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Book Lounge by Libby

Book Lounge by Libby

Book Lounge by Libby is your cozy reading corner of the internet. Hosted by Joe Skelley, each episode invites you into candid and thoughtful conversations about books, writing, publishing and the trends shaping what we read (plus reading recommendations you won't want to miss). 

Brought to you by ⁠Libby⁠, the library app. 

Find more at: https://pages.libbylife.com/BL-Links 

Book Lounge airs year-round, with two 10-week seasons each year, featuring publishing conversations on Mondays and paired book recommendations on Thursdays- plus monthly Book Release Radar episodes. We release 1–3 episodes per month between seasons. 

Reach out to us at bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Happy Reading!

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 1 hr 13 min
  • English

Episodes 20

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  • Thursday · 1 hr 34 min

    September 2026 Book Releases We Can’t Wait to Read

    September is bringing some SERIOUS TBR temptation. This week, Joe is joined by Madison (@simon.says.read) to dive into the September 2026 book releases they’re most excited to read. From gothic romantasy and fantasy to thrillers, romance, historical fiction and spooky season reads, there are way too many new books fighting for a spot on the TBR. Plus, Joe and Madison reveal the books they’re already counting down the days to read, the titles they almost included and which September releases might become your next obsession. What September 2026 book are you most excited to read? Add it to your TBR and let us know! Book Lounge by Libby is your place for book conversations, recommendations and the people behind the stories. Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Follow Madison on Instagram! Books Recommendations: Madison's Picks: The Knave and the Moon – Rachel Gillig Taipei Story – RF Kuang The Thoroughbreds – Elin Hilderbrand Grim Tidings – BK Borison The Pirate Queen – Ariel Lawhon Tempest – Victoria Aveyard Threshing Day – Rebecca Yarros The Witches of Cambridge – Alice Hoffman A Time of Witches – Madeline Martin Fallow – Sarah Anderson Joe’s Picks: Honorable mentions: The Most Dangerous Games – MrBeast, James Patterson Building 903 – Lois Lowry Hollywood, Ending – John Green Incarnate – Alma Katsu Sometimes I Scare Myself – Jeneva Rose Kiss Slay Replay – Rachel Harrison The Dating Game – Ally Zetterberg Your Boyfriend Needs an Exorcist – Justine Pucella Winans Scion – James Islington Asmodeus – Rita Indiana (tr. Achy Obejas) Mischief Girls – Aashna Avachat Feeling Like an ADHD Alien – Pina Varnel Pretty Evil – Rebekah McKendry, David Ian McKendry The House of Gardenias – Isabel Cañas Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:05:51 Our September 2026 Book Picks 01:30:42 Outro Enjoying the show? Follow Book Lounge by Libby, leave a rating or review, and watch every episode on the Libby App YouTube channel. Find us on https://pages.libbylife.com/BL-Links Got a book recommendation, dream guest or just want to say hi? We'd love to hear from you at bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Looking for Book Lounge merch? Visit Plot Threads. Library friends: Add episodes of Book Lounge by Libby to your digital collection for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. You can also purchase the titles featured in today's episode in OverDrive Marketplace. Browse our cumulative reading list for the season: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41378 Today's featured books: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41379 Happy Reading! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • August 13 · 1 hr 34 min

    We Read the Wildest Reviews of Books We Love

    What happens when you take the Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet approach to books? Absolute chaos. Joe is joined by Meara to dig through reviews of books they love and discover what happens when readers have opinions. From hilarious hot takes to reviews that make absolutely no sense, this episode is full of laughs, nonsense and some truly unforgettable book commentary. Want us to do this again? Tell us what books we should hunt for or send us random reviews to react to! Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Who’s in this episode: Meara – link Check out Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet here: https://www.beachtoosandy.com/ Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:02:22 What’s your relationship with book reviews? 00:06:00 How do you write your reviews? 00:09:50 A conversation about negative reviews 00:13:50 We dive into reading reviews! 01:30:03 Wrapping up and outro Enjoying the show? Follow Book Lounge by Libby, leave a rating or review, and watch every episode on the Libby App YouTube channel. Find us on Libbylife.com/booklounge Got a book recommendation, dream guest or just want to say hi? We'd love to hear from you at bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Looking for Book Lounge merch? Visit Plot Threads. Library friends: Add episodes of Book Lounge by Libby to your digital collection for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. You can also purchase the titles featured in today's episode in OverDrive Marketplace. Happy Reading! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • July 16 · 1 hr 7 min

    Plot Twists & Playlists: Audiobooks, Romance Reads & 2026 Book Talk with Destinee

    What's better than talking about great books? Talking about all the great books. This week, Joe is joined by romance novel matchmaker, bookseller, and creator Destinee for a delightfully bookish conversation that bounces around bookish things everyone can't stop talking about. Grab your headphones, your library card, and maybe a notebook—you'll definitely leave with a longer TBR. Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Who’s in this episode: Destinee - links Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Welcome and Introductions 00:01:52 A chatty episode with Destinee 01:03:55 Wrapping up 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. 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • July 9 · 1 hr 33 min

