the internet (www.kloi.org). My mother in New Mexico can hear my shows!”
Pray has a show on KLOI, Lou’s Library News and Reviews, offering a listen of new audio books and music CDs available at the library, along with events coming up there. Her program airs Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and Thursdays at 3 p.m.
“Our goal at KLOI was to make these terrific local programs available to our community in as many ways as possible,” says Linda Barton, board member and chairperson of the station’s promotion committee. “Many of our programs have also been archived on KLOI’s website for easy listening on computer or for downloading to iPods, and we intend to archive more of them.”
“There is an amazing array of listening possibilities on KLOI,” adds Ron Metcalf, head of the station’s program committee. “John Waugh’s ‘My Two Cents’ looks at subjects as diverse as throat singing and DNA. Russell Barsh and Madrona Murphy are producing ‘Backyard Conservation’ to help us understand this habitat we live in. Fire Chief Jim Ghiglione keeps us up to date on fire and safety issues. And we have some wonderful locally-produced music shows by Sue DuMond, Hawk Arps, Josh and Jen Ratza, Lance Brittain, Stanley Greenthal, Laura Greenan and John Garcia as well as Gary Alexander. We encourage Lopezians who aren’t familiar with us yet to tune in and give a listen.”
KLOI, a low-power community radio station, began broadcasting in April 2008 at 102.9 on the fm dial. Information about programs and other news can be found at kloi.org.
