The Waterloo Public Library's podcast gathers trends and topics from the literary world to connect listeners with their library and explores what makes our community a great place to live.
Thanks for tuning in to Episode 49 of the WPL Book Drop podcast! Today, we have Miranda, a Library Assistant in WPL's Youth Department on to talk about International Dot Day, a global celebraton of creativity, and to talk about how the Waterloo Community will be celebrating. The library will host a kickoff party for this celebration on September 21st, and you can find more information on that here. And if you can't make the party, make sure to stop by WPL in the following weeks to see local students' dots on display. If you like the show, please 'like' and subscribe! Titles Discussed: The Dot by Peter Reynolds Magic: the life of Earvin "Magic" Johnson by Roland Lazenby You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith A Rover's Story by Jasmine Warga Sentimental Garbage, hosted by Caroline O'Donoghue
On this episode of the WPL Book Drop Podcast, Artist and Writer, Felicia Babb Cass, stops by to talk community, art, writing, and WPL's Author Seedbed Workshop Series, which she helped coordinate. Find more information on the workshop series here. Titles discussed on today's episode: Seven Drafts: Self-edit like a Pro from Blank Page to Book by Allison K. Williams The Libby App Golden Record by Rosemary Valero-O'Connell Bright by Kiki Petrosino
Join us as local historian, Charles Pearson, discusses his research on the Iowa Civil Rights Trail and the Waterloo African American Historical Resource Development Project. Get a sneak peek at what Charles will be discussing in his talk here at WPL on February 13th at 5:30 PM as part of the library's Black History Month programming series. Titles Discussed: They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill Us by Hanif Abdurraqib Chrome Valley by Mahogany L. Browne Outside in: African-American History in Iowa, 1838-2000 by Bill Silag The Green Book
Listen in as Main Street Waterloo Executive Director, Jessica Rucker, joins us to discuss the many, many festivities coming up as part of Winter Wonderloo. Winter Wonderloo kicks off on November 25 and runs through December 25. For more information, and a schedule of events, follow this link. For information on getting involved with Main Street Waterloo, visit their website, and to keep up with what they are up to, visit their Facebook page. Titles Discussed: Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time by Jeff Speck Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson Open Book by Jessica Simpson Floaters by Martín Espada Postcolonial Love Poems by Natalie Diaz You can find video of this episode on the City of Waterloo's Youtube Channel.
Welcome to Episode 45 of the WPL Book Drop podcast! Today, we have Missie from the library's Youth Department on to talk about Prime Time Family Reading, a series of programs in collaboration with, and sponsored by, Humanities Iowa. These events will take place at WPL the evenings of October 10th, 17th, and 24th. Find more information on Prime Time here, and call the Youth Department at 319-287-3976 to register. Titles Discussed: The Invitation by Stacey May Fowles What if... by Samantha Berger
In honor of Banned Books Week (October 1-7), Library Assistant Josée joins Seth on the pod to talk all things Banned Books. Listen in and learn more about how book bans impact your library and community. You can find video of this episode, and past episodes, at the City of Waterloo's Youtube Channel. Titles Discussed: 19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult Of Mice & Men by John Steinbeck Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
Welcome back! After a Summer Break, the WPL Book Drop is back with a new episode to give some updates on the library, On this episode, Seth is joined by Library Assistant, Sarah, and Teen Librarian, Dusty, to talk about our newly moved and renovated Hive Makerspace and upcoming Hive Programming. You can find the Calendar of upcoming Library Events (Hive Workshops included) at this link And Sarah and Dusty's book recommendations can be found below: Dusty: Happy-Go-Lucky by David Sedaris My Hero Academia (Various Individual Titles by Various Authors) Sarah: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout
In this episode, brand new Book Drop host Seth Thill welcomes Maddie Kizer and Beth Tulley, two students from the University of Northern Iowa, to discuss The Big Public Poetry Party, a collaboration between WPL and their Senior Seminar class taught by Dr. Brooke Wonders at UNI. You can find more about The Big Public Poetry Party here.