    Summerween 2026: The Best Horror Books to Kick Off Spooky Season Early

    Summer is heating up... so naturally it's time for ghosts, monsters, haunted camps, cursed lakes, and things that go bump in the night. Joe is joined by Bre to celebrate Summerween 2026, the growing tradition of bringing spooky season into the middle of summer. Whether horror readers are looking for gothic classics, unsettling literary horror, creepy middle grade adventures, camp slashers, psychological thrillers, or terrifying short story collections, this episode is packed with recommendations to fill every Summerween TBR. From vampires and haunted campgrounds to folk horror, cosmic dread, ghost stories, and nostalgic Halloween favorites, this conversation explores horror across every age and subgenre. Along the way, Bre also shares details about her July Noir 2026 reading weekend and Discord community for readers looking to celebrate all month long. Whether Summerween is already an annual tradition, or this is the first spooky-season celebration in July, this episode is full of horror book recommendations perfect for every kind of reader. Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Links: Bre’s links July Noir 2026 Announcement July Noir Discord Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/locd_booktician_/ Titles mentioned: Bre’s Picks: Carmilla – Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu Dead First – Johnny Compton On Sundays She Picked Flowers – Yah Yah Scholfield Gyo – Junji Ito You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight – Kalynn Bayron The Jumbies & Rise of the Jumbies – Tracey Baptiste Why I Love Horror – ed. Becky Siegel Spratford Joe’s Picks: How to Survive Camping Series (Book 1: How to Survive Camping) - Bonnie Quinn The Lady in Chains The Ancient Things (September 2026) The Unmothers – Leslie J. Anderson The Bog Wife – Kay Chronister Smothermoss – Alisa Alering Don’t Turn Out the Lights – ed. Jonathan Maberry Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark – Alvin Schwartz Our Shadows Have Claws – ed. Yamile Saied Méndez, Amparo Ortiz The Lake House – Sarah Beth Durst Tastes Like Candy – Jessica Lacy Camp Scare – Delilah S. Dawson Summer’s Never Over – Darby Bozeman A Murder Most Camp – Nicolas DiDomizio 13 Months Haunted – Jimmy Juliano Chasing the Boogeyman – Richard Chizmar 80s Ghosts – VS Lawrence Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro & Seasonal Update 00:01:40 Thoughts on Summerween 00:07:24 Our Summerween 2026 picks! 01:28:46 Thank you to Bre 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, or this list for today’s episode! 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • July 2 · 55 min

    How President Lincoln Would Celebrate America 250 (and the books he'd read)

    As the United States prepares to commemorate America 250, how can we celebrate the nation's history while also making room for reflection, honesty, and meaningful conversation? This week on Book Lounge by Libby, Cameron Walpole, Associate Director of Interpretation and Public Programs, and Callie Hawkins, Executive Director of President Lincoln's Cottage in Washington, DC, join the show to explore how their organization is approaching America's 250th anniversary with thoughtfulness, curiosity, and a commitment to telling a fuller story of our shared history. The conversation dives into Abraham Lincoln's enduring legacy, why President Lincoln's Cottage remains such an important place today, and how books help us better understand both the past and the present. Then, for a fun twist, Cameron and Callie recommend books they think President Lincoln would have loved reading if he were browsing a library today. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a Lincoln admirer, or simply looking for thought-provoking nonfiction and historical fiction recommendations, this episode offers fresh perspectives on American history, civic engagement, and the power of reading. For more info, check out: https://www.lincolncottage.org/ Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Book recommendations: Cameron’s Titles: Differ We Must – Steve Inskeep Macbeth – William Shakespeare Wonder – R.J. Palacio Callie’s Titles: Joyful Anyway – Kate Bowler You Better Be Lightning – Andrea Gibson James – Percival Everett Everywhere Still – MH Clark Joe’s Titles: Feeding Ghosts – Tessa Hulls A Manual for Cleaning Women – Lucia Berlin Separation of Church and Hate – John Fugelsang Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Welcome and introductions 00:02:23 What is President Lincoln’s Cottage? 00:22:56 Our recommended reads 00:51:08 Final Thoughts 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. 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • S3 · E19
    June 15 · 58 min

    The Art of the Swoon: Ann Liang & BK Borison on Romance, Chemistry & Desire

    Summer reading is getting steamy! Today, Joe is joined by bestselling romance authors Ann Liang and BK Borison for a conversation about creating unforgettable love stories, building electric chemistry, writing yearning and intimacy, and why romance continues to captivate readers around the world. The conversation also briefly features romance author Sara Cate, who joined at the start of the episode before technical difficulties cut her time short. From the balance of tension and tenderness to the art of crafting a perfect happily ever after, Ann and BK share a behind-the-scenes look at their writing process, the emotional core of romance novels, and what makes a love story linger long after the final page. Whether you’re searching for your next spicy summer romance, a fan of contemporary love stories, or curious about how romance authors bring fictional relationships to life, this episode is a must-listen. Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Link to our full book list: Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life! Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! Who’s in the episode: Ann Liang: https://www.annliang.com/ BK Borison: https://bkborison.com/ Sara Cate: https://saracatebooks.com/ Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:03:21 Diving into romance 00:50:58 Romance Lightning Round 00:54:52 Thanks 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 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • S3 · E18
    June 11 · 1 hr 16 min

