The Northside Festival kicks off today in Brooklyn, and Christopher Weingarten has some suggestions for local bands playing the festival that you should check out.

• The Portland Mercury‘s Andrew R. Tonry talks with comedian and writer Paul Mooney.

• Jessica Francis Kane on writing in libraries.

• Dusted highlights notable albums from the year so far…

• …and so does Jessica Hopper. The Men’s album is looking more and more enticing, as does the White Lung/Nu Sensae split (and tour).

• David Weigel on libertarian civil disobedience in New Hampshire.