Our Top Books of 2025! (Year-End Reading Wrap-Up) | Book Lounge by Libby LibbyApp 2026-09-21 | Our Top Books of 2025! (Year-End Reading Wrap-Up) | Book Lounge by Libby
What We’re Reading for Mental Health Awareness Month | Book Lounge by Libby LibbyApp 2026-05-14 | For Mental Health Awareness Month, Joe is joined by Jananie K. Velu to share powerful books that explore mental health, healing, identity, grief, hope and emotional growth. They also dive into mindful reading, Jananie’s Anti-Brain Rot reading challenge, and the role books can play in helping us slow down, reconnect and feel seen. Plus, this episode comes with a HUGE list of additional recommendations in the description, including books that didn’t make the final episode. Link to our full book list: Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life! (libbylife.com/blog/season-3-recommended-reads-book-lounge-by-libby)Book recommendations: (Includes picks not mentioned but picked for this episode) Jananie’s Picks: Cleo Dang Would Rather Be Dead - Mai Nguyen (share.libbyapp.com/title/11986579) An Academy for Liars - Alexis Henderson (share.libbyapp.com/title/10344405) Alone With You in the Ether - Olivie Blake (share.libbyapp.com/title/9015649) Haldol and Hyacinths - Melody Moezzi (share.libbyapp.com/title/1154548) An Unquiet Mind - Kay Redfield Jamison (share.libbyapp.com/title/211465) How to Keep House While Drowning – KC Davis (share.libbyapp.com/title/7455481) Challenger Deep - Neal Shusterman (share.libbyapp.com/title/1895396) Darius the Great is Not Okay – Adib Khorram (share.libbyapp.com/title/3682347) My Year of Rest and Relaxation – Ottessa Moshfegh (share.libbyapp.com/title/3609790) Turtles All the Way Down - John Green (share.libbyapp.com/title/3318486) What My Bones Know – Stephanie Foo (share.libbyapp.com/title/6287088) Evil Eye - Etaf Rum (share.libbyapp.com/title/7228741) The Secret World of Briar Rose - Cindy Pham (share.libbyapp.com/title/12347409) Between Friends and Lovers - Shirlene Obuobi (share.libbyapp.com/title/10265602) Before I Let Go - Kennedy Ryan (share.libbyapp.com/title/8838129) Cleopatra and Frankenstein - Coco Mellors (share.libbyapp.com/title/7036613) Big Swiss - Jen Beagin (share.libbyapp.com/title/9062409) Joe’s Picks: Puzzled – Pan Cooke (share.libbyapp.com/title/9991486) What’s Wrong? - Erin Williams (share.libbyapp.com/title/9790125) Anxietyland – Gemma Correll (share.libbyapp.com/title/10216766) Past Tense – Sacha Mardou (share.libbyapp.com/title/10453983) Dear Scarlet – Teresa Wong (share.libbyapp.com/title/5233539) In. - Will McPhail (share.libbyapp.com/title/5545944) Everything is OK – Debbie Tung (share.libbyapp.com/title/9073556) Verona Comics – Jennifer Dugan (share.libbyapp.com/title/4896532) Sunflowers – Keezy Young (share.libbyapp.com/title/10508120) Who’s in this episode: Jananie K. Velu - (https://linktr.ee/jananie?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAae6BLZavAfuGW6MVVB-c7E_hWVtwvf-bGlTCeJ4UOQj37Ho5tyafKkG5FrVaw_aem_aCS1Xl8z-B6pQae9xJ8WEA) Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:00:52 Catching up with Jananie & Mental Health Awareness Month 00:01:10 What role does reading play in your mental health journey? 00:02:15 Anti-Brain Rot Reading Challenge and Mindful Reading 00:04:48 When you’re going through it mentally, it’s hard to stick to goals and plans 00:07:36 Mental Health Awareness Month Reading Recs 01:07:27 Outro Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/35800), or this list for today’s episode (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/39895) Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram! Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!
Can Reading Improve Your Mental Health? Therapists on Books & Healing | Book Lounge by Libby LibbyApp 2026-05-11 | In this Mental Health Awareness Month episode, Joe talks with two mental health professionals about the powerful role reading and libraries can play in our well-being. First, therapist Monica Hobson (@thebookeduptherapist) shares how books can support healing, why distraction can be helpful, and how to approach reading as self-care. Then, Dr. Suzan Song, MD, PhD, joins the conversation to discuss mental health on a broader scale: from personal agency to community impact, and why getting a library card is always her first step in a new place. This episode is a space to reflect, reset, and rethink how stories support us. If you’re looking for support, resources are listed below. You’re not alone. Resources: Psychology Today Find a Therapist tool: psychologytoday.com/us/therapists 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org Maternal Mental Health: call or text 1-833-852-6262 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations: call or text 1-800-985-5990 The Trevor Project for LGBTQ+ Youth: Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678 Who’s in this episode: Segment 1: Monica Hobson – (instagram.com/thebookeduptherapist) (psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/monica-hobson-yorktown-heights-ny/153258) Segment 2: Dr. Suzan Song – (suzansong.com) (instagram.com/drsuzansong), book: Why We Suffer and How We Heal (share.libbyapp.com/title/12051758) Link to our full book list: Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life! (libbylife.com/blog/season-3-recommended-reads-book-lounge-by-libby) Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026)! (libbylife.com/blog/january---may-2026-book-release-radar-book-lounge-by-libby) Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro – Welcome to Mental Health Awareness Month 00:00:43 Segment 1 with Monica Hobson, LCSW 00:06:37 Distraction is an important part of our healing process 00:08:22 Making time and giving power to self-care 00:15:23 Do something fun and have hobbies 00:19:55 Books are a connector 00:29:45 How do you tell if a book is helping your healing? 00:33:52 What do you pair with reading for processing? 00:35:39 What are the immediate benefits to reading for mental health? 00:38:30 How can you make a more stress-free reading life? 00:40:22 How do we quiet the noise of “what to read”? 00:43:53 How can we contribute to our JOY while reading? 00:47:36 Picking up a book is being KIND to yourself 00:48:12 Segment 2 with Dr. Suzan Song, MD, PhD 00:49:07 How does reading help heal communities? 00:51:09 Self-blame as a response to the state of the world 00:52:58 Personal and collective agency 00:53:58 How can you build your own sense of agency? 00:56:40 Reading has the power to displace 00:57:48 Escapism versus alignment 00:59:05 What does Dr. Song wish more people understood about mental health? 01:01:40 Sense of stability and getting through day-to-day 01:05:46 Resilience is not just enduring 01:07:21 The paradox of connection – wanting to be but not knowing how to connect 01:09:03 Book club is an experience of connection 01:11:16 We’re missing a lot of shared spaces 01:13:36 Getting a library card 01:14:15 Where do stories and reading fit within a healing journey? 01:15:26 Privatized suffering and healing 01:19:02 Thinking about death and dying 01:23:36 Through reading, we feel more safe and understood 01:27:17 How can someone start reflecting through the day (easily) 01:29:36 The emotional GPS 01:31:04 What’s a message you hope readers carry with them? 01:32:21 Outro Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/35800), or this list for today’s episode (LINK) Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram! Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!
