DMPL Podcast

DMPL Podcast: Gregg Hurwitz

AViD author Gregg Hurwitz joins the DMPL Podcast today! The bestselling author of the Orphan X series chats with host Aaron Gernes about the thriller writer community, his friendship with fellow AViD author Nick Petrie, and some of the elements behind the Orphan X series. Hurwitz and Petrie will be at the Central Library on Thursday, May 2, at 7 PM for AViD! Doors open at 6 PM. More information can be found at dmpl.org/avid. You can also watch this episode of the DMPL Podcast on YouTube!...

Beyond the Shelves: Reading Through the Decades

On the latest episode of Beyond the Shelves, Jes and Sarah time travel through the decades, picking a plethora of books set in the past 60 years. Plus, Book Bulletin features the inaugural Libby Awards - what they like, what they don't like, and what they have an issue with!   What They're Reading Where the Lost Wander, by Amy Harmon Clean Sweep, by Ilona Andrews The Fragile Threads of Power, by V.E. Schwab The Pairing, by Casey McQuiston Normal People, by Sally Rooney ...

Beyond the Shelves: Stats, Numbers, and Tech with DMPL Systems Administrator Katie

Jes and Sarah are joined by DMPL Systems Administrator Katie on the newest epsiode of Beyond the Shelves! Katie knows all the numbers and stats about the library that you can imagine, and she gives us some fun facts about circulation, programs, technolgoy, and more. It's a great peak behind the curtain about parts of the library you probably don't know about! Also, what famous author recently said he lied about having cancer? Stay tuned all the way to the end of the podcast for the Book Bu...

DMPL Podcast: Megan Bannister, Author of 'Secret Iowa'

Secret Iowa author Megan Bannister joins the DMPL Podcast. She discusses traveling across the state to discover the fun, unknown sites featured in this book, her favorite roads in Iowa, and what famous authors she outsold at a bookstore in Iowa last year. Show Notes Secret Iowa at the library Iowa Supper Clubs, by Megan Bannister Megan Bannister's website

Beyond the Shelves: All About Romance

It's February, and love is in the air! Get your HEA (happily ever after) by listening to Sarah, a romance aficionado, and Jes discuss the history of the romance genre, current trends, cross-genre romance books, and what some of their favorite stories are within different romance tropes.   Currently Reading The Book the Wouldn't Burn, by Mark Lawrence Ruthless Vows, by Rebecca Ross Beautyland, by Marie-Helene Bertino Good Material, by Dolly Alderton Light from Uncommon Stars, ...

Beyond the Shelves - 2024 Reading Goals

Welcome to the New Year! On the latest episode of 2024, Jes and Sarah review their 2023 reading goals and talk about what they want to do in 2024.   Show notes What they're reading: The Berry Pickers, by Amanda Peters Mall Goth, by Kate Leth If You'll Have Me, by Eunnie A Guest in the House, by Emily Carroll Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries, by Heather Fawcett Seven Days in June, by Tia Williams The Book that Wouldn't Burn, by Mark Lawrence The Nightingale...

Beyond the Shelves - Best of 2023

On the latest episode of the DMPL Podcast, hosts Jess and Sarah talk about their favorite books of 2023, as well as some of the most common books on the best of 2023 lists across the book media sphere.   Show Notes   What They're Reading Bookshops & Bonedust, by Travis Baldree Calamity, by Constance Fay Assistant to the Villain, by Hannah Nicole Maehrer The Quiet Tenant, by Clemence Michallon   Best Of Lists The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking ...

DMPL Podcast: Andrew Sean Greer

Andrew Sean Greer, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Less, its sequel Less is Lost, and four other novels, is the keynote speaker at this year's 23rd annual Iowa Author Awards Dinner. He speaks with host Aaron Gernes about the surprise that is winning the Pulitzer Prize, what it's like to sit as a judge for a major literary award, and what he's going to talk about this Friday in Des Moines. Show Notes Iowa Author Awards Dinner About Andrew Andrew's Books at the Library An...

