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
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Sep 28, 2026 · 1:09:55
What actually makes a book club GOOD? And how do you get people to come back month after month without turning it into homework? This week on Book Lounge by Libby, we're going…
Sep 24, 2026 · 1:03:16
What REALLY happens behind the reference desk? On this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, host Joe Skelley is joined by Becky Cameron and Kate Merlene from Cuyahoga County Public…
Sep 21, 2026 · 1:08:18
What happens when you let your local library surprise you? For the Season 4 premiere of Book Lounge by Libby, we're celebrating Library Card Sign-Up Month with a little literary…
Sep 17, 2026 · 55:41
What scares you? For bestselling author Jeneva Rose, the answer might be… literally anything. 👀 Jeneva joins Book Lounge by Libby to talk about her new horror collection,…
Sep 3, 2026 · 53:39
Virginia Woolf has inspired generations of readers, but what happens when you take one of her novels and bring it to a modern audience? This week, Joe is joined by Justine…
Aug 27, 2026 · 1:34:10
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…
Aug 13, 2026 · 1:34:07
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…
Jul 30, 2026 · 1:42:18
August 2026 books are here, and Joe is joined by Bre (@locd_booktician_) to share the new releases they're most excited to add to their TBRs. Covering everything from horror,…
Jul 16, 2026 · 1:07:57
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…
Jul 9, 2026 · 1:33:16
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…
Jul 2, 2026 · 55:21
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?…
Jun 25, 2026 · 1:25:07
A new month means a new stack of books to obsess over. In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by the wonderful Emma to chat about the July 2026 book releases…
Jun 18, 2026 · 57:38
The temperature is rising, and so is the romance stack. In the Season 3 finale of Book Lounge by Libby, romance novel matchmaker, experienced bookseller, and bookish creator…
Jun 15, 2026 · 58:24
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,…
Jun 11, 2026 · 1:16:23
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…
Jun 8, 2026 · 1:03:23
June is Audiobook Month, and we're celebrating with two of the most beloved voices in the industry. This week on Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by acclaimed audiobook…
Jun 4, 2026 · 1:04:38
What should you read this Pride Month? In this Pride Month episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Jananie K. Velu to share book recommendations that celebrate queer…
Jun 1, 2026 · 1:31:28
Pride Month is a celebration, but it's also a reminder of the journeys so many LGBTQ+ people take to find acceptance, belonging, and hope. In this special Pride Month episode of…
May 29, 2026 · 1:02:42
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…
May 28, 2026 · 55:27
If your TBR is looking a little too well-behaved, consider this your official invitation to cause some chaos. Joe is joined by Abby from @crimebythebook to dive headfirst into a…
May 25, 2026 · 1:01:02
What makes readers gasp out loud at the end of a thriller? How do authors plant clues without giving everything away? And why do some plot twists stay with us forever? This week…
May 21, 2026 · 57:37
This week on Book Lounge, Joe is joined by Meara for a celebration of all things adventure as they talk about adult books that perfectly capture the feeling of reading The Magic…
May 18, 2026 · 1:03:53
This week, Joe sits down with legendary children’s author Mary Pope Osborne to celebrate the legacy of the Magic Tree House books and the generations of readers who grew up with…
May 14, 2026 · 1:10:57
Continuing our celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month episode, Joe is joined by Jananie K. Velu to share some of their favorite books that center mental health, healing,…
May 11, 2026 · 1:35:40
This week, we’re reflecting on Mental Health Awareness Month. Today, Joe sits down with two mental health professionals to explore the powerful connection between reading,…
May 7, 2026 · 1:07:06
In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Jananie K. Velu of thisstoryaintover to celebrate AAPI Month with a stack of incredible Asian lit you’ll want to add to…
May 4, 2026 · 55:21
In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe celebrates Asian Heritage Month by spotlighting the global impact of Asian voices in storytelling. Joined by bestselling authors Lisa…
Apr 30, 2026 · 1:21:56
Be honest, how many books have you borrowed purely because the cover looked amazing? This week on Book Lounge, Joe is joined by Bre for a very honest, slightly chaotic, and…
Apr 29, 2026 · 1:08:58
Your TBR is about to get longer. In this episode of Book Lounge, Joe is joined by Rachel to break down the most exciting book releases coming in May 2026 by sharing what they’re…
Apr 27, 2026 · 1:43:02
In this episode of Book Lounge, Joe goes behind the scenes of one of the most important—and most misunderstood—parts of publishing: book cover design. In the first segment, Erin…
Apr 23, 2026 · 1:11:11
Looking for your next great historical fiction read? Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark, host of the Book Gang Podcast, to share standout historical fiction recommendations to add…
Apr 20, 2026 · 1:02:51
Christina Baker Kline, Heather Webb and Lauren Tarshis join Joe for a wide-ranging conversation on the enduring appeal of historical fiction and why readers keep coming back for…
Apr 16, 2026 · 1:23:30