Q&A with Familia author Lauren E. Rico: Libby Reads US LibbyApp 2026-05-08 | In this engaging virtual event, Lauren discusses the inspiration behind Familia, her writing process, and the themes of identity, belonging, and family that shape her work.Follow Lauren for updates on her new title being released in August 2026, 'Mirror Image'.laurenrico.comfacebook.com/laurenricoauthorinstagram.com/laurenricoauthorhttps://x.com/TheLaurenRicogoodreads.com/author/show/15100540.Lauren_E_RicoLearn more about upcoming Libby Reads programs here: libbylife.com/libby-reads
Your AAPI Month TBR Starts Here (So Many Good Books) with @thisstoryaintover LibbyApp 2026-05-07 | Joe is joined by Jananie K. Velu @thisstoryaintover to share incredible Asian lit you NEED on your TBR for AAPI Month! From powerful, personal stories to unforgettable reads across genres, this episode is all about discovering books and authors that will stay with you long after you finish them. Link to our full book list: Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life! (libbylife.com/blog/season-3-recommended-reads-book-lounge-by-libby) Book recommendations: Jananie’s Picks: We Dance Upon Demons - Vaishnavi Patel (share.libbyapp.com/title/12269903) Burn the Sea - Mona Tewari (share.libbyapp.com/title/12161441) Capitalists Must Starve - Park Seolyeon (share.libbyapp.com/title/12401798) Natural Beauty & Immaculate Conception - Ling Ling Huang (share.libbyapp.com/title/9101189) (share.libbyapp.com/title/11091108) Cleo Dang Would Rather Be Dead - Mai Nguyen (share.libbyapp.com/title/11986579) A Kiss of Crimson Ash - Anuja Varghese (share.libbyapp.com/title/12270007) Breasts and Eggs – Mieko Kawakami (share.libbyapp.com/title/5342895) Tall Water – SJ Sindu (share.libbyapp.com/title/11107776) Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop - Hwang Bo-reum (share.libbyapp.com/title/10238015) Joe’s Picks: Counterattacks at Thirty & Almond – Won-Pyung Sohn (share.libbyapp.com/title/10999210) (share.libbyapp.com/title/4896537) Séance Tea Party – Reimena Yee (share.libbyapp.com/title/5275017) What You Are Looking For is in the Library – Michiko Aoyama (share.libbyapp.com/title/9582153) The Midnight Taxi – Yosha Gunasekera (share.libbyapp.com/title/11904182) Convenience Store Woman & Earthlings - Sayaka Murata (share.libbyapp.com/title/3572396) (share.libbyapp.com/title/5333099) Detective Aunty & Moonlight Murder - Uzma Jalaluddin (share.libbyapp.com/title/11077928) (share.libbyapp.com/title/12164834) Shoutout: Strange Pictures, Strange Houses & Strange Buildings - Uketsu (share.libbyapp.com/title/11028625) (share.libbyapp.com/title/11154827) (share.libbyapp.com/title/12368765) Who’s in this episode: Jananie K. Velu - (https://linktr.ee/jananie?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAae6BLZavAfuGW6MVVB-c7E_hWVtwvf-bGlTCeJ4UOQj37Ho5tyafKkG5FrVaw_aem_aCS1Xl8z-B6pQae9xJ8WEA) Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:06 Catching up with Jananie K. Velu! 00:02:20 What are Jananie’s guiding lights when choosing for her imprint 00:03:57 Starting the reading recs 01:03:46 Outro Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/35800), or this list for today’s episode (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/39866) Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram! Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!
Lisa See & Zoulfa Katouh Tell Stories That Stay With You | Book Lounge by Libby LibbyApp 2026-05-04 | In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe celebrates Asian Heritage Month on a global scale with Lisa See and Zoulfa Katouh. Together, they explore how heritage, identity, and culture shape storytelling and why stories rooted in specific experiences can resonate with readers everywhere. From writing across cultures to creating narratives that stay with you, this conversation is all about the power of global voices and the stories that connect us. If you’re looking for meaningful reads, diverse perspectives, and books that truly stay with you, you’re in the right place. Who’s in this episode: Lisa See - (lisasee.com) Daughters of the Sun and Moon (share.libbyapp.com/title/12449831) – coming June 9, 2026 Lady Tan’s Circle of Women (share.libbyapp.com/title/9311354) Zoulfa Katouh - (zoulfakatouh.com) The Ocean Would Paint Me Blue (share.libbyapp.com/title/12449076) - coming June 2, 2026 As Long as the Lemon Tree Grows (share.libbyapp.com/title/8557821) Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:00:57 Welcome to Lisa See and Zoulfa Katouh 00:02:22 A conversation on Asian heritage, culture and the impact on writing 00:23:41 Being Authentic and Intentional 00:29:02 Lisa See reflects on conversations about racism with her father 00:40:47 What does home mean to you in your work? 00:47:07 What do you hope readers take with you from your work? 00:51:51 Thank you and outro Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/35800) Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram! Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!