    Audiobook Month Special: The Best Audiobooks to Add to Your Listening List

    June is Audiobook Month, and we're celebrating one of our favorite ways to experience stories. This week Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark, host of the BOOK GANG podcast, to talk about the audiobooks they've been loving lately. From unforgettable narrations to stories that are impossible to pause, they're sharing recent audiobook recommendations that deserve a spot on your listening list. This conversation is packed with recommendations, listening inspiration, and plenty of appreciation for the magic of audiobooks. Tune in to discover new audiobook recommendations, celebrate Audiobook Month, and find your next favorite listen. Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Link to our full book list: Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life! Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! Titles for Episode: Amy’s Picks: Enormous Wings - Laurie Frankel Good People - Patmeena Sabit Lady Tremaine - Rachel Hochhauser My Lady Jane - Cynthia Hand Skin Contact - Elisa Faison Invasive Species - Ellery Adams Joe’s Picks: Swift and Saddled – Lyla Sage The Daisy Chain Flower Shop – Laurie Gilmore Headlights – CJ Leede Witches of Dubious Origin - Jenn McKinlay God of the Woods - Liz Moore Our Last Resort - Clémence Michallon A Fortune of Sand – Ruta Sepetys The Taking of Jake Livingston – Ryan Douglass Bath Haus – PJ Vernon The Perfect Home – Daniel Kenitz Don’t Let the Forest In – CG Drews The Good Vampire’s Guide to Blood & Boyfriends – Jamie D’Amato Legends & Lattes Series - Travis Baldree Operation Bounce House – Matt Dinniman The Diviners – Libba Bray Believing – Anita Hill The Autumn Sprints Retirement Home Massacre - Philip Fracassi Home is Where the Bodies Are – Jeneva Rose MindWorks – Neal Shusterman Out There – Kate Folk Bubblegum – Adam Levin The Dresden Files – Jim Butcher A Series of Unforunate Events – Lemony Snicket Vagabond – Tim Curry NOS4ATU – Joe Hill Rosemary’s Baby – Ira Levin Charlotte’s Web – EB White The Curseworkers Series - Holly Black How to Train Your Dragon series – Cressida Cowell Leaving Isn’t the Hardest Thing – Lauren Hough Who’s in this episode: Amy Allen Clark – Links Discover your next favorite read with the NEW 2026 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide! Dive into 70 handpicked titles—featuring upcoming releases, fresh new reads, and beloved backlist gems. Flip through 57 pages packed with bookish inspiration to create your ultimate summer reading stack. LINK: https://buymeacoffee.com/bookgangpodcast/e/535779 Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:00:43 Welcome and catching up with Amy Allen Clark 00:06:06 A reminder of our seasonal schedule 00:07:11 We talk about our love of audiobooks 00:19:06 Our audiobook recommendations 01:12:50 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, or this list for today’s episode! 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • May 29 · 1 hr 2 min

    June 2026 Book Releases You NEED on Your TBR

    June is STACKED with incredible new releases, and this month’s Book Picks episode is here to help you build your summer TBR. Joe is joined by Kieran, founder of the Queer Liberation Library, to talk about the most exciting June 2026 book releases across genres — from buzzy literary fiction and swoony romances to twisty thrillers, queer stories, fantasy adventures, and everything in between. Along the way, Kieran also shares more about the mission behind the Queer Liberation Library, a digital library working to increase access to LGBTQIA+ books for readers across the United States. If you’re looking for more queer stories to add to your reading life, it’s an incredible resource worth exploring. Whether you’re planning beach reads, book club picks, or simply trying to stay ahead of the biggest releases of the month, this episode is packed with recommendations to keep your TBR thriving all summer long. Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Who’s in this episode: Check out the Queer Liberation Library (website)! You can show your support with a donation here (donation link) or just by supporting them on social media (Instagram). Link to our full book list: Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life! Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026)! Book recommendations: Kieran’s Picks: Honorable Mention: The Fake Divination Offense – Sara Raasch Puck – Samantha Allen 25 Days in Athens – Jack Strange Supergay! - Frankie Grande Double Dutch Fuss – Phill Branch Red X – David Demchuk Tillinghast – Clare Cavenagh Grief Eater – Emma Osborne Joe’s Picks: Slasher Summer – E.L. Chen Mister Magic: The Graphic Novel – Kiersten White, Illustrated by Veronica & Andy Fish The Disaster Gay Detective Agency – Lev AC Rosen The Disco at the End of the World – Nathan Tavares We Hexed the Moon – Mollyhall Seeley Girl’s Girl – Sonia Feldman Valley of the Moms – Hannah Selinger Marion – Leah Rowan I am not a Vampire (Anymore) - Darcy Miller Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:03 Welcome Kieran and the Queer Liberation Library 00:01:27 What is the Queer Liberation Library (QLL)? 00:03:24 Supporting QLL and the Pride month donation drive 00:04:44 June 2026 Book Picks 00:58:48 Thanks to Kieran 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, or this list for today’s episode! 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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