Looking for your next favorite author before they blow up? This episode is for you. Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark of the Book Gang Podcast, an expert in spotlighting debut…
Apr 13, 2026 · 1:03:59
Welcome to Season 3 of Book Lounge by Libby! We’re kicking things off with a celebration of debut authors; the moment when years of writing, revising, and hoping finally turn…
Apr 9, 2026 · 1:02:50
Kathleen, known online as KathleenIllustrated, joins Joe for a cozy, creativity-filled conversation. As an illustrator, thrifter, and passionate reader, Kathleen shares the early…
Apr 7, 2026 · 1:01:12
What really happens behind the scenes in publishing—and how does an editor make the leap to author? In this bonus episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe sits down with Emma…
Apr 2, 2026 · 49:36
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…
Mar 26, 2026 · 1:11:08
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…
Mar 19, 2026 · 1:10:36
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…
Mar 12, 2026 · 45:11
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…
Feb 26, 2026 · 1:22:23
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…
Feb 12, 2026 · 1:23:36
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…
Feb 5, 2026 · 1:09:49
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.…
Jan 29, 2026 · 1:12:04
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.…
Jan 22, 2026 · 1:09:32
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…
Jan 15, 2026 · 1:10:04
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…
Dec 18, 2025 · 1:21:06
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…
Dec 11, 2025 · 1:06:26
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…
Dec 4, 2025 · 1:46:40
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…
Nov 20, 2025 · 2:32:30
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…
Nov 13, 2025 · 1:46:33
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,…
Nov 6, 2025 · 1:33:18
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…
Oct 30, 2025 · 2:02:20
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…
Oct 23, 2025 · 1:46:44
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…
Oct 16, 2025 · 2:26:24
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…
Oct 9, 2025 · 1:42:25
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…
Oct 2, 2025 · 1:36:23
It’s back-to-school season, which means new routines, new books, and maybe even a little extra stress for kids (and the adults who love them). To help ease the transition, we’re…
Sep 25, 2025 · 1:50:36
Season 2 kicks off with a deep dive into those all-too-familiar reading ruts and writing slumps. In this episode, we explore how to find inspiration again—both on the page and in…
Sep 18, 2025 · 54:05
We’re bringing you something extra special this week—a live recording from the ALA 2025 Pop-Top Stage! Join Joe in conversation with: Henry H. Neff - website Mary Roach -…
Sep 4, 2025 · 1:03:25
In this special bonus episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe sits down with Daniel Henning to dive deep into the writings and ideas of Andy Warhol. From The Philosophy of Andy…
Aug 21, 2025 · 2:37:11
As Season 1 of Book Lounge by Libby comes to a close, we’re getting you ready to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with thoughtful conversations featuring Ann Dávila Cardinal,…
Aug 14, 2025 · 1:53:32
Romantasy is everywhere right now — and we’re diving deep into the magic, monsters, and swoon-worthy romance fueling its meteoric rise. In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby,…
Aug 7, 2025 · 1:51:35
In this special episode of Book Lounge by Libby, we’re joined by celebrated Indigenous authors Angeline Boulley (Firekeeper’s Daughter, Warrior Girl Unearthed) and Carole…
Jul 31, 2025 · 2:16:25
Book bans are rising at an alarming rate—but librarians, authors, and publishers are fighting back. In this powerful episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by librarian…
Jul 24, 2025 · 1:47:16
In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, we explore the powerful world of graphic novels. In our first segment, Joe is joined by a brilliant panel of creators—mother-daughter duo…
Jul 17, 2025 · 1:49:02
What makes a book the perfect beach read? In this sunny episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by authors Clémence Michallon, Jonathan Parks-Ramage, Megan Miranda, and…
Jul 10, 2025 · 2:47:32
What makes a summer read unforgettable for kids and teens? In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by authors Jamie Sumner, Kelsey Impicciche, and Julie Soto for a…
Jul 3, 2025 · 58:55
In this episode of Book Lounge, we're handing the mic to the readers behind the recs! Meet our guest hosts who'll be joining us all season long to share their themed picks! To…
Jun 30, 2025 · 1:07:08
It’s a bonus episode, book lovers! Joe is joined by friend and fellow bookworm Emma to chat about the July 2025 releases they're most excited to add to their TBR piles. Whether…
Jun 26, 2025 · 3:00:35
Happy Pride 🌈💖! In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, we’re celebrating LGBTQ+ voices and the power of queer storytelling. In the first half of the show, Joe sits down for…
Jun 19, 2025 · 2:25:46
Welcome to the very first episode of Book Lounge by Libby! We’re kicking things off with an ode to audiobooks—the voices, the stories, and the behind-the-scenes magic that makes…
Jun 12, 2025 · 9:42
Say hello to Book Lounge by Libby, the new name for the podcast formerly known as Professional Book Nerds! In this intro, host Joe Skelley shares updates on the rebrand, what’s…
May 29, 2025 · 1:14:36
Joe is joined by his colleague and friend Nahomy for a fresh stack of June 2025 book picks—perfect for summer reading season. Whether you’re soaking up the sun or curled up in…
Apr 24, 2025 · 1:06:49
Spring has officially sprung and so have the May 2025 book releases! Joe is joined by colleague and fellow book lover Rachel to share their top picks for this May's freshest…
Mar 27, 2025 · 1:26:23
April is here, and with it comes a fresh lineup of must-read new books! Join Joe and Madison as they dive into the most exciting releases of the month. From long-awaited sequels…
Mar 13, 2025 · 47:14
In this episode, Joe is joined by Nahomy to recommend books for fans of The Hunger Games, whether you're eagerly awaiting Sunrise on the Reaping or need more dystopian reads…
Feb 27, 2025 · 1:40:37
Spring is in the air, and so are a fresh batch of must-read books! In this episode, Joe is joined by Amy Clark from MomAdvice.com to dive into the most exciting new releases…
Feb 13, 2025 · 54:02
Waiting for Scythe & Sparrow to hit your shelf? We’ve got you covered! In this episode, Joe is joined by his colleague Meghan to share a list of must-read romances that will keep…
Feb 4, 2025 · 1:59:22
The nominees are in! 🎉 Joe is joined by his coworker Gabi to unveil the 2025 Libby Book Awards nominees, including some exciting new categories. From the book club books to the…
Jan 30, 2025 · 1:03:33
Love is in the air… and so are killer thrillers, swoon-worthy romances, out-of-this-world sci-fi, and so much more! Joe is joined by his friend and coworker Nahomy to chat about…
Dec 23, 2024 · 54:04
This week on the Professional Book Nerds podcast, Joe is joined by the fabulous Holly Stars! 🎭 Holly dives into her debut queer crime fiction novel, Murder in the Dressing Room…
Dec 19, 2024 · 30:49
Big changes are coming to the Professional Book Nerds podcast! In this special end-of-year episode, we’re sharing important updates about the future of the show that you won’t…
Dec 16, 2024 · 52:17
Step into a world of pink, glamour, and storytelling in this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast! Joe chats with bestselling author Renée Rosen about her dazzling new…
Dec 12, 2024 · 1:02:35
Start the new year with a fresh stack of must-reads! In this episode, Joe is joined by Renee to share their most anticipated book releases for January 2025. From thrilling debuts…
Dec 9, 2024 · 1:16:54
Get ready to sleigh the holiday season with audiobooks! In this special episode, Joe is joined by Hugo from Penguin Random House to share cozy, captivating, and downright…
Dec 5, 2024 · 53:49
As the year comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the incredible Juvenile, Middle Grade, and Young Adult books that shaped our reading journeys in 2024! 🎉📚 In this episode, Joe…
Nov 21, 2024 · 59:14
🎄📚 It’s the most wonderful time of the year—for new books! Joe is joined by his friend and colleague Marissa to unwrap December 2024’s hottest new releases. From cozy holiday…
Nov 18, 2024 · 56:30
In this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast, Joe sits down with legendary author Chuck Palahniuk to discuss his latest novel, SHOCK INDUCTION (out now from Simon &…
Nov 14, 2024 · 59:09
It's fall, y'all 🍂 In this episode, Joe teams up with Claire and Kristin to share the ultimate list of cozy book recommendations. From charming cottage core tales to delightful…
Nov 11, 2024 · 1:02:54
In this episode of The Professional Book Nerds, Joe sits down with bestselling author Alex Aster to dive into the magic of SKYSHADE (out November 12 from Amulet Books), the…
Nov 7, 2024 · 40:28
For those of you who love a thriller, a mystery or a bit of horror year-round, this one is for you. Today Joe is joined by Kara (@thebookkaravan) to talk about twisty,…
Oct 31, 2024 · 50:33
Happy Halloween 🎃 Today, Joe is joined by fellow Scorpio Jill to talk through November 2024's biggest books! The nerds share what they're most looking forward to this fall.…
Oct 24, 2024 · 1:00:19
On this episode, we've got spooky stories for your nerves! Get ready for Halloween with these horror thrills! From classic slashers to supernatural creeps, Joe, Claire and…
Oct 21, 2024 · 46:48
In this episode of Professional Book Nerds, we’re diving into the world of Jeff Kinney, the mastermind behind the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series! Join us as we chat about his latest…
Oct 17, 2024 · 46:24
Join Joe as he chats with Kieran Hickey - his friend and founder of the Queer Liberation Library! Kieran shares his inspiration behind creating the queer digital library, how you…
Oct 14, 2024 · 1:07:32
Joe is joined by two of his favorite people, author TJ Klune and audiobook narrator Daniel Henning to talk about their work together on Somewhere Beyond the Sea (out now from Tor…
Oct 12, 2024 · 38:04
On this special episode, we’re featuring a conversation from our friends at Life in Seven Songs, the new podcast from The San Francisco Standard that dives deep into the minds of…
Oct 10, 2024 · 54:01
Emma chats with Lynn Painter about returning to the story of Wes and Liz for Nothing Like the Movies! They also discuss how many versions of this story Lynn wrote, why Lynn…
Oct 7, 2024 · 54:02
Join Joe for an enchanting conversation with Claribel A. Ortega as she delves into her latest book, Witchlings 3: House of Elephants (out 10/1 from Scholastic). Discover her…
Oct 3, 2024 · 29:12
Emma says goodbye to the podcast and shares her favorite memories, plus some final book recs! Books mentioned in this episode: Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez Bluebird Day…
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