We Only Borrowed These Books Because of the Cover 👀 LibbyApp 2026-04-30 | We didn’t read the synopsis. We didn’t check reviews. We saw the cover… and that was enough. In this episode, Joe is joined by Bre @LocDBooktician to talk about the book covers that instantly grabbed our attention and the reads we picked up purely because of how they looked. No blurbs, no research, just vibes. Before we get into our picks, we dive into what makes a great book cover design, the covers that live rent-free in our heads, and how special editions have completely changed the reading (and collecting) experience. Plus, a mini love letter to The Diviners series and why its design stands out on any shelf. Book recommendations: Bre’s Picks: How to Solve Your Own Murder – Kristen Perrin (share.libbyapp.com/title/9953309) The Jumbies - Tracey Baptiste (share.libbyapp.com/title/2180358) To Steal a Throne - Gabi Burton (share.libbyapp.com/title/12114031) On Sundays She Picked Flowers - Yah Yah Scholfield (share.libbyapp.com/title/12007121) Joe’s Picks: Sky Daddy – Kate Folk (share.libbyapp.com/title/11012099) Just Like Mother – Anne Heltzel (share.libbyapp.com/title/6477276) Dollface – Lindy Ryan (share.libbyapp.com/title/11842369) Butter – Asako Yuzuki (share.libbyapp.com/title/9852731) Who’s in this episode: Bre @LocDBooktician - (locdbooktician.carrd.co/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAac9iqR2mQTZyUAYTrpmVrwLTd4zCj32lcWtjNWww0449c5hGoXIGmTw0PdRIQ_aem_ekDgZxrYgmfMDVv52w8quA) Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:00:40 Welcome to Bre The Loc’d Booktician 00:01:02 What are some of your favorite cover designs? 00:05:56 Do you have a book cover that comes to mind when you think of a good design? 00:06:57 Thoughts on special editions 00:19:11 Here’s our recommendations! 01:17:35 Outro Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/35800), or this list for today’s episode (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/39753) Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram! Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!
A Poem for Libraries LibbyApp 2026-04-30 | ⌨️ As National Poetry Month comes to a close, we’re celebrating the power of words with Zoe Branch. ✨ From NYC sidewalks to the Libby Book Awards stage, watch Zoe share a special live reading at the awards streaming on Kanopy and here on our YouTube channel.
New Books Coming in May 2026 (Our Must-Reads!) | Book Lounge by Libby LibbyApp 2026-04-29 | It’s time to build the May TBR! Joe is joined by Rachel to look at the biggest and buzziest book releases coming in May 2026 and share which titles they’re adding to their to-be-read piles. From highly anticipated new titles to exciting debuts, these are the books already on our radar. If you’re looking for your next read (or just want to keep up with what’s coming out), this is your May book preview. Book recommendations: Rachel’s Titles: Our Perfect Storm - Carley Fortune (share.libbyapp.com/title/12228120) A Parade of Horribles – Matt Dinniman (goodreads.com/book/show/228928465-a-parade-of-horribles) The Final Target – Nora Roberts (share.libbyapp.com/title/12213282) Caller Unknown – Gillian McAllister (share.libbyapp.com/title/11960120) The Shippers - Katherine Center (share.libbyapp.com/title/12213404) Good Joy, Bad Joy – Mikki Brammer (share.libbyapp.com/title/12212857) The Last Page – Katie Holt (share.libbyapp.com/title/12004367) The Midnight Train – Matt Haig (share.libbyapp.com/title/12403934) Joe’s Titles: Homebound – Portia Elan (share.libbyapp.com/title/12523874) Bromantasy – Maire Roche (share.libbyapp.com/title/12297479) Opting Out – Maia Kobabe, Lucky Srikumar (share.libbyapp.com/title/12159472) Until Death – Mary Berman (share.libbyapp.com/title/12270191) Murder Most Delicious - Danielle Postel-Vinay (share.libbyapp.com/title/12270596) Landing in Place – Sherine Hamdy, art by Myra El Mir (share.libbyapp.com/title/12233202) Gay Mormon Dad – Chad Anderson (share.libbyapp.com/title/12382968) Body Count – Codie Crowley (share.libbyapp.com/title/12778327) Not Your Final Girl – Mikayla Randolph (share.libbyapp.com/title/12863606) Femme Feral – Sam Beckbessinger (share.libbyapp.com/title/12207265) Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:00:48 A warm welcome to Rachel! 00:01:23 Breaking out of a bit of a slump 00:06:10 Our May 2026 Book Picks! 01:05:06 Outro Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/35800), or this list for today’s episode (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/39803) Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram! Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!
We Judge Books By Their Covers (Designers Explain Why) | Book Lounge by Libby LibbyApp 2026-04-27 | How are book covers actually designed? Joe is joined by top publishing designers Erin Fitzsimmons (Sourcebooks), Karina Granda (Hachette Book Group), Kathryn G. English (Blackstone Publishing), and Ryan Willwerscheid (Podium Audio) to break down the full creative process. From early concepts to final covers, they discuss how designers get started, how trends have evolved, and how design changes across formats like print and audiobooks. Plus, they share some of the biggest surprises behind the covers readers can’t resist. If you’ve ever judged a book by its cover—this episode explains why that works. Who’s in this episode: Segment 1: Erin Fitzsimmons - (instagram.com/booktypography) Karina Granda – (instagram.com/karinamakesbooks) Segment 2: Kathryn G. English - (instagram.com/kgedesignsbooks) Ryan Willwerscheid – (instagram.com/r_willwerscheid) Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro with Karina Granda and Erin Fitzsimmons 00:03:50 How did you get into this space? 00:09:09 What does on the job training look like for a cover designer? 00:27:54 When do you start desiging covers? 00:39:57 What is a trendy cover vs. A timeless cover? 00:47:07 Thank you to Karina and Erin! 00:47:19 Intro with Ryan Willwerscheid and Kathryn G. English 00:51:03 How do you approach cover design? 01:02:39 Where do you find inspiration when creating covers? 01:06:45 How often do you push comps and trends over author wants? 01:18:11 Do you ever have to change covers right before print? 01:37:50 What would you want people to take away from creating book covers? 01:39:46 Outro Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/35800) Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram! Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!
Your book club will thank you! LibbyApp 2026-04-23 | Your book club needs a plot twist 📖✨ New on Book Lounge by Libby, the historical fiction titles you actually want to read together at your next book club. See our recs and watch the full episode here on YouTube!