DMPL Podcast: Community Table 2023 with Storyteller Toni Simmons

On the newest episode of the DMPL Podcast, host Aaron Gernes speaks with one of the headliners at this year's Community Table Festival, Toni Simmons. Simmons is a longtime professional storyteller who has traveled across the country, telling stories and hosting workshops on storytelling. During the podcast, Toni discusses what storytelling is and how it differs from something like a one-person show. She also talks about her past as a children's librarian right here in Des Moines!   Sho...

Beyond the Shelves: Spooky Season

On this month's Beyond the Shelves, Jes and Sarah are talking all things spooky season. They discuss some of their favorite horror movies and TV shows and the book adaptations that go along with them.   Show Notes Spooky Season Books The Haunting of Hill House, by Shirly Jackson Netflix The Turn of the Screw, by Henry James Netflix (as The Haunting of Bly Manor) The Fall of the House of Usher, by Edgar Allen Poe Netflix The Midnight Club, by Christopher Pike Netflix...

Beyond the Shelves: Back to School

Jes and Sarah are taking us back to middle school this month! They're talking about some of their favorite books from when they were in middle school and giving you some readalikes for those books today!   Show Notes   Middle School Books and Readalikes   Weetzie Bat, by Francesca Lia Block One Last Stop, by Casey McQuiston Stray City, by Chelsey Johnson   Shadow Children series, by Margaret Peterson Haddix How Beautiful We Were, by Imbolo Mbue War Girls, by Tochi O...

Beyond the Shelves: Vacation Reads

We're talking Vacation Reads on the newest episode of Beyond the Shelves! Jes and Sarah are talking about what makes a great vacation read, as well as some great "escapism" books if you can't get out on vacation for awhile. Plus, what they're reading, best bets, and first dibs!   Show Notes Vacation Read Recs Dial A for Aunties, by Jesse Q. Sutanto The Dead Romantics, by Ashley Poston Escapism Books Lake Books Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch It Happened One Summer, by Tessa ...

Beyond the Shelves: Book Jockeys

Jes and Sarah are joined by special guest Paige on the latest episode of Beyond the Shelves! This month they're talking all about being a librarian - why they became one, what their day-to-day is like, and they share some fun stories about working on the floor. Don't forget - Summer Reading is underway! Adults can take part in the Summer Checkout Challenge, and kids can take part in the Summer Reading Challenge. Learn more at dmpl.org/summer-reading.   Show Notes What We're Reading ...

Beyond the Shelves Episode 5: Pride Month Picks

Jes and Sarah are back and celebrating Pride with a super-sized episode! They'll share some of their favorite joyful LGBTQIA+ related titles in a variety of genres. Plus, here what they're reading right now, and stick around for a couple new segments - First Dibs and Best Bets. Don't forget - Summer Reading is underway! Adults can take part in the Summer Checkout Challenge, and kids can take part in the Summer Reading Challenge. Learn more at dmpl.org/summer-reading. Show Notes Books M...

AViD Author Emily St. John Mandel

AViD Author Emily St. John Mandel joins host Aaron Gernes on the latest episode of the DMPL Podcast. Mandel will be in Des Moines at the Central Library on Wednesday, May 10, at 7 PM. Doors open at 6 PM. During the podcast, she discusses the simulation hypothesis, revisiting characters, and the ways in which being born Canadian impacts how she views America, the country she calls home now. Show Notes Emily's AViD Event Emily's Book Picks White Cat, Black Dog, by Kelly Link Lauren ...

Beyond the Shelves Episode 4: Keeping Track

On the newest episode of Beyond the Shelves, Jes and Sarah talk about reading logs, why you might want to track your reading, and all the different ways you can track and apps you can use to do so. Show Notes   Ways to Track Your Reading: Book Riot's Spreadsheet (Google Doc) Goodreads The StoryGraph LibraryThing Beanstack   What Sarah and Jes are reading: Rust, by Eliese Colette Goldbach Soul Taken, by Patricia Briggs A Promise of Fire, by Amanda Bouchet A House...