In this episode, former WPL Book Drop host and current WPL Public Services Manager, Becky Miller, visits with brand new, first-time WPL Book Drop host and Teen Librarian, Dusty Sanboeuf to catch you up on recent changes at the library and in their positions. Becky and Dusty also discuss further potential changes on the horizon at WPL, which you can keep track of at the our website! Titles discussed include: Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry Dying of Politeness by Geena Davis Freezing Order: A True Story of Money Laundering, Murder, and Surviving Vladimir Putin's Wrath by Bill Browder Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera Ain't Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynolds Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley
A few weeks ago, the Waterloo Public Library partnered with the University of Northern Iowa Center for Urban Education Talent Search. Around 20 teenage Talent Search students participated in a podcasting workshop at the library. The students learned what podcasting is, and why people do it. The teens then collaborated in small groups to brainstorm, outline, and perform their own short podcast episodes. The workshop was about two hours long from start to finish. There was a lot of laughing and learning! Now, in this special interlude episode of the WPL Book Drop, we share the groups' recordings. You will hear five short episodes back-to-back.
A few weeks ago, the Waterloo Public Library partnered with the University of Northern Iowa Center for Urban Education Talent Search. Around 30 teenage Talent Search students participated in a podcasting workshop at the library. The students learned what podcasting is, and why people do it. The teens then collaborated in small groups to brainstorm, outline, and perform their own short podcast episodes. The workshop was about two hours long from start to finish. There was a lot of laughing and learning! Now, in this special interlude episode of the WPL Book Drop, we share the groups' recordings. You will hear five short episodes back-to-back.
In this episode, Library Assistant Dusty talks about the upcoming Adult Summer Library Program. Learn more about it here. The Adult Summer Library Program is sponsored by Friends of the Library. Shop the FOL Used Book Shop anytime the library is open. You'll also find great deals in their basement shop on the first and third Saturdays of the month from 10 am - 1 pm and on Mondays from 10 am - 1 pm. FOL also invite you to shop their $5-a-bag book sale on Saturday, June 18, 2022, from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm in the library's basement. Titles discussed: The Great Kitchens of the Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal The Labyrinth by Simon Stålenhag Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company That Addicted America by Beth Macy
In this episode, Library Assistant Diane talks about the upcoming Teen Summer Library Program. Learn more about it here. Titles discussed: The Leaving by Tara Altebrendo Skyfall series by Shannon Messenger Worldwalker series by Josephine Angelini
In this episode, Robin Kim, Director of CLUE for Waterloo Community Playhouse, visits with Becky about the Waterloo Community Playhouse and their upcoming production of CLUE. Also discussed: Poetry Alive ThreeHouse Collective Campus Ministries Titles discussed: Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn Tamora Pierce books
In this episode, Library Assistant Missie talks about the upcoming 2022 Youth Summer Library Program. The 2022 Youth Summer Library Program is sponsored by Friends of the Waterloo Public Library, the LORAL Trust for the Love of Reading and Learning, and Nagle Signs, Inc. Registration for the 2022 YSLP begins on Monday, June 6, and Tuesday, June 7, from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm outside the library on 3rd Street (between the library's parking lot and SingleSpeed Brewing Company.) Titles discussed: Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland's Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World by Eliza Reid The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane by Kate O'Shaughnessy (All Iowa Reads 2022 youth title)
In this episode, Haley and Holly talk about their new book club, Coffee and the Classics, which begins at the library in May. Coffee and the Classics Book Club meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 10:30 am - 11:30 am beginning May 18. To participate, please email Haley at hbunnell@waterloopubliclibrary.org. Titles discussed: Emma by Jane Austen (May's book) A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith (June's book) Candide or Optimism by Voltaire (July's book) The Power by Naomi Alderman The Testaments by Margaret Atwood The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak Hour of the Witch by Chris Bohjalian
