Library Nerds with Words

Follow Library Nerds with Words
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Do you finish reading a book and then flip back to the first page to start reading it again? Get so excited when the library book you’ve been waiting for comes in that you skip out of school or work to pick it up? Measure a “quick trip” to the library in HOURS instead of MINUTES? Is the library website in your smart phone’s Favorites? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you ARE a Library Nerd. Library Nerds with Words is the podcast where you get the word on everything library. The Peter White Library Nerds are in and ready to show you that being a nerd can be cool!

Martin Achatz


    • Jun 2, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 32m AVG DURATION
    • 201 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from Library Nerds with Words with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Library Nerds with Words

    Episode 7: Andrea M Talks Spice Girls, Concerts on the Steps, and Shark Hearts

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 36:13


    In this episode, Communications Coordinator Andrea Marsh dishes on her Spice Girls obsession, Ramble Tamble, and Summer Reads.Andrea's Book Recommendations:Water Moon by Samantha Sotto YambaoShark Heart by Emily HabeckShady Hollow by Juneau Black

    Episode 6: Amanda & Ben Stop By to Talk Courtroom Dramas

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 104:25


    In this episode, Amanda from the Teen Zone, Ben from Tech Services, and Marty eat Tiramasu, talk courtroom dramas, and, of course, engage in Muppet debates. Amanda, Ben, Andrea, and Marty's book recommendations:Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven (Amanda)The Basketball 100 by David Aldridge & John Hollinger (Ben)

    Episode 5: Andrea M Talks NEA Big Read

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 26:56


    In this episode, PWPL Communications Coordinator Andrea Marsh talks all things NEA Big Read, expensive dinners, and being an adrenaline junkie!Andrea's Book Recommendations:Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by Roz ChastThe Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes of Modern Irrationality by Amanda Montell

    big read andrea m we talk about something more pleasant
    Episode 4: Amanda and Ben Stop By for Oscar Predictions

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 54:08


    In this special episode, Amanda Pierce from the Teen Zone, Ben Sargent from Tech Services, and Marty discuss their Oscar predictions.

    Episode 3: Sarah Talks Tech, Wild Robots, and Winter Reading

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2025 18:26


    In this episode, Sarah Rehborg, Head of Youth Services, talks about PWPL's upcoming Cyber Clinic programming series, taking place in partnership with NMU's Cyber Security Institute.Sarah's Book Recommendation:The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

    Episode 2: Andrea Talks Armpits, Changes, and Clothes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 35:57


    In this episode, Communications Coordinator Andrea Marsh talks about changing clothes, changing the podcast (a little), and changing books. Andrea's book recommendations: Happy-Go-Lucky by David Sedaris The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese Clarity & Connection by Yung Pueblo

    Episode 1: Amanda Talks Write On, Prom Dresses, and Ghosts

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 27:25


    In this first episode of Season 5, Amanda Pierce from the Teen Zone talks about Pepe the Shrimp, teen programs, and new teen books. Amanda's book recommendations: After Life by Gayle Forman Ruin Road by Lamar Giles

    Episode 52: Ben and Amanda Talk Ho-Ho-Holiday Movies

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2024 79:23


    In this episode, Amanda from the Teen Zone, Ben from Tech Services, and Marty discuss some holiday movies to watch or avoid, with a little Muppet discussion on the side. Amanda, Ben, Andrea, and Marty's book recommendations: Women and Children First by Alina Grabowski (Amanda) A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (Ben) Skipping Christmas by John Grisham (Andrea) Happy-Go-Lucky by David Sedaris (Marty)

    Episode 51: Steph from Tech Services Taste Tests Some Chips for the Holidays

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2024 35:39


    In this episode, Head of Tech Services Stephanie Garn talks yak penis, lobster potato chips, and the end of the world. Steph's Book Recommendation: Wool by Hugh Howey

    Episode 50: Lynette Talks Gerbils, Points of View, and Longmire

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2024 32:46


    In this episode, Assistant Head of Adult Services Lynette Suckow discusses Frankenstein, book re-imaginings, and ski jumping. Lynette's Book Recommendations: The Ski Jumpers by Peter Geye Tooth and Claw: A Longmire Story by Craig Johnson

    Episode 49: Ann Talks Rabid Bears, Poetry, and Louise Erdrich

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2024 56:16


    In this episode, PWPL Administrative Assistant Ann Richmond Garrett talks Robert Frost, Poetry Idols, and Louise Erdrich. Ann's Book Recommendation: The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich

    Episode 48: Amanda, Ben, & Marty Talk Grateful Movie Performances

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2024 65:00


    In this episode, Amanda from the Teen Zone, Ben from Tech Services, and Marty talk about film performances for which they are grateful, and Muppets, of course! Amanda, Ben, & Marty's Book Recommendations: What's Nest: A Backstage Pass to the "West Wing," Its Cast and Crew, and Its Enduring Legacy of Service by Melissa Fitzgerald, Mary McCormack, et al. I Was a Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones Modern Poetry by Diane Seuss

    Episode 47: Circulation Head Melissa Talks Food and Ducks

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2024 22:25


    In this episode, Head of Circulation Melissa gets down and nerdy about Food for Fines, dinner menus, and ducks. Melissa's Book Recommendation: If You Can't Take the Heat by Geraldine DeRuiter

    Episode 46: Amanda Talks Merry Movie Mayhem and Pepe

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2024 32:47


    In this episode, Amanda from the Teen Zone joins Marty to talk about Muppets and Merry Movie Mayhem. Amanda's book recommendation: Inkflower by Suzy Zail

    Episode 45: Andrea Gets Big and Hairy with Poetry

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2024 23:03


    Communications Coordinator Andrea Marsh talks with Marty about his upcoming reading at PWPL of his new poetry collection A Bigfoot Bestiary and Other Wonders. Andrea's Viewing Recommendation: Summer 2024 Paris Olympics streaming on Peacock.

    Episode 44: Library Director Andrea Talks Elections and Coronations

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2024 18:40


    In this episode, Andrea Ingmire, Director of Peter White Public Library, discusses elections, coronations, and fluffy reads. Andrea and Marty's Book Recommendations: The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich--Andrea Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange--Marty

    Episode 43: Amanda, Ben, and Marty's Annual Halloween Picks

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2024 87:37


    In this episode, Amanda from the Teen Zone, Ben from Tech Services, and Marty tackle some great, and not-so-great, films for Halloween. Amanda, Ben, and Marty's book recommendations: The Turn of the Screw by Henry James--Ben Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder--Amanda Horrorstor by Grady Hendrix--Marty

    Episode 42: Ben, Amanda, and Muggles Talk Millennial Movies

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2024 104:27


    In this episode, Ben from Tech Services, Amanda from the Teen Zone, and Muggles (Ben's sister and LNWW #1 Fan) join Marty at the nerd multiplex to talk movies released in 1999. Amanda, Muggles, Ben, and Marty Book Recommendation: Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay--Amanda The Nineties by Chuck Klosterman--Ben More Than a Glitch by Meredith Broussard--Muggles The Vegetarian by Han Kang--Marty

    Episode 41: Bella Talks Harriet Tubman, Local History, and Hopeful Reads

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2024 23:31


    Newly hired Local History Coordinator Bella Markham stops by the Nerd Penthouse to talk about history, grad school, and books the bring her hope. Bella's Book Recommendation: They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill Us by Hanif Abdurraqib

    Episode 40: Lynette Talks Voting, Gerrymandering, and Colm Toibin.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2024 33:34


    In this voting episode, Assistant Head of Adult Services Lynette Suckow discusses voting, Abraham Lincoln, and gerrymandering. Lynette's Book Recommendations: The Funeral Ladies of Ellerie County by Claire Swinarski Long Island by Colm Toibin

    Episode 39: Andrea Marsh Talks Aliens, Bigfoot, and Colonial Sexy

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2024 29:56


    In this episode, Communications Coordinator Andrea talks about being an alien baby, a Bigfoot book release event, and Kristin Hannah. Andrea's Book Recommendations: Circe by Madeline Miller The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

    Episode 38: Jody Trost Talks Flannery O'Connor, Old Books, and Libraries

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2024 52:45


    In this episode, Jody Trost from Felt Magic fame talks about her new role as librarian at Snowberry Heights, her love of Flanner O'Connor, and her fear for clowns. Jody's Book Recommendation: The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel

    Episode 37: An NEA Big Read Moment with Marty

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2024 8:38


    In the episode, Marty Achatz talks about the upcoming NEA Big Read at PWPL, focused on Roz Chast's graphic memoir Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? Marty shares an NEA Big Read Moment about his mother.

    big read roz chast we talk about something more pleasant
    Episode 36: Melissa Talks Ingmar Bergman, Library Cards, and Quickie Divorces

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2024 23:33


    In this episode, Melissa Alan, the Head of Circulation, talks about Boomer birthday cards, library cards, and Reno divorcees. Melissa's book recommendation: The Divorcees by Rowan Beaird

    Episode 35: Heather Talks Dickens, Used Books & Media, and Podcast Mystery

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2024 14:05


    In this episode, Development Director Heather Steltenpohl talks about Gutenberg Bibles, the Friends of PWPL's Used Book and Media Sale, and a podcast whodunnit. Heather's Book Recommendations: Any book by J. L. Hyde Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