AViD Author J. Ryan Stradal

AViD Author J. Ryan Stradal joins host Aaron Gernes on the latest episode of the DMPL Podcast. Stradal will be at the Central Library on Monday, May 1, at 7 PM for the program. During the podcast, Stradal talks about what he misses about the midwest, the Succession-esque struggles of family business, and how the first chapter in Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club was inspired by emotional events that occurred in his own life. Show Notes AViD Presents: J. Ryan Stradal J. Ryan's B...

DMPL Podcast: M. Chris Fabricant and 'Junk Science'

Innocence Project attorney and criminal justice advocate M. Chris Fabricant takes part in the latest episode of the DMPL Podcast. Fabricant is the author of Junk Science and the American Criminal Justice System, a book that highlights the flaws and outright fabrications inherent in forensic sciences and how they put innocent people not only behind bars, but on death row. Fabricant talks with host Aaron Gernes ahead of his visit to the Central Library on Saturday, April 29. The program will...

Beyond the Shelves Episode 3: Cross-Genre Picks

Jes and Sarah are back for another episdoe of Beyond the Shelves! This month, they're talking about cross-genre book picks and discussing how you can use the free database Novelist to find books you'll enjoy. Show Notes Novelist Books mentioned Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell Don't Fear the Reaper by Stephen Graham Jones Upgrade by Blake Crouch Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn On the Savage Side by Tiffany McDaniel Love & Other Disasters by Ani...

DMPL Podcast: AViD Author Sarah Penner

AViD author Sarah Penner joins Aaron Gernes on the latest episode of the DMPL Podcast. Penner is coming to Des Moines to kick off the 2023 Authors Visiting in Des Moines (AViD) series on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Show Notes Sarah Penner at AViD The DSM Book Festival Sarah's Books The London Séance Society (2023) The Lost Apothecary (2021) Sarah on the Web Publisher's Weekly review of The London Séance Society Reviews of The Lost Apothecary NPR New York Times ​​​​​​...

Beyond the Shelves E2: AViD and Favorite Book-to-Film Adaptations

On the newest epsidoe of Beyond the Shelves, hosts Jes and Sarah talk about the 2023 Authors Visiting in Des Moines lineup. Then, in the spirit of the Oscars, they discuss their favorite and least-favorite book-to-film (and TV) adaptations before doing buy, borrow, or skip with Lessons in Chemistry.

Sara Broers, author of '100 Things to Do in Iowa Before You Die'

Travel writer Sara Broers joins the DMPL Podcast today to discuss here 2022 book, 100 Things to Do in Iowa Before You Die. Sara talks about how she chose the items in her book, her favorite Iowa hidden gems, and what you should do in order to find some off-the-map hidden treasures when you travel.   Show Notes 100 Things to Do in Iowa Before You Die at the Library TravelwithSara.com Midwest Travel Network Sara's Social feeds Facebook Twitter Pintrest Instagram

Beyond the Shelves E1: Reading Resolutions

Welcome to Beyond the Shelves, a new podcast hosted by the Des Moines Public Library! This podcast is hosted by DMPL Librarians Brooklyn and Jes, both of whom are on the Book Chat team. In this first episode, they introduce themselves and talk about their reading goals this year, while also providing recommendations to each other in regards to those goals. Beyond the Shelves will be released monthly. You can find it in the DMPL Podcast feed.

Sean Adams, Author of 'The Thing in the Snow' and Moderator for Author Spotlight: Stephen Markley

The latest episode of the DMPL Podcast features Des Moines author Sean Adams. Sean wrote the 2020 acclaimed novel The Heap, and released his newest novel, The Thing in the Snow, this month. He's also the moderator for the upcoming author visit from Stephen Markley. Markley recently released The Deluge, and previously has written Ohio. Adams talks about his book, his friendship with Markley, and what he's excited to ask Markley about. Show Notes Author Spotlight: Stephen Markley | Saturd...