You Need These Historical Fiction Books on Your TBR (Trust Us) | Book Lounge by Libby LibbyApp 2026-04-23 | Looking for the best historical fiction books to read next? Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark (Book Gang Podcast) to share must-read historical fiction recommendations you’ll want on your TBR immediately. These picks span unforgettable settings, rich storytelling, and characters that stay with you—perfect for anyone who loves getting lost in the past. Whether you’re new to historical fiction or always chasing your next five-star read, there’s something here for you. Subscribe for more book recommendations, author conversations, and reading inspiration from Book Lounge by Libby. Book recommendations: Amy’s Picks: The Half Life - Rachel Beanland (share.libbyapp.com/title/12451079) Scandalous Women - Gill Paul (share.libbyapp.com/title/10295268) The Final Revival of Opal and Nev - Dawnie Walton (share.libbyapp.com/title/5588756) The Foursome - Christina Baker Kline (share.libbyapp.com/title/12207351) Happy Land - Dolen Perkins-Valdez (share.libbyapp.com/title/11011791) Joe’s Picks: Let's Call Her Barbie – Renée Rosen (share.libbyapp.com/title/10682200) Disco Witches of Fire Island – Blair Fell (share.libbyapp.com/title/11078099) The Hounding – Xenobe Purvis (share.libbyapp.com/title/11091368) Dead Eleven – Jimmy Juliano (share.libbyapp.com/title/9322822) Silver Nitrate – Silvia Moreno-Garcia (share.libbyapp.com/title/9322957) Flung out of Space – Grace Ellis & Hannah Templer (share.libbyapp.com/title/6080770) Stage Dreams – Melanie Gillman (share.libbyapp.com/title/4843047) The Legend of Auntie Po – Shing Yin Khor (share.libbyapp.com/title/5654391) Parallel – Matthias Lehmann (share.libbyapp.com/title/10101069) Who’s in this episode: Amy Allen Clark, Book Gang Podcast – https://linktr.ee/momadvice?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacoxbW-hpDCbUhmIl6yQQ3wFP1N7vcDT2SWC4CzScadOp2DTwd202y1SCue7Q_aem_eabiEM4AqMxRP6fwyrq11g Articles referenced: bookriot.com/what-makes-a-book-historical-fiction celadonbooks.com/what-is-historical-fiction historicalnovelsociety.org/defining-the-genre-2 Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:00:53 Hello to Amy! 00:01:30 What is Historical Fiction, and what defines it? 00:04:28 Amy’s thoughts on Historical Fiction 00:12:11 Historical Fiction Recommendations 01:07:28 Outro Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/35800), or this list for today’s episode (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/39686) Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram! Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!
Righ LibbyApp 2026-04-20 | 📚 🎧 📱 Right to Read Day is about protecting the freedom to read. It's a moment to recognize the people standing up for access, celebrate the progress being made, and keep the momentum going. Learn more here: ➡️ bit.ly/43D9Dtw
Why We’re OBSESSED with Historical Fiction | Book Lounge by Libby LibbyApp 2026-04-20 | Why do we love historical fiction so much? In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by bestselling authors Christina Baker Kline (The Foursome), Heather Webb (The Hope Keeper), and Lauren Tarshis (I Survived…) to explore the power of storytelling rooted in the past. Who’s in this episode: Christina Baker Kline christinabakerkline.com The Foursome (share.libbyapp.com/title/12207351) Heather Webb heatherwebbauthor.com The Hope Keeper (share.libbyapp.com/title/12133978) Lauren Tarshis laurentarshis.com I Survived the Dust Bowl (share.libbyapp.com/title/11368595) I Survived the California Wild Fires Graphic Novel (share.libbyapp.com/title/11802901) Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro to Historical Fiction 00:01:08 Hello from Christina Baker Kline, Heather Webb & Lauren Tarshis 00:05:07 Diving into the conversation – why historical fiction? 00:49:26 How do you balance the heaviness of historical with maintaining light in your life? 00:58:44 Thank you and outro Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/35800) Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram! Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!
Debut Book Recommendations You NEED on Your TBR | Book Lounge by Libby LibbyApp 2026-04-16 | Loved the Dazzling Debuts author conversation? Here’s your debut reading list. Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark of the Book Gang Podcast, who specializes in interviewing debut authors, to talk all things first novels. They kick things off with a behind-the-scenes look at podcasting with debut writers, from prep to interview strategy, and why debut authors bring such a unique energy to the mic. Then, they dive into recommendations: the best debut novels from 2022 to 2026 that deserve a spot on your TBR. Across genres, these are the books that feel anything but beginner—fresh voices, bold storytelling, and future favorite authors in the making. Subscribe for more book conversations, author insights, and curated recommendations from Book Lounge by Libby. Book recommendations: Amy’s Picks: The Sunflower Boys – Sam Wachman (share.libbyapp.com/title/11349486) Harvesting Rosewater – Paria Hassouri (share.libbyapp.com/title/12136074) The Sign for Home – Blair Fell (share.libbyapp.com/title/6383253) With Friends Like You – Amy Chozick (share.libbyapp.com/title/12449364) If I Ruled the World – Amy DuBois Barnett (share.libbyapp.com/title/11823882) Joe’s Picks: Mayra – Nicky Gonzalez (share.libbyapp.com/title/11272622) The Dallergut Dream Department Store – Miye Lee (share.libbyapp.com/title/10158390) Cactus Country – Zoe Bossiere (share.libbyapp.com/title/10078575) The September House – Carissa Orlando (share.libbyapp.com/title/9476497) I Want You More – Swan Huntley (share.libbyapp.com/title/10108095) The Compound – Aisling Rawle (share.libbyapp.com/title/11138943) Julie Chan is Dead – Liann Zhang (share.libbyapp.com/title/11216902) How to Survive a Horror Story – Mallory Arnold (share.libbyapp.com/title/11193257) Smoke Gets in Your Eyes – Anais Flogny (share.libbyapp.com/title/11630613) Fitting Indian – Jyoti Chand (share.libbyapp.com/title/12169442) Homebody – Theo Parish (share.libbyapp.com/title/10470510) Who’s in this episode: Amy Allen Clark – https://linktr.ee/momadvice?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacoxbW-hpDCbUhmIl6yQQ3wFP1N7vcDT2SWC4CzScadOp2DTwd202y1SCue7Q_aem_eabiEM4AqMxRP6fwyrq11g Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro to Dazzling Debuts 00:05:00 Inside baseball – talking to debut authors and the art of the interview 00:25:35 Dazzling Debut Recommendations 01:19:35 Outro Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/35800), or this list for today’s episode (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/39574) Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram! Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!
