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PODCAST

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,publishingand the trends shaping what we read(plus reading recommendations youwon"twant to miss). Brought to you by⁠Libby⁠, 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

arts books

All Episodes

49:36

Building Belonging Through Books

Book Lounge by Libby ·

2026/04/02

What started as a search for representation turned into a movement. In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Dessa Carroll, founder of Brown Babies n' Books, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit dedicated to creating culturally rooted literacy experiences for families. Together, they explore: The inspiration behind launching Brown Babies n’ Books What it takes to build a grassroots community from the ground up Why representation in books matters—for

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71:08

Spring Into Reading: April 2026 Book Picks

Book Lounge by Libby ·

2026/03/26

April is here, and with it comes a fresh wave of incredible new reads! 🌸 In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by returning guest (and friend) Emma to talk through the April 2026 book releases they’re most excited to add to their TBR. Together, they explore a wide range of upcoming titles—from highly anticipated bestsellers to under-the-radar gems—perfect for spring reading. If you’re looking to refresh your reading list, discover new authors, or stay on top of the latest

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70:36

Lost Hollywood Satire & Audiobook Magic with Daniel...

Book Lounge by Libby ·

2026/03/19

In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by a true multi-hyphenate talent—acclaimed audiobook narrator and producer Daniel Henning, whose voice you’ve almost certainly heard bringing stories to life. Now, Daniel is stepping into the publishing world with his bold new imprint, Starshells of Madness, dedicated to reviving forgotten, unconventional, and culturally significant works. At the heart of this mission is his first release: Queer People by Carroll and Garrett Graham—a madcap,

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45:11

Meara's Best Witchy Books to Read 🔮 Cozy, Magical &...

Book Lounge by Libby ·

2026/03/12

Witchy books have completely cast a spell on readers—and in this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Meara to explore the magic behind the genre. From cozy magical stories to darker tales of witchcraft and power, Meara shares how she first fell in love with witchy reads and why the genre keeps pulling readers back for more. Meara shares her hallmarks of a great witchy book: beloved tropes, magical vibes, found family, spellwork, atmospheric settings, and the storytelling elements

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82:23

March 2026 Book Releases We’re Adding to Our TBR

Book Lounge by Libby ·

2026/02/26

March is bringing the heat 🔥 In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark of the Book Gang Podcast to talk about the March 2026 book releases they cannot wait to read. From buzzy debuts to powerhouse authors returning with new stories, we’re breaking down the titles climbing to the top of our TBR piles. Whether you love literary fiction, thrillers, romance, or genre-bending surprises, this month is stacked. Get your Libby tag ready — we’re giving you plenty of

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83:36

Inside One’s Company: Obsession, Isolation, and...

Book Lounge by Libby ·

2026/02/12

On this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, we’re trying something a little different—and we’re very excited about it. Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark from the Book Gang podcast to dive deep into One’s Company by Ashley Hutson, a book Amy has been completely obsessed with. We start with a breakdown of the book (mostly spoiler-free), unpacking what worked, what lingered, and why One’s Company gets under your skin in the best way. Then, at the 25-minute mark we do a quick spoiler breakdown, then

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69:49

Becoming a Reader as an Adult

Book Lounge by Libby ·

2026/02/05

Not everyone grows up a reader—and that’s okay. In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe talks with his friend Sam about what it’s like when reading finally works for you. They dig into unlearning what reading is “supposed” to look like, finding joy without pressure, and how discovering books later in life can quietly change how you see yourself. Along the way, Sam shares how becoming a reader also sparked the beginning of her journey as a writer. This conversation is for anyone who’s ever

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72:04

February 2026 Book Releases We’re Obsessed With

Book Lounge by Libby ·

2026/01/29

New month, new books, and a very full TBR. 📖✨ In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Meara to dive into the most exciting books releasing in February 2026. From buzzy new novels to under-the-radar gems, we’re breaking down what’s catching our attention, what we’re most hyped to read, and which releases are moving straight to the top of our TBRs. If you love tracking upcoming book releases, planning your reading life, or just want to know what February’s literary lineup has in

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69:32

Mood Reading & Our Winter Reading Vibes - DNF Energy...

Book Lounge by Libby ·

2026/01/22

Winter is a vibe—and so is the way we read during it. In this episode, Joe is joined by Cece and Meara to talk all things winter reading vibes, from how mood reading works for us to whether TBRs ever stand a chance. We get honest about DNFing books (when we quit, why we quit, and how we make peace with it) and then wrap things up with book recommendations that feel just right for the colder months—think cozy, atmospheric, emotional, and immersive reads. If your winter reading life looks nothing

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70:04

2026 Book Release Radar: The new books we can’t wait...

Book Lounge by Libby ·

2026/01/15

New year, new books, and SO many reasons to freak out (in the best way). In this bonus episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Jananie K. Velu and Meara to kick off 2026 with a full-on Book Release Radar—highlighting the upcoming titles they’re most excited to read this year. From buzzy new releases to books that already feel like future favorites, they're sharing what’s climbing to the very top of the TBRs and why 2026 is shaping up to be an exceptional year for readers. Consider