    Episode 34: Adyson Talks Pumpkin Spice, Art & Design, and Bookstores

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2024 29:02


    In this episode, Adyson Guidebeck, the newest addition to PWPL's Circulation Department, talks about her dislike of pumpkin spice, her love of creative writing, and her time working in a bookstore. Adyson's Book Recommendation: On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden

    Episode 33: Andrea Marsh Talks Patchett, All Booked Up, and Graphic Politics

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2024 17:56


    In this episode, Communications Coordinator Andrea Marsh talks about octopi, changes to All Booked Up, and graphic political books. Andrea's book recommendations: Drawing the Vote: An Illustrated Guide to Voting in America by Tommy Jenkins A Firehouse of Falsehood by Teri Kanefield, art by Pat Dorian Putin's Russia: The Rise of a Dictator by Darryl Cunningham

    Episode 32: Lynette Talks Serial Killer, Thrillers, and Book Clubs

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2024 34:36


    In this episode, Assistant Head of Adult Services Lynette Suckow talks about defusing time bombs, Dan Brown (among others), and the Heritage Room Book Club. Lynette's book recommendations: Women and Children First by Alina Grabowski Daughter of the Merciful Deep by Leslye Penelope I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai

    Episode 31: Felt Nerd Jody Trost Talks Bigfoot, Felting, and Neil Gaiman

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2024 41:52


    In this episode, Jody Trost, library nerd leader of Felt Magic at PWPL, talks Olympic felting, being in prison in Georgia, and her love for Neil Gaiman. Jody's Book Recommendations: Trigger Warning by Neil Gaiman The Bazaar of Bad Dreams by Stephen King

    Episode 30: Amanda from the Teen Zone Talks Summer & Fall

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2024 34:54


    In this episode, Amanda Pierce, Head of the Teen Zone, provides updates on teen summer programs and plans for the coming Fall. Amanda's book recommendations: This Book Won't Burn by Samira Ahmed The Deep Dark by Molly Knox Ostertag

    Episode 29: Poetry Nerd Ronnie Ferguson & PWPL's 3-Day International Chapbook Contest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2024 38:54


    Poet/musician/editor/publisher Ronnie Ferguson discusses Emily Dickinson, PWPL's 3-Day International Chapbook Competition, and Knuckleheads. Ronnie's book recommendations: Inland Sea by Lynn Domina Knuckleheads by Jeff Kass What We Talk About When We Talk About God by Rob Bell

    Episode 28: Emily from Circulation Talks Things that Go Bump in the Night

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2024 61:42


    Emily Couts from the Circulation Department talks haunted houses, the Trench Coat Man, and ghost hunting. Emily and Andrea's Recommendations: Ghosts of Michigan's Upper Peninsula by Jennifer Billock (Emily) Spooked podcast by Glynn Washington

    Episode 27: Cat and Ben Beam in for a "Star Trek" Discussion

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2024 103:58


    In this episode, outgoing Local History Coordinator Cat Shattuck and Ben from Tech Services dish on all things Star Trek--captains and Klingons and Janeway and all things in between! Book Recommendations: Star Trek: New Frontier series by Peter David (Ben) Star Trek Cord of Engineers series by Dean Wesley Smith, Christie Golden, Keith R. A. DeCandido, Dayton Ward, Kevin Dilmore (Ben) Any books by T. Kingfisher (Cat) The Waters by Bonnie Jo Campbell

    Episode 26: Communications Coordinator Andrea Talks NEA Big Read

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2024 41:03


    In this episode, PWPL Communications Coordinator Andrea Marsh talks LARPing, NEA Big Read, and British sexy. Andrea's book recommendations: The Women by Kristin Hannah Happy Place by Emily Henry

    Episode 25: Library Director Andrea & a Puzzling Conversation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2024 24:02


    PWPL Library Director Andrea Ingmire talks wine marathons, Puzzle Mania, and mysteries. Andrea's Book Recommendations: The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger

    Episode 24: Lilith and Cat Share Some Pride

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2024 50:00


    In this special Pride Month episode, Local History Coordinator Cat Shattuck and Lilith Muraro from the Reference Desk talk queer books and movies and TV shows. Cat & Lilith's recommendations: The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes (Cat) The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall (Cat) The Diviners series by Libba Bray (Cat) Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki (Lilith) The Locked Tomb series by Tamsyn Muir (Lilith)

