Just as no two books are the same, no two readers are identical. The Longmont Library’s Book Chatter Podcast is introducing a new format designed to celebrate the differences among bibliophiles.
Podcasts have been booming since the pandemic. The Podcast Index which researches the number of podcasts available on all major platforms lists more than 4.3 million available podcast series. Book podcasts are no exception.
Denise Young works at the Longmont Public Library and helped to found the original Book Chatter podcast alongside Josie Brockman, librarian.
“We got started during the pandemic. We wanted a way to continue to connect with our patrons but we were unable to do so in person. Josie came up with the idea of doing a podcast,” Young said.
Brockman’s original vision was a WebEx format that would encourage engagement between the listener and library employees. She never got the interaction she had hoped, but found that patrons online wanted to hear about the books others were reading and dissecting.
“Folks were content to listen to the episodes and read the book, but not leave comments and feedback,” Brockman said.
Over time, the number of listeners began to decline. As libraries opened back up to the public and as in-person book clubs were increasingly available, fewer and fewer people tuned in to Book Chatter. Brockman suggested ending the podcast altogether.
The other founders of Book Chatter had a different idea.
One constant of working in a library, Young said, is that people ask the staff what they are reading. Between all the blurbs, online reviews, and marketing jargon, it can be tricky to get an honest take on what to read.
“There are so many different personalities and types of readers, and people are curious what books we suggest,” Young said.
That love — and expert knowledge — of literature made Young and others involved in the podcast re-think Book Chatter’s format. Instead of a “book club” where everyone reads the same work and unpacks the topics and themes as a group, the newly redesigned Book Chatter will offer readers curated recommendations from a wider range of library staff.
The new version of Book Chatter will launch on Feb. 9, and Young is certain it will entice book lovers to seek out new and different works and discover books that will work their way into the hearts and shelves of avid readers.
“People don’t always want the best sellers,” Young said. “We’re focused on making this a readers’ advisory where people can find things that might not be part of Oprah’s Book Club or featured at the bookstore.”
By tapping into the entire library staff instead of the same people previously hosting Book Chatter, the founders hope that they will be able to create diversity in the selections. While the books featured on the new podcast may not be found on many modern “must-read” lists, the fast-paced and provocative conversations they spark might convince readers that they ought to be.
“People are hungry for new books to read, so I have no doubt the new Book Chatter will be of interest to our patrons,” Brockman said.
New episodes of Book Chatter will drop each month starting Feb. 9. You can find the podcast here.