Iowa Children's Author Victor D.O. Santos

Victor D.O. Santos, author of several children's books, including My Dad, My Rock, joins the DMPL Podcast today. Victor will be taking part in the Des Moines Public Library's Iowa Author Series this Thursday, November 17. The program begins at 5:30 PM at the Central Library and is free to all! On the podcast, Victor talks about getting started as a children's author two years ago, the process of independently publishing children's books, and why he and his wife are raising their children ...

Atmospheric Book Picks with Rebecca

Crashing waves, falling leaves, a shadowy forest - books that provide a strong sense a place are what we're talking about on the latest episode of the DMPL Podcast. Book Chat team member Rebecca talks about three new books that she thinks of when she thinks "atmosphere." Rebecca's Picks What Moves the Dead, by T. Kingfisher Daisy Darker, by Alice Feeney Our Wives Under the Sea, by Julia Armfield   Other Book Suggestions Her Body and Other Parties, by Carmen Maria Machado Cr...

Iowa Author Award Honoree Heather Gudenkauf

Iowa Author Award Honoree Heather Gudenkauf is the latest guest on the DMPL Podcast! She discusses her newest book, The Overnight Guest, as well as her 14-year career.  Gudenkauf is one of three honorees at the 2022 Iowa Author Awards Dinner, which takes place Friday, October 14, at 6:30 PM at the Embassy Suites in downtown Des Moines. The program, titled The Magic of Libraries, will also feature honorees Art Cullen and Nate Staniforth.  Show Notes 2022 Iowa Author Awards Heather Gu...

Banned Books Week with the ACLU of Iowa

This week is Banned Books Week! Veronica Fowler, the ACLU of Iowa Communications Director, joins us to discuss Banned Books and the Freedom to Read. This is one of many things happening at the library this week celebrating the Freedom to Read. Check out our social media accounts, including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter, to see videos from staff discussing banned books and which are their favorites. Check out our Banned Books site, for a Q&A with our Director, Susan A. Woody. ...

2022 All-Iowa Reads Author Rachel Mans McKenny

Rachel Mans McKenny, author of The Butterfly Effect, is the newest guest on the DMPL Podcast! Rachel stopped by as she gets ready to appear at the Iowa Author Spotlight Series on Thursday, September 15, at 5:30 PM at the Central Library. The Butterfly Effect was selected as the 2022 All Iowa Reads book. During the podcast, Rachel and host Aaron Gernes chat about writing about Central Iowa, the ways in which writing a novel is different than short pieces, and how the pandemic impacted the ...

AViD Author Karin Slaughter

AViD author Karin Slaughter joins host Aaron Gernes on the newest episode of the DMPL Podcast! Karin will be in Des Moines on Wednesday, August 24, at 7:00 PM as part of the AViD series. Her best selling novels include Cop Town, Pretty Girls, The Good Daughter, and Pieces of Her, among others. Her newest book, Girl, Forgotten, arrives at the library and in bookstores on Tuesday, August 23. Show Notes Event Info Karin's Book Recs Empire of the Summer Moon, by S.C. Gwynne Things W...

Spark Stories: Dr. Richard L. Deming

What's the "spark" that shaped the lives of our local leaders? Each month, librarian Elizabeth Hoover de Galvez as they share their "Spark Story," the specific experience that sparked them to create change in the community. In addition, we’ll hear details about the work they are doing and what keeps them motivated to stay involved.  Previously a video series, Elizabeth is bringing the series to podcast form each month, found on the DMPL Podcast feed. This month's guest is Dr. Richard L. De...

'Baking Blue Ribbons' with Kay Fenton Smith

It's Iowa State Fair time, and the latest episode of the DMPL Podcast is sure to make you hungry to head to the fairgrounds. Kay Fenton Smith is the author of Baking Blue Ribbons: Stories and Recipes from the Iowa State Fair Food Competitions. Smith and host Aaron Gernes talk about what happens during the food competitions, popular foods throughout history, and some of her favorite recipes in the book.   Show Notes Baking Blue Ribbons at the Library Blue Ribbon Foundation Elwell Fa...