In this episode, "The Crazy Man in the Pink Wig,"— Mike Finley, visits with Becky about his upcoming investment series at the library. Mike Finley's 8-Week Investment Series at the Library Begins April 6, 5:30 pm. Weekly on Wednesdays PBS's "The Retirement Gamble" Titles discussed: All About Asset Allocation by Rick Ferri The Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John Bogle Financial Happine$$: Discover what a pink wig, and a "crazy" way of thinking can do to change the course of your life, FOREVER! by Mike Finley What Color is the Sky: The world of investing is full of illusions that stop you from seeing reality. If you push the clouds aside, the truth will appear. by Mike Finley Graduation!: Retirement can be the best time in your life as you "graduate" into a better version of YOU. Awake to the possibilities! by Mike Finley Now what?: the day you receive a diploma is not the end. It is the beginning! Now what? by Mike Finley
In this episode, Haley and Seth make their first appearance on the podcast to talk with Becky about the library's upcoming poetry series. In honor of National Poetry Month in April, the library will be hosting a reading series featuring local Cedar Valley poets Rachel Morgan, Jeremy Schraffenberger, and Vince Gotera. Each weekend will feature one of the poets, ending with a community poetry open mic event on the last Saturday in April. Join us for this poetry-packed four-weekend event beginning Saturday, April 9 through Saturday, April 30 from 10 am - 11 am in Meeting Room AB! Saturday, April 9 — Rachel Morgan Saturday, April 16 — Jeremy Schraffenberger Saturday, April 23 — Vince Gotera Saturday, April 30 — Community Open Mic Also talked about in this episode: Donkey Kong Rap Titles discussed: Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix One Two Three: A Novel by Laurie Frankel Tacky: Love Letters to the Worst Culture We Have to Offer by Rax King If This Is the Age We End Discovery by Rosebud Ben-Oni
In the episode, new Library Director David Eckert makes his first appearance on the podcast to talk about the library. Titles discussed: Elmet by Fiona Mozley The History of Jazz by Ted Gioia Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman
In the episode, Genie Berst, Outreach and Diversion Specialist of Friends of the Family, makes her first appearance on the podcast to talk about the Friends of the Family community table at the Waterloo Public Library. Friends of the Family will be on the library's second floor on Wednesdays during February and March from 12 - 2 pm. You can also reach Friends of the Family at: https://www.fofia.org/ 24/7 CRISIS LINE 1-800-410-SAFE [7233] An advocate is available 24/7. If calling is not an option, you can reach the Iowa Victim Call Center by texting "IOWAHELP" to 20121 to access their live chat feature. Titles discussed: Unbound: My Story of Liberation and the Birth of the Me Too Movement by Tarana Burke Group: How One Therapist and a Circle of Strangers Saved My Life by Christie Tate
In the episode, new Councilwoman Nia Wilder makes her first appearance on the podcast to talk about her new role on the Waterloo City Council representing Ward 3, her store Spark Lot, and her upcoming visit to the library to read for Black History Month storytime. Councilwoman Nia Wilder's Black History Month Storytime: Saturday, February 19, 10:30 am Contact Nia Wilder at 515-447-6590. Titles discussed: Judy Blume Just Like Me (school-made book) The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle Finish What You Start: The Art of Following Through, Taking Action, Executing, & Self-Discipline by Peter Hollins The Laws of Thinking: 20 Secrets to Using the Divine Power of Your Mind to Manifest Prosperity by Bishop E. Bernard Jordan A Child Called It by David J. Pelzer Game of Life and How to Play It (Simple Success Guides) by Florence Scovel Shinn Dedicated: the Case for Commitment in an Age of Infinite Browsing by Pete Davis
In the episode, Waterloo Mayor Quentin Hart makes his first appearance on the podcast to talk about his upcoming visit to the library to read for Black History Month storytime. Mayor Hart's Black History Month Storytime: Saturday, February 12, 10:30 am Also discussed: Waterloo 2030 Vision Plan Titles discussed: Quick and Nimble: Lessons from Leading CEOs on How to Create a Culture of Innovation by Adam Grant The 1619 Project: Born on the Water by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renée Watson The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story by Nikole Hannah-Jones
