Beyond the Shelves: A Podcast from the Des Moines Public Library

The official podcast of the Des Moines Public Library, featuring hosts Jes and Sarah!

6 Nature Books That Will Change How You See the World 11/10/2025

6 Nature Books That Will Change How You See the World Join us for our first video episode as we explore books celebrating nature and the environment! From Mary Oliver's contemplative essays to fungi's hidden intelligence, we discuss how the natural world intersects with our lives. Plus: library neighborhoods explained, garlic-scented books (!), and Reading Rainbow's triumphant return with a new host. Nature & Environment Theme Books Currently Reading On Their TBR /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/38978615

Beyond the Shelves: Horror For Scaredy Cats 10/14/2025

Beyond the Shelves: Horror For Scaredy Cats Sarah and Jes discuss books that will put you in the mood for spooky season but aren't that scary. Show Notes: What They're Reading by Rebecca Ross by Layla Sage by Emily Brontë by Etaf Rum Best Bets: other highly recommended books by Charlotte McConaghy by Patricia Briggs and Fiona Staples by Elena Ferrante by Brian K. Vaughan Books to get you into spooky season: by Daryl Gregory by Tiffany Jackson by Tananarive Due by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelly by Ling Ling Huang by Nick Medina by Kat Dunn by Carissa Orlando Book Bulletin A new update to the Libby hold system Jes and Sarah talk about the battle between AI creation and published children's books The last of the Fall Author Series /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/38487675

Beyond the Shelves: Pocket-Sized Powerhouses 09/09/2025

Beyond the Shelves: Pocket-Sized Powerhouses Sarah and Jess highlight eight short books under 200 pages to power through the DMPL reading challenge bingo, promote the fall author series, discuss a new bookstore in town, and a new app to track your reading. Show Notes: What They're Reading Kingdom of Claw by Demi Winters American Spirits by Anna Dorn It's Not the End of the World by Jonathan Parks-Ramage 2025 Reading Challenge: Short books to get BINGO by Ore Agbaje-Williams by Premee Mohamed by Yu Miri by Annalee Newitz by Martha Wells by Juneau Black by Nnedi Okorafor by Kang Han To learn more about the reading challenge Book Bulletin Shelf Love, a new romance bookstore opened in Des Moines Page Bound is a new book tracking app that combines goodreads and reddit /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/38130390

Beyond the Shelves: Book Club - 'The Phoenix Pencil Company' 08/11/2025

Beyond the Shelves: Book Club - 'The Phoenix Pencil Company' On the latest episode of Beyond the Shelves, Jes and Sarah are discussing what they liked and didn't like about . (Please note - this episode was recorded in early July) What They're Reading Best Bets (Recommended backlist books): Book Bulletin /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/37754395

Beyond the Shelves: Summer Lovin' 06/12/2025

Beyond the Shelves: Summer Lovin' The latest episode of Beyond the Shelves is all about love! Jes and Sarah discuss the new queer romances they're most excited for this summer. Show Notes What They're Reading , by Sabaa Tahir , by Emily Henry , by Courtney Milan    , by Nicola Dinan , by Ashley Herring Blake To Be Read , by Danielle L. Jensen by Michael Lewis , by Rufi Thorpe , by Cara Bastone , by Cara Bastone , by Tourmaline , by Milo Todd Books About Love , by Gabriella Gamez , by Venessa Vida Kelly , by T.J. Alexandar (Kanopy) (3 seasons on DVD) , by Adriana Hererra by Chip Pons , by Marie Rutkoski (physical DVD) (all seasons on DVD) /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/36960500