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Chuy Renteria, author of 'We Heard It When We Were Young'

Author Chuy Renteria joins the DMPL Podcast to talk about his memoir, We Heard It When We Were Young.' The book details Chuy's life growing up Mexican-American in West Liberty, Iowa, the first minority-majority town in Iowa. During the talk, Chuy and host Aaron Gernes talk about his experience dancing as a "b-boy," long summer nights in a small town, and how growing up in the 1990s and early 2000s was a different experience than what kids have today. SHOW NOTES We Heard It When We Were Yo...

Romance Read Recs from Book Chat

On today's DMPL Podcast, Sarah from the Book Chat team is talking about some of her favorite recent romance reads. Listen to the podcast, and then be sure to come to Meet Cute, Book Chat's romance event on Wednesday, June 15!  Show Notes Meet Cute: Reading Romance with Denise and Elisa Come to the Franklin Avenue Library on Wednesday, June 15, at 6:00 PM to learn about romance books from people who know them best! Meet local author Denise Williams (The Fastest Way to Fall and other ti...

DMPL Podcast: AViD Author Jason Mott

AViD Author Jason Mott joins us on the newest episode of the DMPL Podcast! During this chat, he talks about the development of Hell of a Book, including when how the special cameo by Nic Cage came to be. He also talks about the book's amazing reception and what surprising nonfiction topic he enjoys reading. Mott will take part in Authors Visiting in Des Moines on Wednesday, May 25, at 7:00 PM at the Central Library. The event is free and open to the public. Learn more on our AViD page. ...

Beth Hoffman, Author of 'Bet the Farm'

On the latest episode of the DMPL Podcast, host Aaron Gernes sits down with Beth Hoffman, author of Bet the Farm: The Dollars and Sense of Growing Food in America. The book traces the journey Beth and her husband have taken as they started farming on a 5th generation family farm in south central Iowa.  Beth was a long-time food and agriculture reporter, covering the industry for 25 years before moving with her husband John to begin operating Whippoorwill Creak Farm. The book explores the c...

AViD Author Amanda Montell

On the latest episode of the DMPL Podcast, we’re joined by Amanda Montell! Amanda is the author of Cultish: the Language of Fanaticism, and she co-hosts the hit podcast “Sounds like a Cult.”  She is also the next author in our Authors Visiting in Des Moines series! Amanda will be in Des Moines on Thursday, April 21, at 7:00 PM at the Central Library. Doors open at 6:00 PM for this free event, and seating is first-come, first-served. More information can be found at dmpl.org/avid. During to...

AViD Author Angeline Boulley

The newest episode of the DMPL Podcast features Angeline Boulley, author of the hit novel Firekeeper's Daughter. Boulley chats with host Aaron Gernes about the whirlwind of a year she's had since her book was released to rave reviews from both the professional press and readers. She also discusses a story from high school that in part inspired her to write Firekeeper's Daughter and reveals what her next book has to do with Laura Croft. Angeline will be taking part in Authors Visiting in Des ...

DMPL Podcast: AViD Author Brad Meltzer

AViD author Brad Meltzer joins us on the latest episode of the DMPL Podcast! Brad will be kicking off the AViD series on Thursday, March 17, at 7:00 PM at the Central Library. But before coming to town, he comes on the podcast to discuss how excited he is to be back on the road again. He also talks about what he finds so enthralling about being a novelist, and what inspired him to write his Ordinary People Change the World children's book series. Brad's newest book, The Lightning Rod, comes ...

Reading Challenge Book Suggestions

The DMPL Podcast returns with Book Chat team member Carrie! She's chatting about books she loves that fulfill one or more categories of the 2022 Reading Challenge. If you haven't signed up for the Reading Challenge, do so now! It's a great chance to win books and win prizes in the process. Show Notes Carrie's Suggestions Sigh, Gone, by Phuc Tran Categories fulfilled: BIPOC memoir, book about books Tsunami Tattoo, Phuc's tattoo shop Pride and Premeditation, by Tirzah Price Categor...