    Episode 23: Sarah Talks Summer Reading and Bubbles

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2024 15:25


    In this episode, Sarah Rehborg, head of PWPL Youth Services, talks summer reading, Willy Wonka irresponsibility, and Bubble Bubble Splash. Sarah's book recommendation: The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass

    Episode 22: Heather Talks Tea Parties, Bonnie Jo Campbell, and Friends

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2024 12:03


    In this episode, Peter White Public Library Development Director Heather Steltenpohl talks close encounters with authors, including Bonnie Jo Campbell this summer at PWPL. Heather's Book Recommendation: Only If You're Lucky by Stacy Willingham

    Episode 21: Thayer Talks Stephen King, Noir Fiction, and His New Book

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2024 22:08


    In this episode, Thayer Yates from the Reference Desk talks King versus Gaiman, noir fiction, and his new novel Glasspier. Thayer's book recommendation: House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski

    Episode 20: Lynette Gets Serious About Art & Artists

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2024 29:02


    In this episode, Adult Services Assistant Department Head talks of her love for Leonardo (da Vinci no DiCaprio) and Vinnie van Gogh. Lynette's Book Recommendation: James by Percival Everett

    Episode 19: Communications Coordinator Andrea Concerts, Gold Medals, and Rollerblading

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2024 36:35


    In this episode, Communications Coordinator Andrea Marsh talks about the PWPL summer Concert of the Steps series, her love of the Backstreet Boys, and Gold Medals. Andrea's book recommendation: Gold from Iron by Nick Baumgartner

    Episode 18: Outgoing PWPL Board President Anne Donohue Gets Nostalgic

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2024 25:03


    In this episode, Anne Donohue, Outgoing President of PWPL's Board of Trustees, talks about her time at the library and her hopes for the future. Anne's book recommendation: Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley

    Episode 17: "Field of Dreams" and Its Greatness

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2024 102:13


    In this episode, Amanda from the Teen Zone and Ben from Tech Services go the distance, talking about some of the greatest sports movies of all time. If you record it, they will listen. Amanda, Ben, and Marty's Book Recommendations: Iron War: Dave Scott, Mark Allen, and the Greatest Race Ever Run by Matt Fitzgerald (Ben's recommendation) Godly Heathens by H. E. Edgmon (Amanda's recommendation) Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (Marty's recommendation)

    Episode 16: Teen Author Berkeley Talks About Her Writing Journey

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2024 37:11


    In this episode, Teen Zone Berkeley Thompson talks Toni Morrison, Write On, and being a The New York Times author. Berkeley's Book Recommendations Chlorine by Jade Song

    Episode 15: Emily Talks Bigfoot, Nessie, and Yetis

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2024 32:48


    In this episode, Emily Couts from the Circulation Department share her love of all things cryptozoological. Emily's Book Recommendations: Argylle: A Novel by Elly Conway The United States of Cryptids: A Tour of American Myths and Monters by J. W. Ocker

    Episode 14: Amanda and Some April Fool's Day Fun

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2024 29:13


    In this special April Fool's Day episode, Amanda from the Teen Zone and Marty go head-to-head in a dad joke competition. Plenty of groans (and a few laughs) to be had.

    Episode 13: Cat Talks Judi Dench, Audiobooks, and James Earl Jones

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2024 27:30


    In this episode, Local History Coordinator Cat Shattuck dishes on Judi Dench, great audiobooks, and Family Guy. Cat's (Audio)Book Recommendation: The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty

    Episode 12: Lynette Stops By to Talk Winter Olympics, Sports, and Irish Mysteries

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2024 27:20


    In this episode, Assistant Head of Adult Services Lynette Suckow talks game about sports books, sports fashions, and Irish mysteries. Lynette's book recommendations: The Searcher and The Hunter by Tana French

    Bonus Episode: Ben, Amanda, and Marty's Oscar Wrap-Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2024 52:24


    In this Bonus Episode, Ben, Amanda, and Marty dish on the Oscars--who lost, who one, and why Field of Dreams is the greatest baseball movie of all time.

    Episode 11: Amanda & Ben Get Their Scorsese On

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2024 83:33


    In this episode, Amanda from the Teen Zone and Ben from Tech Services talk Chance the Rapper, Kermit and Miss Piggy, and Martin Scorsese movies. Amanda, Ben, and Marty's Recommendations: Masters of the Air on Apple TV The Bright Hour by Nina Riggs

    Episode 10: Teen Services Coordinator Amanda Talks, Cheeses, Genres, and Ryan La Sala

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2024 40:52


    In this episode, Amanda from the Teen Zone stops by to taste test different cheeses, talk book genres, and call out Ben on his lack of cheese diversity. Amanda's book recommendations: Beholder by Ryan La Sala

    Claim Library Nerds with Words

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel