Book Lounge by Libby

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? 

This week on Book Lounge by Libby, Cameron Walpole, Associate Director of Interpretation and Public Programs, and Callie Hawkins, Executive Director of President Lincoln's Cottage in Washington, DC, join the show to explore how their organization is approaching America's 250th anniversary with thoughtfulness, curiosity, and a commitment to telling a fuller story of our shared history. 

The conversation dives into Abraham Lincoln's enduring legacy, why President Lincoln's Cottage remains such an important place today, and how books help us better understand both the past and the present. Then, for a fun twist, Cameron and Callie recommend books they think President Lincoln would have loved reading if he were browsing a library today. 

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a Lincoln admirer, or simply looking for thought-provoking nonfiction and historical fiction recommendations, this episode offers fresh perspectives on American history, civic engagement, and the power of reading. 

For more info, check out: https://www.lincolncottage.org/  

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Book recommendations: 

Cameron’s Titles:  


Differ We Must – Steve Inskeep  


Macbeth – William Shakespeare  


Wonder – R.J. Palacio 

Callie’s Titles: 


Joyful Anyway – Kate Bowler 


You Better Be Lightning – Andrea Gibson 


James – Percival Everett 


Everywhere Still – MH Clark 

Joe’s Titles:  


Feeding Ghosts – Tessa Hulls  


A Manual for Cleaning Women – Lucia Berlin  


Separation of Church and Hate – John Fugelsang 

Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Welcome and introductions 00:02:23 What is President Lincoln’s Cottage?  00:22:56 Our recommended reads 00:51:08 Final Thoughts and Outro 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 they're most excited to add to their TBRs. From buzzy fiction and page-turning mysteries to heartfelt romances and unforgettable literary reads, they're sharing the upcoming titles that have already captured their attention. 

Whether you're planning your summer reading list, looking for the next great library hold or simply love keeping up with the latest book releases, this episode is packed with recommendations to help fill your TBR. 

Tune in for a fun conversation celebrating the most anticipated books hitting shelves in July 2026 and discover which titles deserve a spot at the top of your reading list. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Link to our full book list: Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life!  Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! 

Book recommendations: 

Emma’s Picks:  


Prince of Swords – Elise Kova  


A Forsaken Prophecy – Stacey McEwan  


In the Wake of the Ruined – Kalie Cassidy 


Hot Girl Murder Club – Ashley Winstead 


Foxx – Paisley Hope  


The MASH Up – Laura Marie Meyers  


If Books Could Kill – Kate Eberle  


Daggermouth – HM Wofle 

Joe’s Picks: 


Helpless – Jessica Knoll 


My Tokyo Summer – Abby Denson  


Coming Out Perfect – Richard Mercado  


Case Closed, Vol. 99 – Gosho Aoyama 


Witch’s Inheritance – Paige Hender 


The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance  – Chiara Bullen 


The Masala Chai Mystery Club – MJ Soni 


Ghost Girl – Eva Benefield 


Alex, by Proxy – Karen Myna Cantor 

Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:20 Catching up with Emma 00:06:50 July 2026 Book Picks 01:20:23 Final thoughts and outro 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Destinee (@yourromancedestinee) joins the lounge to share the steamy romance books that deserve a spot on your summer TBR. 

From slow burns that leave readers desperate for more, to romances packed with chemistry, banter, longing, and unforgettable love stories, Joe & Destinee share recommendations for every kind of romance reader. The conversation dives into what makes a great romance novel, why the genre continues to captivate millions of readers, and how finding the perfect romance book is all about matching the right story to the right reader. 

Season 3 may be coming to a close, but Book Lounge by Libby isn’t going anywhere! After this episode, the podcast will move to a monthly rhythm of three episodes per month through the end of September when Season 4 launches with even more author conversations, reading recommendations and behind-the-scenes book world discussions. 

Whether searching for spicy romance books, summer romance reads, or a brand-new favorite love story, this episode is the perfect way to heat up a reading list. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Link to our full book list: Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life!  Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! 