Amy Lee Lillard, Author of 'Dig Me Out'

On the most recent episode of the DMPL Podcast, local author Amy Lee Lillard joins the show to discuss her debut short story collection, Dig Me Out. Amy and host Aaron Gernes her popular podcast Broads and Books.   Show Notes Amy Lee Lillard | Website Amy Lee Lillard | Facebook Amy Lee Lillard | Twitter Amy Lee Lillard | Instagram Broads and Books Dig Me Out at the Library Dig Me Out

How to Use Book Chat

On the latest DMPL Podcast, Book Chat librarian Rebecca joins host Aaron Gernes and completes a Book Chat request for him! You'll find out what Book Chat is, how it works, and then hear an example of how librarians handpick titles for patrons using Book Chat as she picks out some books she thinks Aaron will enjoy. Show Notes Book Chat Book Chat Email Example (includes the books discussed on the podcast) 2022 DMPL Reading Challenge

'What Happened to Paula' author Katherine Dykstra

On today's podcast, author Katherine Dykstra chats with host Aaron Gernes about her 2021 book What Happened To Paula: On the Death of an American Girl. The book details the 1970 disappearance and death of Cedar Rapids teenager Paula Oberbroeckling, reflecting on who or what may have caused her death, and also reflects on what it means to be a woman over the past half-century. Show Notes What Happened to Paula in the library More on Katherine Dykstra: Website Twitter Instagram Go...

Best of 2021

On the latest episode of the DMPL Podcast, host Aaron is joined by Book Chat librarians Janeé and Steph to discuss their favorite books of 2021.  If you're interested in hearing more about our librarians' favorite books, be sure to take part in our Best of 2021 virtual program next Wednesday, December 15, at 6:30 PM on Zoom! Four more Book Chat librarians will be sharing their favorite reads and discussing books with each other and the audience. Register for the program soon, as spots are...

DMPL Podcast: Books About Grief

Today on the podcast, Annie Nelson, a Bereavement Coordinator at Hospice of the Midwest, joins the podcast. With the holidays coming up, she recommends some books about grief and grieving to help us make sense of what can be a tough time of year for many people. Annie's Recommendations On Death and Dying, by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross On Grief and Grieving, by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross Healing Your Grieving Heart, by Alan Wolfeldt It's OK That You're Not OK, by Megan Devine Notes on Grie...

Horror Book Picks with Janeé

On today's DMPL Podcast, host Aaron Gernes chats with Janeé, from the Book Chat team, about some of her favorite horror books in the past year. Janeé is DMPL's horror aficionado, so you can be sure that her picks are some of the best around! Janeé's Book Picks My Heart is a Chainsaw, by Stephen Graham Jones The Final Girl Support Group, by Grady Hendrix Only If You Dare: 13 Stories of Darkness and Doom, by Josh Allen Mary, Will I Die?, by Shawn Sarles

Dyslexia Awareness Month

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. Heidi Kroner is the founder of Decoding Dyslexia Iowa as well as Aspire Academy, a group that raises dyslexia awareness, empowers families to support their children, and influence policymakers and educators on best practices to identify, remediate, and support Iowa students with dyslexia. She's also the founder of Aspire Academy, a tutoring center that helps bring children with dyslexia up to reading at grade level. Show Notes DMPL's decodable book co...

Latinx Heritage Month Book Picks

Steph from the Book Chat team joins us today on the DMPL Podcast to talk about books for Latinx Heritage Month! She has a book picked out for adults, young adults, and children and discusses what she loves about each. Be sure to check out the bookmarks in the Show Notes for more Latinx Heritage Month reading suggestions. Show Notes Steph's Picks My Broken Language, by Quiara Alegria Hudes Fat Chance Charlie Vega, by Crystal Maldonado Merci Suarez Changes Gears, by Meg Medina   R...