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81:06

January 2026 Book Picks: New Year, New TBRs

Book Lounge by Libby ·

2025/12/18

As we head into the holiday season, we’re already looking ahead—because nothing pairs better with cocoa and cozy time off than planning your next year’s TBR 🎄📚 For our January 2026 Book Picks (and the final Book Lounge episode of 2025!), I'm joined by Madison to break down the new releases we cannot wait to snag in the new year. These are the books we’re placing holds and adding to notify me tags in Libby, lining up for holds, and mentally reading before the wrapping paper’s even recycled

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66:26

Our Favorite Reads of 2025

Book Lounge by Libby ·

2025/12/11

We're wrapping up 2025 with a big, bookish bow! In this year-end celebration, Joe is joined by Carmen, Cece, Jananie K. Velu, Kayla, and Meara as everyone brings two of their favorite reads of the entire year. From unforgettable characters to gasp-worthy plots, these are the books that rose straight to the top of our 2025 lists. Whether you're building your 2026 TBR or reliving your favorite reads of the year, settle in — this is the coziest way to close out the season. ✨ Don’t forget to

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106:40

Festive Fiction: Talking Holiday Reads for Cozy...

Book Lounge by Libby ·

2025/12/04

Season 2 is wrapping up with a bow! In this festive finale of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe gathers holiday-lit icons Alexandra Benedict, Jenny Bayliss, Maisha Oso, and Matthew Norman for a lively conversation about writing wintery stories across genres—from heartfelt romance to twisty mystery to big-hearted contemporary fiction. Then in Segment 2, our guest hosts slide down the chimney with their best holiday reading recommendations to keep your TBR merry and bright. Pour a mug of something warm,

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152:30

Page to Screen Magic: Authors on Adaptations

Book Lounge by Libby ·

2025/11/20

Buckle up, book lovers — we’re going full Hollywood this week in an extended edition of Book Lounge! Joe kicks things off with the iconic Louis Sachar, who spills delightful behind-the-scenes tea about writing the Holes screenplay, hanging out on set, and the surreal experience of getting residual checks for his cameo. Then Danielle Valentine pops in to chat about Delicate Condition and its evolution into American Horror Story: Delicate. For the grand finale, Joe is joined by Jananie K. Velu

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106:33

Food for Thought: Holiday Feasts, Mamrie Hart, and...

Book Lounge by Libby ·

2025/11/13

Comedian, writer, and foodie extraordinaire Mamrie Hart joins Joe in the Book Lounge to talk about her new cookbook All I Think About Is Food, her must-haves for holiday hosting, and why laughter really is the secret ingredient. Then, Carmen, Kevin Norman, and Meara pull up a chair to share the books they’re most thankful for this holiday season. A feast of laughs, stories, and reads you’ll want seconds of! 🦃📚 Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube

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93:18

Science Fiction Double Feature: Exploring New Worlds...

Book Lounge by Libby ·

2025/11/06

It’s time to go beyond the stars! In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Alex Segura, Daniel H. Wilson, and Ken Liu for a cosmic conversation on the ever-evolving world of science fiction. They dive into the genre’s growth, the art of writing in shared universes, and their own galaxy-sized reading recs. Then, Cece and Meara join for segment two with stellar sci-fi book recommendations to add to your TBR. Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube

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122:20

Library Love Letters

Book Lounge by Libby ·

2025/10/30

This episode is our ode to the library—the beating heart of every book lover’s story. In segment one, Joe is joined by authors (and librarians, both current and former!) Terah Shelton Harris, Eva Jurczyk, PJ Nelson, and Jenn McKinlay to talk about how their time in libraries shaped their writing and storytelling. Then, in segment two, Joe and our guest hosts share book recommendations by librarians, about librarians, and featuring that unmistakable library charm. Whether you’re a lifelong

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105:44

Witch Please: Cozy & Witchy Reads for Fall

Book Lounge by Libby ·

2025/10/23

Witch please! In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, we’re leaning all the way into fall vibes with cozy and witchy reads that’ll keep you warm as the weather cools. In segment one, Joe is joined by Claribel A. Ortega, Liz Montague, HB Akumiah, and Travis Baldree for a fireside chat about all things cozy fantasy, witchy worlds, and why we can’t get enough of stories that feel like a soft blanket and a spellbook in one. Then in segment two, Bre, Kayla, and Meara stop by to share their favorite

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146:24

Haunted Pages: A Halloween Book Lounge Special

Book Lounge by Libby ·

2025/10/16

It’s a monster-mash of an episode! We’re going big for spooky season with horror favorites, eerie insights, and enough book recommendations to haunt your TBR straight through Halloween. In this king-sized candy bar of a Halloween special, Joe is joined by horror icons Rachel Harrison and Ryan La Sala to chat about how the horror space has evolved, what sets YA apart from Adult horror, and why readers are craving fear like never before. Then, stick around for a double feature of horror

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102:25

Beyond the Label: Stories of Disability & Awareness

Book Lounge by Libby ·

2025/10/09

In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, we’re going Beyond the Label to explore stories of disability, neurodivergence, and chronic illness — both on and off the page. In Segment 1, Joe is joined by Marie Myung-Ok Lee, who opens up about her experiences as a mother to a child with disabilities. She reflects on the fears, challenges, and moments of triumph that have shaped her perspective as both a parent and a writer. Marie also shares how her Korean-American identity and personal experiences

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