Bookcited!: A Libraries NI podcast for all things library

Snuggle up with our pick of heartwarming and comforting reads perfect for cold winter nights. Josephine, Branch Manager joins Jillian and Peter to share a selection of her recommendations of cosy reads to keep you company through the darkest months!

New year, new reads! Area Manager Rebecca joins Jillian and Peter to share her top hits from last year and share her most anticipated releases for 2025

Ready to see what dominated the bestseller charts this year? We’re revealing the top-selling books that captured readers’ imaginations worldwide. Join Jillian and Peter along with Branch Manager Michael to find out which titles are worth adding to your must-read list before the year ends!

Looking for the perfect escape this Christmas? Jillian and Peter are joined by Senior Manager Conor as they share their top holiday reading picks and they will explain how easy it is to access eAudiobooks and eBooks on your devices.

We’re counting down the most-borrowed books of the year from our library shelves! District Manager Danielle joins Jillian and Peter to discover which books had everyone talking. Will your favourites make the list—or will you find your next great read?

Peter from the Libraries NI Stock Department is joined by Daniel, District Officer for Mid and East Antrim Libraries, and Clare from the Admin Team, as they explore two very different adaptations: the sci-fi epic Dune by Frank Herbert and the surreal tale Poor Things by Alasdair Gray. Discover the magic (and the madness) of adapting these unique worlds for cinema!

Join Jillian in an engaging interview with Sally Page, the best-selling author of The Book of Beginnings - this month's online reading pick! Listen to a fascinating discussion about her heartwarming novels, The Keeper of Stories and her latest masterpiece, The Secret of Flowers. A must-listen for book lovers!

Jillian returns with Libraries NI colleagues Roger from Business Support Team and Peter from the Stock Department to discuss the layered storytelling of Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell and the psychological intrigue of The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith. How do these complex narratives translate to the big screen? Tune in to find out.

In this episode, Jillian, Peter, and Conor, all from Libraries NI’s Stock Department, take on the Booker Prize—a literary phenomenon that can both inspire and intimidate. They unpack why some readers shy away from Booker-nominated books and share their own thoughts on these celebrated works.

Peter from Stock Dept introduces Library Assistants Nicola from Carrickfergus and Beverley from Ballyclare about big screen adaptations of Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.

Book to Screen episode 1 - Jillian introduces colleagues Dene and Shane from Ballymena as they discuss their thoughts on film adaptations of Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess and Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe.

We’re excited to bring you an exclusive interview with the brilliant Tiffany Murray as she discusses her new memoir about her early life at the Rockfield Recording Studios in Wales, with her childhood memories of Freddie Mercury, David Bowie and many others who recorded there. #BookWeekNI #AuthorInterview #LibrariesNI #BernieMcGill #ThisTrainIsFor #Rathlin #WatchHouse #ShortStories #CreativeWritin...

Today’s author interview features the fabulous teen and young adult author Sue Divin! Join us as we explore Sue’s creative process, the inspiration behind her writing, and the stories that have captured the hearts of readers. #BookWeekNI #AuthorInterview #LibrariesNI #SueDivin #Derry #PeaceAgreement #TeenageFiction #GuardYourHeart #TruthBeTold

Today’s interview features the wonderful Bernie McGill! We step into her world of beautifully crafted fiction, discuss her writing process, and learn more about the magic of storytelling. Don’t miss this insightful chat with one of Northern Ireland’s most talented authors #BookWeekNI #AuthorInterview #LibrariesNI #BernieMcGill #ThisTrainIsFor #Rathlin #WatchHouse #ShortStories #CreativeWriting

Today’s Bookcited! podcast features the brilliant Colin Bateman! From the witty Divorcing Jack to his recent work in screenwriting, including Dead and Buried, Colin shares his journey and his unique perspective on storytelling. Tune in now for an entertaining and insightful conversation! #BookWeekNI #AuthorSpotlight #ColinBateman #LibrariesNI #DeadandBuried #Punk #Screenplays #DivorcingJack #Bango...

Today’s Bookcited! podcast features Stuart Neville, known for his gripping crime novels. Discover Stuarts thoughts on moving his work from NI to the US and his new book, Blood Like Mine. #BookWeekNI #ThrillerWriter #StuartNeville #LibrariesNI #Thriller #BloodLikeMIne #BloodLikeOurs #Glastonbury #FunLovinCrimeWriters

Don’t miss today’s interview with celebrated Irish author Donal Ryan! We’ll talk about his heartfelt, deeply moving stories and how he brings the human experience to life through his writing. Hear his thoughts on the power of storytelling and what keeps him inspired. #BookWeekNI #AuthorInterview #LibrariesNI #HeartBeAtPeace ##SpinningHeart #WritersBlock #Ireland

Wendy Erskine discusses her transition from short stories to her upcoming debut novel. A must-listen for aspiring writers! Tune in to today’s Bookcited! podcast. #BookWeekNI #WritersJourney #WendyErskine #LibrariesNI #ShortStories #DanceMove #TheBenefactors #Belfast

Today, we sit down with bestselling author Liz Nugent to explore the dark, complex characters she is known for. Join us as we chat about her latest work, her approach to storytelling, and how she creates psychological thrillers. Listen to the interview now #BookWeekNI #AuthorInterview #LibrariesNI #LizNugent #StrangeSallyDiamond #CrimeNovelOfTheYear #PsychologicalThriller

Today’s author interview for #BookWeekNI is with none other than award-winning crime writer, Chris Whitaker. Dive into the world of thrilling mysteries as we discuss his writing process, inspiration, and what keeps him creating gripping stories. #BookWeekNI #AuthorInterview #LibrariesNI #ChrisWhitaker #Saint #AllTheColoursOfTheDark #Patch #WritingTherapy

Listen in as we chat with crime-writing sensation Steve Cavanagh, who shares his journey from solicitor to bestselling author of the Eddie Flynn series. #BookWeekNI #CrimeFiction #SteveCavanagh #LibrariesNI #EddieFlynn #Crime #Twisted #Witness8

The wait is over! Announcing Libraries NI’s Big Read for #BookWeekNI. We’re thrilled to reveal that the Big Read is Long Island by Colm Tóibín! To make it even more special, we have an exclusive interview here with Colm Tóibín. #BookWeekNI #LibrariesNIBigRead #ColmToibin #LongIsland #LetsTalkBooks #LibrariesNI #Brooklyn #CreativeWriting #Seventies #Ireland

Join us for a special chat with Ballymena’s own Jan Carson, as she reflects on how her early reading experiences shaped her into the writer she is today. Our new podcast series Bookcited! kicks off today! #BookWeekNI #PodcastLaunch #JanCarson #LibrariesNI #QuicklyWhileTheyStillHaveHorses #LoughNeagh #ShortStories

FROM THE ARCHIVES (2020): Paula/Michael/Kirsty take turns to talk this month.

FROM THE ARCHIVES (2020): Paula, Kirsty and Michael continue to shadow the BBC 100 - one hundred novels which shaped their world. The team at Libraries NI give their opinions on 3 more books from the BBC's list. This month the titles relate to the theme of Adventure.