Season 3, Episode 1: Book Lounge by Libby LibbyApp 2026-04-13 | Season 3 of Book Lounge is officially LIVE! 🎬📚 New conversations. Same obsession. Press play and come hang with us.
What It’s REALLY Like to Publish Your First Novel | Book Lounge by Libby LibbyApp 2026-04-13 | Welcome to Season 3 of Book Lounge by Libby! In this episode, Joe sits down with debut authors Casey Scieszka, Katie Bernet, and Leia Ham to talk about what it’s really like to publish your first novel. From writing their first drafts to landing book deals, navigating edits, and finally seeing their books in readers’ hands, these authors share the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. They also open up about imposter syndrome, the pressure of a debut, and what surprised them most about the publishing process. If you’ve ever wondered how authors get published—or what happens behind the scenes of a first book—this episode is for you. Who’s in this episode: Casey Scieszka - website (caseyscieszka.com) The Fountain (share.libbyapp.com/title/12026169) Katie Bernet - website (katiebernet.com) Beth is Dead (share.libbyapp.com/title/11986549) Leia Ham - website (leiaham.com) The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia (share.libbyapp.com/title/12159487) Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Updates for Season 3 00:02:26 Intro 00:10:13 Sharing your book with the world 00:28:15 Getting into book two 00:42:17 What do you want most for your first release? 00:48:35 Does being a published author feel different? 00:52:04 Lightning Round 00:59:43 Farewell to our debut guests 01:00:10 Outro Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/35800) Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram! Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!
AMA with Meet the Neighbors author Brandon Keim: Libby Reads LibbyApp 2026-04-10 | What if animals around us have richer inner lives than we ever imagined?Join Brandon Keim, author of Meet the Neighbors, the latest pick for Libby Reads for a Q&A exploring the hidden worlds of animals. Hosted by Joe Skelley of Book Lounge by Libby.Brandon Keim is a journalist specializing in animals, nature, and science. He is the author of The Eye of the Sandpiper: Stories from the Living World, and most recently, Meet the Neighbors: Animal Minds and Life in a More-than-Human World. His work appears regularly in the New York Times, The Atlantic, Nautilus, and elsewhere. He lives in Bangor, Maine. Find Brandon on social media:instagram.com/brandon9keimhttps://bsky.app/profile/brandonkeim.bsky.social
Thrift Gremlin Energy (and Books) with @KathleenIllustrated | Book Lounge by Libby LibbyApp 2026-04-09 | @KathleenIllustrated joins Joe for a cozy, bookish conversation about reading, creativity, and intentional living. From the books that shaped her early on to her love of libraries and Libby, Kathleen shares how storytelling continues to influence her work as an illustrator. The conversation also dives into thrifting, sustainability, and the excitement of finding hidden gems. Find Kathleen online: YouTube - (youtube.com/kathleenillustrated) Instagram – (instagram.com/kathleenillustrated) Website- (kathleenillustrated.co) Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 A brief interruption from Joe & Season 3 updates 00:04:46 Intro 00:05:20 Getting to know Kathleen 00:07:22 Creativity and Vision 00:36:14 Kathleen’s Reading Hot Takes 00:48:06 Not a Re-Reader 00:58:02 Recent Thrift Finds 00:59:28 Outro Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/35800) Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram! Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!
Secrets of Publishing + Writing Into the Blue with Emma Brodie | Book Lounge by Libby LibbyApp 2026-04-07 | What does an editor really do? And how do you go from shaping books to writing your own? In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe chats with Emma Brodie—Executive Editor at Clarkson Potter and author of Into the Blue—about the world of publishing and the creative process behind her novel. In this episode: A behind-the-scenes look at working as an editor in publishing Emma’s tricks of the trade How she balances editing with her own writing life The inspiration and process behind Into the Blue Making space for creativity in a busy industry And yes… a little Twilight discussion Whether you're dreaming of getting published, curious about how books are made, or just love hearing authors talk craft, this conversation has something for you. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with authors, editors, and book lovers. Books by Emma Brodie: Songs in Ursa Major (share.libbyapp.com/title/5745748) Into the Blue (share.libbyapp.com/title/12449281) Who’s in this episode: Emma Brodie (instagram.com/emma.c.brodie)(emmabrodie.com)Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:14 Talking publishing & editing with Emma Brodie 00:20:24 Oops, Joe mentions Twilight 00:21:57 Tricks of the trade 00:29:19 Emma’s editing essentials 00:33:18 Making space for creativity 00:37:35 Into INTO THE BLUE 00:55:30 Lightning Round 00:57:49 Outro Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/35800) Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram! Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!
Representation in Storytime: Brown Babies n’ Books | Book Lounge by Libby LibbyApp 2026-04-02 | How do you build a literacy movement from scratch? You start with one powerful idea: every child deserves to see themselves in a story. In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe sits down with Dessa Carroll, founder of Brown Babies n' Books, to talk about turning a personal parenting moment into a thriving, community-centered nonprofit. In this conversation: The origin story behind Brown Babies n’ Books Building a grassroots organization with real impact Why representation in children’s books is essential Creating inclusive, joyful spaces for families and readers What’s next for the future of this growing movement Connect with Dessa & Brown Babies n’ Books: Brown Babies n’ Books website: (brownbabiesnbooks.com) Brown Babies n’ Books Instagram: (instagram.com/brownbabiesnbooksnyc) Dessa Carroll’s Instagram: (instagram.com/dessac) Titles mentioned in this episode: Freedom Braids – Monique Duncan (share.libbyapp.com/title/10863650) Amazing Grace – Mary Hoffman (share.libbyapp.com/title/2461840) Saturday – Oge Mora (share.libbyapp.com/title/4560084) The History of We – Nikkolas Smith (share.libbyapp.com/title/11107599) Soca Baby – Qef Johnson, Ariful Mowla (goodreads.com/book/show/214341455-soca-baby?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=DrI9qvjrXN&rank=1) Black. Single. Mother. - Jamilah Lemieux (share.libbyapp.com/title/10393957) Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:17 Meet Brown Babies n’ Books 00:24:43 Some book reflections & recommendations 00:33:55 Making your own community groups 00:38:32 Advice for new and existing groups 00:45:12 Wrapping up & outro Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/35800). Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram! Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!