Book recommendations: 

Destinee’s picks: 


Never Seduce a Scot – Maya Banks 


High Seas Heat – Sarah Blue 


Die for Me – Shirlene Obuobi 


By the Bootstraps – Alexa Martin 


Rebel Heiress – Amalie Howard 


Just a Highland Fling – Naina Kumar 


Psy-Changeling Series (Book 1: Slave to Sensation) - Nalini Singh 

Joe’s picks: 


Extracurricular – Rachel Lynn Solomon 


Goliaths of Wrestling Series (Book 4: False Comeback) - Lily Mayne  


Jacksonville Rays Series (Book 4: Pucking Strong) - Emily Rath 


Shoutout: Puckboys Series (Book 1:  Egotistical Puckboy) – Eden Finley & Saxon James 


Night at the Vampire Castle – Hari Conner 


The Hades Calculus – Maria Ying 


Time and Time Again – Chatham Greenfield 


Lost Boys series (Book 1: The Skeptic) – Kelly Fox 

Who’s in this episode:  

Destinee (yourromancedestinee) - Links 

Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:16 Welcome to Destinee 00:02:15 Get to know Destinee and what got her into romance! 00:04:30 The change of the romance reader landscape 00:07:33 What are your favorite/least favorite tropes?  00:11:24 What are your favorite questions to be asked as a bookseller?  00:15:30 Romance Recommendations! 00:54:05 Thank you and outro  

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, building electric chemistry, writing yearning and intimacy, and why romance continues to captivate readers around the world. 

The conversation also briefly features romance author Sara Cate, who joined at the start of the episode before technical difficulties cut her time short. 

From the balance of tension and tenderness to the art of crafting a perfect happily ever after, Ann and BK share a behind-the-scenes look at their writing process, the emotional core of romance novels, and what makes a love story linger long after the final page. Whether you’re searching for your next spicy summer romance, a fan of contemporary love stories, or curious about how romance authors bring fictional relationships to life, this episode is a must-listen. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Link to our full book list: Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life!  Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! 

Who’s in the episode: 


Ann Liang: https://www.annliang.com/ 


BK Borison: https://bkborison.com/ 


Sara Cate: https://saracatebooks.com/ 

Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:03:21 Diving into romance 00:50:58 Romance Lightning Round 00:54:52 Thanks and outro  

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 about the audiobooks they've been loving lately. From unforgettable narrations to stories that are impossible to pause, they're sharing recent audiobook recommendations that deserve a spot on your listening list. 

This conversation is packed with recommendations, listening inspiration, and plenty of appreciation for the magic of audiobooks. 

Tune in to discover new audiobook recommendations, celebrate Audiobook Month, and find your next favorite listen. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Link to our full book list: Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life!  Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! 

Titles for Episode:  

Amy’s Picks:  


Enormous Wings - Laurie Frankel 


Good People - Patmeena Sabit 


Lady Tremaine - Rachel Hochhauser 


My Lady Jane - Cynthia Hand 


Skin Contact - Elisa Faison 


Invasive Species - Ellery Adams 

Joe’s Picks:  


Swift and Saddled – Lyla Sage 


The Daisy Chain Flower Shop – Laurie Gilmore 


Headlights – CJ Leede 


Witches of Dubious Origin - Jenn McKinlay 


God of the Woods - Liz Moore  


Our Last Resort - Clémence Michallon 


A Fortune of Sand – Ruta Sepetys 


The Taking of Jake Livingston – Ryan Douglass 


Bath Haus – PJ Vernon 


The Perfect Home – Daniel Kenitz  


Don’t Let the Forest In – CG Drews  


The Good Vampire’s Guide to Blood & Boyfriends – Jamie D’Amato 


Legends & Lattes Series - Travis Baldree 


Operation Bounce House – Matt Dinniman 


The Diviners – Libba Bray 


Believing – Anita Hill 


The Autumn Sprints Retirement Home Massacre - Philip Fracassi 


Home is Where the Bodies Are – Jeneva Rose 


MindWorks – Neal Shusterman 


Out There – Kate Folk 


Bubblegum – Adam Levin  


The Dresden Files  – Jim Butcher 


A Series of Unforunate Events – Lemony Snicket 


Vagabond – Tim Curry 


NOS4ATU – Joe Hill 


Rosemary’s Baby – Ira Levin 


Charlotte’s Web – EB White  


The Curseworkers Series - Holly Black  


How to Train Your Dragon series – Cressida Cowell 


Leaving Isn’t the Hardest Thing – Lauren Hough 

Who’s in this episode:  

Amy Allen Clark – Links 

Discover your next favorite read with the NEW 2026 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide! Dive into 70 handpicked titles—featuring upcoming releases, fresh new reads, and beloved backlist gems. Flip through 57 pages packed with bookish inspiration to create your ultimate summer reading stack.  LINK: https://buymeacoffee.com/bookgangpodcast/e/535779 

Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:00:43 Welcome and catching up with Amy Allen Clark 00:06:06 A reminder of our seasonal schedule 00:07:11 We talk about our love of audiobooks 00:19:06 Our audiobook recommendations 01:12:50 Outro  

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices