Book Lounge by Libby

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 get to know everyone, they'll be answering our version of the New BookTuber Tag - diving into their reading tastes, love of libraries and vibe essentials - so you can get to know the people helping you grow your TBR. Whether...

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 you’re craving rom-coms, thrillers, fantasy, or something a little spooky, here's a stack of reads to keep your summer sizzling. From campus drama and romantic tension to magical greenhouses, haunted tunnels, and dragon-sla...

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 heartfelt, honest conversations with authors Andrew Joseph White, Juno Dawson, Susie Dumond, and Emily Austin. Each shares their unique experience as a queer writer—what inspires them, the challenges they face, and the joy...

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 them so special.  First up, our host Joe chats with thriller author Carter Wilson, narrators Allyson Ryan and Patrick Zeller, and audiobook producers Catherin Bucaria and Almeda Beynon from Sourcebooks Audio to dig into wh...

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 staying the same, and what new vibes you can expect in this next chapter. Plus, get a sneak peek at our first season - episode 1 is dropping next week, featuring a celebration of all things audiobooks. Pull up a chair—it’s...

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 the AC, they’ve got something for every kind of reader.  Nahomy shares queer coming-of-age tales, romantic comedies, twisty thrillers, and empowering debuts, while Joe's picks run the gamut from eerie horror to thoughtful sc...

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 reads. From swoony romances and thrilling mysteries to heartfelt queer YA and buzzy debuts, they’ve got a little something for every reader. Plus, stick around for Joe’s rapid-fire lightning round of even more May titles you w...

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 to unexpected gems, our TBRs are taking us on quite the journey—just like the changing season! Whether you're in the mood for something light and breezy or deep and thought-provoking, we've got the perfect springtime read...

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 after devouring it. From high-stakes competitions and oppressive regimes to survival in broken worlds, these books will keep you on the edge of your seat. Tune in for thrilling recommendations featuring deadly trials, futurist...

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 hitting shelves in March 2025. From highly anticipated fiction to captivating nonfiction, they’re sharing the books they can’t wait to read this month. Whether you’re looking for your next page-turner or adding to your never-e...

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 you hooked while you wait. These books capture the same vibes you love but each offers a unique journey of its own. Whether you’re craving heart-pounding twists, thought-provoking themes, or unforgettable characters, we’v...

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 hidden gems readers can’t stop raving about, we’re breaking down the top picks of the year. Who made the list? Tune in to find out! Check out the nominees on our Libby Life Blog: https://www.libbylife.com/2025-01-29-announ...

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 the most exciting books hitting shelves this February. Whether you’re in the mood for a chilling horror, a heart-racing fantasy, a cozy graphic novel, or a memoir that stays with you, we’ve got your next great read covered...

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 (out January 14 from Berkley), sharing the inspiration behind this thrilling whodunit. We also chat about her incredible work on the West End and her advice on embracing your inner drag queen. 💄 Whether you’re a fan of cr...

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 want to miss. Plus, Joe reflects on the final Professional Book Nerds Reading Challenge and how he wrapped up the year of reading. Tune in for all the details and to celebrate the end of this chapter with us! We hope you enj...

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 novel Let’s Call Her Barbie (out January 21 from Penguin). They dive into Renee’s writing process, the inspiration behind the book, and their shared love of Barbie—from childhood memories to cherished collections. If you’v...

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 to long-awaited sequels, they’ve got something for every reader to kick off the year right. Grab your TBR list and settle in for a cozy chat packed with exciting recommendations. Ready to dive into 2025? Let’s turn the pa...

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 delightful audiobooks from Penguin Random House Audio that are perfect to Load Your Libby app. Whether you’re traveling over the river and through the woods, taking a moment of peace from the holiday hustle, or simply looking to...

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 is joined by Andrea and Sarah to share their top picks—stories that made them laugh, cry, and think in new ways. From heartwarming middle grade adventures to gripping YA novels, join the conversation as they dive into all...

🎄📚 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 reads to thrilling page-turners, they’re sharing the books they’re most excited for as the year winds down. Whether you’re shopping for gifts or treating yourself, there’s something for everyone on this list. Tune in for a...

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 & Schuster) . They dive into Chuck’s signature minimalist writing style and explore how it unites his body of work, creating stories that pack an unforgettable punch. Plus, in a heartwarming twist, Chuck and Joe’s Boston terrie...

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 cozy mysteries to graphic novels, these picks are perfect for your next warm and comforting reading escape. Your next cozy read awaits! Titles mentioned in this episode: Claire’s Titles:   The Very Secret Society of Irregu...

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 thrilling third installment in the Lightlark Saga. Alex shares her extraordinary journey, from querying her first book at just 12 years old to becoming a relentless force in the writing world. Discover the secrets behind Skysha...

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, claustrophobic thrillers that will take you from fall into winter. They'll take you from Halloween through the dark nights of the new year! Titles mentioned in this episode: Kara’s Titles:   The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides  T...

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. Titles mentioned in this episode: Jill’s Titles:   The Lake of Lost Girls by Katherine Greene  Box Office Poison by Tim Robey  Growing Up Urkel by Jaleel White  Toto by A.J. Hackwith  Believe by Jeremy Egner  Others Like Me by...