No waits or holds through April 9! LibbyApp 2026-03-27 | Meet the author of our newest Libby Reads pick, Brandon Kaim! Now through April 9, you can enjoy "Meet the Neighbors" with no waits or holds thanks to your library and the Libby App.
April 2026 Book Releases You NEED to Read | Book Lounge by Libby LibbyApp 2026-03-26 | Spring has officially entered the chat and so have some of the most exciting book releases of the year! 🌸📚 In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by friend of the show Emma to break down the April 2026 book releases they’re most excited about. Whether you're looking for your next five-star read, planning your Libby holds, or just love staying ahead of the hottest new books, this episode is packed with recommendations, anticipation, and plenty of bookish joy. 🌷 Grab your iced coffee, find a sunny spot, and let’s talk books! Book recommendations: Emma’s Titles: Rites of the Starling – Devney Perry (share.libbyapp.com/title/12295865) The Ending Writes Itself – Evelyn Clarke (share.libbyapp.com/title/12008417) American Fantasy – Emma Straub (share.libbyapp.com/title/12327287) Mad Mabel – Sally Hepworth (share.libbyapp.com/title/11842473) The Paris Match – Kate Clayborn (share.libbyapp.com/title/12076257) Unbound- Peyton Corine (share.libbyapp.com/title/11986956) Go Gentle- Maria Semple (share.libbyapp.com/title/12137501) The Name Game – Beth O’ Leary (share.libbyapp.com/title/12134008) The Radiant Dark - Alexandra Oliva (share.libbyapp.com/title/12207454) Joe’s Titles: To Mention: We Burned So Bright – TJ Klune (share.libbyapp.com/title/11858908) Bodies of Work – Clay McLeod Chapman (share.libbyapp.com/title/12096087) The Escape Game – Marissa Meyer, Tamara Moss (share.libbyapp.com/title/12008453) The Subtle Art of Folding Space – John Chu (share.libbyapp.com/title/11842667) American Spirits – Anna Dorn (share.libbyapp.com/title/11986523) The Neverending Book – Naoki Matayoshi (share.libbyapp.com/title/12119699) Thrall – Rebecca Mahoney (share.libbyapp.com/title/12457493) Project V – Park Seolyeon (share.libbyapp.com/title/12137988) The Infinite Sadness of Small Appliances – Glenn Dixon (share.libbyapp.com/title/11986889) Break Room – Miye Lee (share.libbyapp.com/title/12429264) And Joe’s horror round-up: The Caretaker – Marcus Kliewer (share.libbyapp.com/title/11986968) Molka – Monika Kim (share.libbyapp.com/title/12162438) Odessa – Gabrielle Sher (share.libbyapp.com/title/12163199) Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:15 Catching up with Emma 00:02:52 April 2026 Book Picks 01:13:19 Outro Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/35800), or this list for today’s episode (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/39147) Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram! Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!
A Lost Hollywood Satire Resurfaces from Daniel Henning | Book Lounge by Libby LibbyApp 2026-03-19 | What happens when an audiobook narrator resurrects a queer Hollywood novel from the jazz age? 🎙️📚 In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe sits down with narrator extraordinaire Daniel Henning to talk about his exciting new publishing imprint, Starshells of Madness—and the first book he’s bringing back into the world: Queer People by Carroll and Garrett Graham. This wild, satirical novel dives into the scandal, absurdity, and larger-than-life personalities of early Hollywood—and somehow feels just as sharp and relevant today. ✨ In this episode: The story behind Starshells of Madness Old Hollywood gossip, satire and history Daniel Henning’s journey from narrator to publisher 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more author conversations, bookish deep dives, and industry insights. Here’s just some of Daniel’s work: Queer People – Carroll and Garrett Graham (share.libbyapp.com/title/12930840) Better the Devil – Erik J. Brown (share.libbyapp.com/title/11859151) Bath Haus – PJ Vernon (share.libbyapp.com/title/5773029) The Body in the Back Garden – Mark Waddell (share.libbyapp.com/title/9864404) The House in the Cerulean Sea – TJ Klune (share.libbyapp.com/title/4946976) Somewhere Beyond the Sea – TJ Klune In the Lives of Puppets – TJ Klune (share.libbyapp.com/title/10180103) Reduce! Reuse! Recycle! - TJ Klune (share.libbyapp.com/title/8958972) The Wig, The Bitch & The Meltdown – Jay Manuel (share.libbyapp.com/title/5819815) Follow Daniel & Starshells of Madness: You can find Daniel Henning on Instagram (instagram.com/danielhenningla) Check out the Starshells of Madness website (starshellsofmadness.com) and Starshells of Madness Instagram (instagram.com/starshellsofmadness) Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:02:06 Catching up with Daniel Henning 00:14:46 Starshells of Maddness 00:21:07 Queer People 01:06:26 Outro Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/35800), or this list of titles voiced by Daniel Henning (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/39141) Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram! Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!
Jacqueline Perumal Accepts the Book of the Year – Young Adult Fiction Award | Libby Book Awards 2026 LibbyApp 2026-03-16 | ...
Stephen Graham Jones Accepts the Best Horror Award | Libby Book Awards 2026 LibbyApp 2026-03-16 | ...
Amy Wambach and Glennon Doyle Accepts the Best Personal Improvement Award | Libby Book Awards 2026 LibbyApp 2026-03-16 | ...
Marin Ireland and Michael Noble Accept the Audiobook of the Year Award | Libby Book Awards 2026 LibbyApp 2026-03-16 | ...
Sophie Elmhirst Accepts the Book of the Year – Adult Non Fiction Award | Libby Book Awards 2026 LibbyApp 2026-03-16 | ...