In the episode, Friends of the Waterloo Public Library President Mike Herman makes his first appearance on the podcast to talk about the Friends of the Library's upcoming book sale. FOL $5-a-bag Book Sale: Members only sale: Thursday, February 10, 5-7 pm Public book sale: Saturday, February 12, 9am-2pm Titles discussed: Robert B Parker's Night Passage (Jesse Stone Book 1) Altar of Eden by James Rollins Zoo by James Patterson Eight Great Debates About the Bible Prophecies by Ron Rhodes The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix
In the episode, Mary Kabel makes her first appearance on the podcast to talk about the library's homebound service and books. Titles discussed: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro The House of Gucci : A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and Greed by Sara Gay Forden Eternal by Lisa Scottoline
In this episode, Kim Chapman makes her first appearance on the podcast to talk about The MustList and books with Becky. Anxious People by Fredrik Backman Slime: How Algae Created Us, Plague Us, and Just Might Save Us by Ruth Kassinger 28 Summers by Ellen Hilderbrand Redhead by the Side of the Road by Anne Tyler The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World by Laura Imai Messina
In the episode, Jillian visits the podcast to talk about the 2022 All Iowa Reads titles. Titles discussed: The Butterfly Effect by Rachel McKenny (Adult selection) The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane by Kate O'Shaughnessy (Kids selection) What I Carry by Jennifer Longo (Teen selection) The Lager Queen of Minnesota by Ryan J. Stradal (runner-up adults category) The Monsters We Make by Kali White (runner-up adults category) https://www.iowacenterforthebook.org/
In this episode, Dusty makes his first appearance on the podcast to talk about graphic novels with Becky. Titles mentioned/discussed: Amulet. Book 1, The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi The Walking Dead Compendium One by Robert Kirkman, et al. Sisters by Raina Telgemeier, et al. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood; Adapted by Renee Nault Paper Girls by Brian K. Vaughan, et al. Y: The Last Man by Brian K. Vaughan, et al. This Place 150 Years Retold by Katherena Vermette, et al. Nobody's Fool: The Life & Times of Schlitzie the Pinhead by Bill Griffith Brzrkr by Keanu Revees, et al.
In this episode, Anderson makes her first appearance on the podcast to talk about The Hive's upcoming open house and to talk about audiobooks with Becky. Books discussed: Icebound: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World by Andrea Pitzer Calypso by David Sedaris Both books are available to checkout in Libby, as well as the physical collection. The Hive's Open House: November 18, 3-6 pm We're dusting off the equipment and inviting Hive users (new and seasoned) to join us for an open house. Get reacquainted with some of your Hive favorites and learn about other available tools when staff present short equipment demos. Enjoy light refreshments. The Hive is open, and we can't wait to welcome you back.
In this episode, Waterloo Center for the Arts Director Kent Shankle visits to about what's happening at the Center for the Arts and to share some favorite books. Books discussed: The Art of Making Memories by Meik Wiking Mama Lola: A Vodou Priestess in Brooklyn by Karen McCarthy Brown Grant Wood: A Life by R. Tripp Evans
In this episode, Waterloo Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Bill Beck talks with Becky about fire prevention, his career, and books. Recommended reads: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury Firefighters by Norma Simon Report from Engine Co. 82 by Dennis Smith
In this episode, Lindsay Buehler, Arts & Culture Coordinator at Hawkeye Community College, Endya Johnson, Technical Systems Assistant at Waterloo Public Library, and Becky Miller, Circulation and Marketing Assistant at Waterloo Public Library, discuss Banned Books Week. Books discussed: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas The Lorax by Dr. Seuss Where's Waldo by Martin Handford
In this episode, Sheryl and Becky talk about books they recently read. Sheryl's books: A Single Thread by Tracy Chevalier Dublin Murder Squad Series: In the Woods by Tana French Becky's books: Remember: The Science of Memory and The Art of Forgetting by Lisa Genova Hooked: Food, Free Will, and How the Food Giants Exploit Our Addictions by Michael Moss
In this episode, Amy Rousselow, Waterloo Public Library's Marketing and Volunteer Services Manager, Lindsay Pieters, Experience Waterloo's Marketing Director, and Ana Hanisch, SingleSpeed Brewing Company's Director of Operations, sit down with Becky Miller, the host of the WPL Book Drop podcast, to talk about preparing for RAGBRAI coming to Waterloo, and some of their recent reads. Titles discussed in this episode: The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins Lessons From Lucy: The Simple Joys of an Old, Happy Dog by Dave Barry Educated by Tara Westover Learn more about RAGBRAI coming to Waterloo at: https://experiencewaterloo.com/ragbrai/
In this episode, Becky and Endya talk about why they love audiobooks and share some of their favorites. Most of the titles mentioned in this episode may be found on the Libby App or the Hoopla App, free to borrow with your library card. Endya's Recommended Audiobooks: American Gods by Neil Gaiman Fearless Joe by Walter Mosley The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry Beach Read by Emily Henry The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by Victoria Schwab The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah The Son of Mr. Suleman by Eric Jerome Dickey Becky's Recommended Audiobooks: The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish The Time of My Life by Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi In Pieces by Sally Field No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality by Michael J. Fox The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter by Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson Recommended Reads for Pride Month: Wow, No Thank You: Essays by Samantha Irby Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin
In this episode, Diane from the Youth Department joins us to discuss the upcoming Teen Summer Library Program, and some youth and teen books she recommends. Titles discussed: The Spiderwick Chronicles series by Holly Black & Tony DiTerlizzi Ranger's Apprentice series by John Flanagan Let the Sky Fall (Sky Fall Trilogy) by Shannon Messenger Trial by Fire (The Worldwalker Trilogy) by Josephine Angelini
In this episode, Library Director Nick Rossman joins us to reflect on his time at WPL before he departs to become the library director of Carnegie-Stout Public Library in Dubuque. Youth titles discussed: Elephant & Piggie series by Mo Willems Pigs Make me sneeze! : an Elephant & Piggie Book Bruce the Bear series by Ryan T. Higgins Spring Stinks The Pigeon series by Mo Willems Pigeon Wants a Puppy!
In this episode, Megan and Kim from the Circulation and Reference Departments join us to discuss the upcoming Adult Summer Library Program, and some adult fiction and nonfiction books they enjoyed. Titles discussed: The Dutch House by Ann Patchett (Bookaholics Book Club selection) Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning by Cathy Park Hong The Unbroken: Magic of the Lost by C. L. Clark
In this episode, Denise and Deb from the Youth Department join us to discuss the youth summer library program, some adult fiction books they enjoyed, and a few titles for teen and elementary age readers. Adult fiction titles: The Dutch House by Ann Patchett The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah A Stitch in Time by Kelley Armstrong Waiting for the Night Song by Julie Carrick Dalton Teen/Youth titles: The Wild Path by Sarah Baughman Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller
Jillian Rutledge joins us to discuss the process involved in managing the library's nonfiction collection, her work with All Iowa Reads, and some new nonfiction titles in our collection. All Iowa Reads title: Little Faith by Nickolas Butler All Iowa Reads titles from previous years Come Fly the World: the Jet-Age Story of the Women of Pan Am by Julia Cooke: In Case You Get Hit by a Bus: How to Organize Your Life Now for When You're Not Around Later by Abby Schneiderman Love, Zac : Small-Town Football and the Life and Death of an American Boy by Reid Forgave
Jim's Book: Do It Anyway Other Books: How Champions Think Shoe Dog: a memoir by the creator of Nike
Choose your own Adventure Book Club WPL Coding Club WPL Book Drop The Pillars of the Earth The Devil in the White City Little Fires Everywhere The Four Tendencies Binti Bint
Giving Tuesday Kids Kitchen All Iowa Reads The Secret History Someday, Someday, Maybe Ties that Tether Red, White, & Royal Blue Transcendent Kingdom The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Below are the event sires we reference in the episode. Shop Downtown Saturday Facebook Event Shop Downtown Saturday Webpage
Megan comes to visit and we talk about the history of voting and the ratification of the 19th amendment. Books we discussed: The Woman's Hour
If you want personalized book recommendations check out our Shelf Service page! Books we talked about: NOS4A2 No Exit I'm Thinking of Ending Things The Shining Wytches The Monsters We Make The movie Jillian referred to was Scenic Route (2013) with Josh Duhamel
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