90s Library Core LibbyApp 2026-03-15 | 📚 Card catalogs, wandering the stacks, and finding books you didn’t even know you needed. Good news...libraries are still like that. ❤️
2026 Libby Book Awards Highlights LibbyApp 2026-03-12 | ⭐ Relive the READ carpet, live poetry, big wins, and everything that made the night unforgettable! Stream on Kanopy and watch here on YouTube.
Witchy Books to Cast a Spell On You | Book Lounge by Libby LibbyApp 2026-03-12 | Love witchy books? This episode is for you. Joe is joined by Meara for a deep dive into the world of witch-themed books and magical reads. They talk about how Meara discovered her love of witchy stories, what makes a book truly feel magical, and the tropes and vibes that define the genre—from cozy witch books to darker tales of magic and power. Along the way, Meara shares must-read witchy book recommendations and discusses why stories about witches, magic, and mystical communities continue to enchant readers. If you're looking for the best witch books, cozy magical reads, or fantasy books about witches, you'll leave this episode with plenty to add to your TBR. Subscribe for more book conversations, author chats, and reading recommendations from Book Lounge by Libby. Link to our full book list: (libbylife.com/blog/meara-s-best-witchy-books-to-read-cozy-magical-must-read-witch-books-book-lounge-by-libby) Who’s in this episode: Find Meara online here: (beacons.ai/mearaisreading?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacUxqP0EkQDgYoeIL4Cm9y4vYHjKFABeC54ORz_adn_jLJQRjRMlgDenP7aOA_aem_4gkZ_28gykg0sSB5tEfDoA)Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:22 Intro 00:01:00 Witchy Q&A with Meara 00:41:57 Outro Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/35800), or this list for today’s episode (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/38989) Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram! Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!
Watch the 2026 Libby Book Awards LibbyApp 2026-03-09 | Stream the 2026 Libby Book Awards today on YouTube and Kanopy.pages.libbylife.com/LibbyBookAwards
2026 Libby Book Awards LibbyApp 2026-03-07 | The #LibbyBookAwards 🏆 was a #bookish night to remember! 📺 Watch the full awards show NOW on the #LibbyApp YouTube channel and streaming on Kanopy. #LibraryLove #LibraryJoy #LibbyApp
2026 Libby Book Awards | Best Ebooks & Audiobooks of the Year LibbyApp 2026-03-07 | The 2026 Libby Book Awards celebrate the best ebooks and audiobooks of the year, honoring outstanding authors, narrators, illustrators, publishers, librarians, and readers. Selected by Libby’s on‑staff librarians and voted on by public libraries across North America, the Libby Book Awards recognize exceptional storytelling and publishing excellence across fiction, nonfiction, audiobooks, and more. Filmed on March 3 at the Center for Brooklyn History (Brooklyn Public Library), this marks the third annual Libby Book Awards and the first time the event was held in person. The program is hosted by Ross Mathews, with voiceover narration by Daniel Henning. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome to the Libby Book Awards 00:00:44 An introduction from Ross Mathews 00:03:45 Library love show opener 00:04:16 Best Romance with Rachel Martino 00:04:57 Best Romance winner acceptance speech 00:06:19 Best Romantasy with Pressley 00:06:59 Best Romantasy winner acceptance speech 00:07:32 Best Fantasy with Sarah Beth Durst 00:08:12 Best Fantasy winner and acceptance speech 00:08:56 Reflecting on libraries with Ross Mathews and GoFundMe 00:10:05 Library Love 00:10:49 Mysteries in May on Kanopy 00:11:26 Best Mystery with Rachel Roseberry from New York Public Library 00:12:07 Best Mystery winner and acceptance speech 00:13:26 Best Horror with Hong Yao from Queens Public Library 00:14:09 Best Horror winner and acceptance speech 00:15:08 Best Thriller with Amy Mikel from Brooklyn Public Library 00:15:48 Best Thriller winner and acceptance speech 00:17:02 Connecting with AARP with Ross Mathews 00:18:06 AARP Wish of a Lifetime 00:19:49 Best Historical Fiction with Angie Kaiser from AARP 00:20:28 Best Historical Fiction winner and acceptance speech 00:20:58 Best Picture Book with Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo 00:22:06 Best Picture Book winner and acceptance speech 00:22:37 Best Middle Grade Book with Jason Reynolds 00:23:28 Best Middle Grade Book winner and acceptance speech 00:25:26 Made By Us digital segment 00:25:59 Best Memoir & Autobiography with Cameron Katz from Made By Us 00:26:39 Best Memoir & Autobiography winner 00:26:49 Best Personal Improvement with Joe Skelley from Book Lounge by Libby 00:27:34 Best Personal Improvement winner and acceptance speech 00:28:33 Best Cookbook with Catherine Bradley 00:29:11 Best Cookbook winner and acceptance speech 00:31:29 Best Book Club Book with Jenna Bush Hager 00:32:40 Best Book Club Book winner and acceptance speech 00:34:11 Best Science Fiction and Best Comic & Graphic Novel winners with Ross Mathews 00:34:55 Banned Together on Kanopy 00:35:58 Readers’ Choice Award with Amanda Jones 00:36:32 Readers’ Choice Award winner 00:36:46 A live poetry moment with Ross Mathews and poet Zoe Branch 00:41:44 A moment from our sponsor Kobo 00:42:19 Adaptations in April on Kanopy 00:42:42 Debut Author of the Year with Andy Cohen 00:43:55 Debut Author of the Year winner and acceptance speech 00:44:50 Book of the Year – Adult Nonfiction with Mary Roach 00:45:31 Book of the Year – Adult Nonfiction winner and acceptance speech 00:46:55 Book of the Year – Young Adult Fiction with Dr. Wellinthon Garcia-Mathews 00:47:28 Book of the Year – Young Adult Fiction winner and acceptance speech 00:48:30 Audiobook of the Year with Daniel Henning 00:49:47 Audiobook of the Year winner and acceptance speech 00:51:29 Book of the Year – Adult Fiction with Kevin Norman 00:52:15 Book of the Year – Adult Fiction winner 00:52:33 Wrapping up the evening with Ross Mathews Check out our host, narrator and presenters: Ross Mathews (instagram.com/helloross) Daniel Henning (instagram.com/danielhenningla) Zoe Branch (instagram.com/zoe.branch) Center for Brooklyn History (instagram.com/brooklynhistory) Rachel Martino (instagram.com/rachmartino) Pressley (instagram.com/pressley) Sarah Beth Durst (instagram.com/sarahbethdurst) New York Public Library (instagram.com/nypl) Queens Public Library (instagram.com/qplnyc) Brooklyn Public Library (instagram.com/bklynlibrary) AARP (instagram.com/aarp) Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo (instagram.com/benatargiraldo) Jason Reynolds (instagram.com/jasonreynolds83) Made By Us (instagram.com/historymadebyus) Book Lounge by Libby (libbylife.com/booklounge) Catherine Bradley (instagram.com/catherinebradley_) Jenna Bush Hager (instagram.com/jennabhager) Amanda Jones (instagram.com/thatlibrarianjones) Kobo (instagram.com/kobobooks) Andy Cohen (instagram.com/bravoandy) Mary Roach (instagram.com/authormaryroach) Dr. Wellinthon Garcia-Mathews (instagram.com/drgarciamathews) Kevin Norman (instagram.com/kevintnorman)
March 2026 Book Picks You’ll Want on Your TBR ASAP | Book Lounge by Libby LibbyApp 2026-02-26 | March 2026 is PACKED with incredible new books and we’re breaking down the ones we’re most excited about! Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark from the Book Gang Podcast to share the March 2026 book releases we’re clamoring to add to our TBRs. From exciting debuts to new titles from seasoned favorites, this is your ultimate March release radar. Plus, don’t forget to explore Amy’s free reading guides: 2026 Debut Books (43 Incredible Titles) (urldefense.com/v3/__https:/momadvice.com/post/debut-books-2026__;!!P1w4qL2BkQ!9oZ2Ut4Pj_SyuoafNJWbqq__ZgrC9Fkb9oD3qu15pwCSDtgUjO3RbxOhzrlVB4PFtxic3jqz4TVw2jI$) 2026 New Releases (47 Book Ideas From Seasoned Voices) (urldefense.com/v3/__https:/momadvice.com/post/2026-book-releases__;!!P1w4qL2BkQ!9oZ2Ut4Pj_SyuoafNJWbqq__ZgrC9Fkb9oD3qu15pwCSDtgUjO3RbxOhzrlVB4PFtxic3jqzWpFdbdY$) Drop your most anticipated March release in the comments! Book recommendations: Amy’s Picks: The Shock of the Light – Lori Inglis Hall (share.libbyapp.com/title/12025964) The Beheading Game – Rebecca Lehmann (share.libbyapp.com/title/12051660) The Fountain – Casey Scieszka (share.libbyapp.com/title/12026169) Where the Girls Were – Kate Schatz (share.libbyapp.com/title/11987020) Lady Tremaine – Rachel Hochhauser (share.libbyapp.com/title/11842458) Under Water – Tara Menon (share.libbyapp.com/title/12025976) That's What Friends Are For – Wade Rouse (share.libbyapp.com/title/11918547) The Truth About Ruby Cooper – Liz Nugent (goodreads.com/book/show/238328226-the-truth-about-ruby-cooper) The Night We Met – Abby Jimenez (share.libbyapp.com/title/12186657) Once and Again – Rebecca Serle (share.libbyapp.com/title/11986760) Joe’s Picks: Now I Surrender – Álvaro Engrigue (share.libbyapp.com/title/12096081) 200 Monas – Jan Saenz (share.libbyapp.com/title/12073217) The Disappointment – Scott Broker (share.libbyapp.com/title/12025990) Adult Braces – Lindy West (share.libbyapp.com/title/12050578) The Valley of Vengeful Ghosts – Kim Fu (share.libbyapp.com/title/12051732) You With the Sad Eyes – Christina Applegate (share.libbyapp.com/title/12094860) Strange Girls – Sarvat Hasin (share.libbyapp.com/title/12163656) Sisters in Yellow – Mieko Kawakami (share.libbyapp.com/title/12073730) Hooked – Asako Yuzuki (share.libbyapp.com/title/12121506) Wretch – Eric LaRocca (share.libbyapp.com/title/11987003) Who’s in this episode: Amy Allen Clark – (https://linktr.ee/momadvice?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=007caf72-14f9-45c8-8482-90acc8abe522) Time stamps: 00:00:00 Check out How to Shoot a Ghost on Kanopy! 00:01:36 Title 00:02:00 Intro 00:02:30 Chatting with Amy Allen Clark 00:09:12 March 2026 Book Picks 01:17:47 Closing & Outro Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/35800), or this list for today’s episode (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/38716) Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram! Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!
We’re Obsessed With One’s Company (Then We Talk to Author Ashley Hutson!) | Book Lounge by Libby LibbyApp 2026-02-12 | We’re switching things up on Book Lounge by Libby! 📚✨ Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark from the Book Gang podcast to talk about One’s Company by Ashley Hutson—a book Amy cannot stop thinking about. We kick things off with a (mostly) spoiler-free discussion of the novel before welcoming Ashley Hutson to the show for an in-depth, spoiler-filled conversation about her writing process, inspirations, and the themes at the heart of One’s Company. ⏱️ Spoilers begin at the 25-minute mark—make sure you’ve read the book first! If you’re into this book-club-meets-author-interview format, let us know what you think and what book we should do next. 📩 Email us: bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com 📖 Read One’s Company via Libby share.libbyapp.com/title/7565552 Find all the books mentioned in this episode here: libbylife.com/blog/inside-one-s-company-obsession-isolation-and-talking-with-ashley-hutson-book-lounge-by-libby Who’s in this episode: Amy Allen Clark – (https://linktr.ee/momadvice?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=b50be0de-58ab-4690-af52-5abeace1f129) Find Book Gang on Patreon (patreon.com/momadvice) Ashley Hutson - (ashleyhutson.com) Check out Ashley’s recent publication “Our Whole History” here: baltimorereview.org/winter_2026/contributor/ashley-hutson Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:22 Intro 00:02:13 Talking One’s Company with Amy Allen Clark 00:25:55 Spoiler breakdown of One’s Company 00:30:12 Conversation with Ashley Hutson, author of One’s Company 01:19:55 Outro Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season (marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/35800). We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram! Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!