Beyond the Shelves: Summer Reading Preview 05/13/2025

Beyond the Shelves: Summer Reading Preview On the newest episode of Beyond the Shelves, Jes and Sarah chat about this summer's biggest releases and the books they're most excited about. As you might have guessed, they are not necessarily the same thing! Plus, find out which host is a vampire girlie and which is a werewolf girlie. What They're Reading , by Cara Bastone , by Holly Brickly , by Katie Kitamura , by Mona Awad , by Rachel Reid , by Jonathan Blitzer  To Be Read , by Emily Henry , by Meredith Hambrock , by Helene Marie Bertino , by Tracy Deonn , by Amal El-Mohtar , by John Ganz What We're Excited For , by Maggie Stiefvater (June 3) , by Maria Reva (June 3) , by Simone Soltani (May 20) , by Cassandra Khaw (July 22) , by Danielle L. Jensen (May 13) , by V.E. Schwab (June 10) , by Adriana Trigiani  (July 8) , by Maris Kreizman (July 1) Big Releases , by Taylor Jenkins Reid (June 3) , by Siliva Moreno Garcia (July 15) , by Fredrick Backman (May 6) , by R.F. Kuang (August 26) , by Sarah MacClean (July 8) , by Ocean Vuong (May 13) /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/36537530

Beyond the Shelves: A History of Chick Lit 04/16/2025

Beyond the Shelves: A History of Chick Lit On this month's podcast, Jes and Sarah talk about the history of Chick Lit - how it started (Bridget Jones's Diary), how the genre was covered in the press, and what new types of books have spawned from it today. Show Notes What They're Reading To Be Read Reading Material /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/36187620

Beyond the Shelves: Book Club #1, 'Harlem Rhapsody', and Other Fun News 03/11/2025

Beyond the Shelves: Book Club #1, 'Harlem Rhapsody', and Other Fun News The Beyond the Shelves first ever Book Club episode is live! This month, Jes and Sarah both read Harlem Rhapsody, by Victoria Christopher Murray. They discuss the historical fiction novel about Jessie Redman Fauset, a real life figure dubbed "midwife of the Harlem Renaissance," and her relationship with W.E.B. Du Bois. This podcast does contain spoilers - but you don't have to have read the book to listen and learn more about the Harlem Renaissance era! Show Notes The Book Club Book Further Reading Authors in the Book Timestamps 0:00 - AViD Lineup/What We're Reading 11:20 - Book Club Discussion 46:32 - Book Bulletin What They're Reading/To Be Read Book Bulletin /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/35609185

Beyond the Shelves: Library Lovers Month 02/06/2025

Beyond the Shelves: Library Lovers Month Jes and Sarah are talking about loving your library during this month's episode of Beyond the Shelves! After talking about unique library services and the best ways you can support your library, they talk about some of their favorite books that feature libraries. Then they dig into a busy Book Bulletin segment (starts at 42:51), full of interesting news. Next month, Jes and Sarah are hosting their first ever Beyond the Shelves Book Club episode! They're reading . That episode is scheduled to be up on Tuesday, March 11. We encourage you to read the book so you can follow along with their discussion next month! Show Notes One of the best ways to support the library is using your library! What We're Reading To Be Read Books About Libraries Library Services Book Bulletin Onyx Storm reaction (the headlines - they're bad and misunderstand the book!) book drama newsletter /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/35164555

Beyond the Shelves: Books That Bring Us Joy 01/13/2025

Beyond the Shelves: Books That Bring Us Joy We're in the dead of winter - the perfect time get cozied up in an armchair and read a fun book. This month, Jes and Sarah are talking about books (and TV shows) that bring them during these cold, dark days. The hosts conveniently have grouped their selections into different tropes and categories to help you peruse! SHOW NOTES What They're Reading Books That Bring Us Joy Books Jes is re-reading Found Family/Chosen Family/Ragtag Group books Kid/Teen Graphic Novels Lyrical Escapism Hobby-ing Makes Everything Better Community and Action Books that Remind You Humans are Innately Good TV Shows by , , , , or Popular Self-Help Books /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/34805935

Beyond the Shelves: Best of 2024 12/09/2024

Beyond the Shelves: Best of 2024 Jes and Sarah are discussing the best of 2024 in the last Beyond the Shelves episode of the year! They go through some of books mentioned on several best of lists, and then give their own top 3 books of the year. Show Notes What they're reading , by Han Kang , by Ashley Herring Blake , by Alia Trabucco Zerán , by Rebecca Ross , by Kristy Greenwood On the Best Of Lists and other mentioned books , by Percival Everett , by Miranda July , By Kaveh Akbar , by Rachel Kushner , by Sally Rooney , by Danzy Senna , by Betsy Lerner , by Holly Gramazio , by Liz Moore , by Rupi Kaur , by Kaline Bradley , by Leigh Bardugo , by Emily Nussbaum , by Sloane Crosley , by Jason De León , by Hanif Abdurraqib by Kristin Hannah , by Emily Henry Jes' Top 10 , by Helene Marie Bertino , by Liz Moore , by Rita Bullwinkl , by Chuck Tingle , by Kathleen Hanna , by Maggie Thrash , by Emet North , by Kay Chronister , by Hanif Abdurraqib , by Anna Dorn Sarah's Top 10 , by Natalie Haynes , by Sangu Mandanna , by Cat Sebastian , by Amy Harmon , by Rebecca Ross , by S.A. Chakraborty , by Austin Frerick , by Max Gladstone and Amal El-Mohtar , by Ali Hazelwood , by Mark Lawrence /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/34321110

DMPL Podcast: Children's Author and Illustrator Don Tate 12/04/2024

DMPL Podcast: Children's Author and Illustrator Don Tate On the newest episode of the DMPL Podcast, children's author and illustrator and Des Moines native Don Tate joins host Aaron Gernes on the show. Don Tate will be at the Forest Avenue Library on Thursday, December 12, at 6:30 PM for a fun talk meant for the whole family. He'll discuss his journey into illustrating and writing, demonstrate some drawing techniques, and invite kids up to help him in learning more about the process. This will be a fun, family friendly event! Show Notes /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/34290645

Beyond the Shelves: Decolonizing Your Bookshelf 11/07/2024

Beyond the Shelves: Decolonizing Your Bookshelf On the newest episode of Beyond the Shelves, Jes and Sarah talk about decolonizing and diversifying your bookshelf, giving you suggestions on books with diverse authors and unique viewpoints. What They're Reading Jes Sarah Book Recs - Decolonizing Your Bookshelf /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/33830557

DMPL Podcast: Daniel Kraus 10/14/2024

DMPL Podcast: Daniel Kraus Iowa native and upcoming Fall Author Series guest Daniel Kraus joins the DMPL Podcast. Daniel is the co-author of Pay the Piper, an unfinished work of George A. Romero's that Kraus completed after Romero's death. Kraus talks about how growing up in Iowa shaped his writing, what it's like to put yourself in someone else's shoes in order to compete their work, and more. Daniel will be on Des Moines on Wednesday, October 23, at 7 PM at the Central Library as part of the 2024 Fall Author Series. Show Notes /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/33421597

Beyond the Shelves: Picks of the Zodiac 10/02/2024

Beyond the Shelves: Picks of the Zodiac On the newest episode of the DMPL Podcast, Jes and Sarah give book recommendations for each sign of the zodiac. It's a nice warm-up for the next big Flash Recommendation event, coming up on Wednesday, October 16. What is Flash Recommendations? It's an event on our social media pages where you give us some information and our Book Chat team gives you a book recommendation. On October 16, head over to our Facebook or Instagram page and let us know a genre and your Zodiac sign. Then you'll get a book rec. It's that simple! Be sure to listen to this episode of the podcast to get some general recs as well. Don't forget about the last event in our Fall Author Series - Daniel Kraus will be stopping at the Central Library on Wednesday, October 23, at 7 PM. What We're Reading Jes Sarah Picks of the Zodiac Aries Taurus Gemini Cancer Leo Virgo Libra Scorpio Sagittarius Capricorn Aquarius Pisces /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/33286907

DMPL Podcast: Austin Frerick 09/11/2024

DMPL Podcast: Austin Frerick Iowa native and upcoming Fall Author Series guest Austin Frerick joins the DMPL Podcast. Austin is the author of Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America's Food Industry. Austin discusses how the genesis of this book started in a dive bar in Des Moines, the challenges he had as an academic writer writing for a general audience, and more. Austin will be on Des Moines on Wednesday, September 25, at 7 PM at the Central Library as part of the 2024 Fall Author Series. Show Notes /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/32996857

Beyond the Shelves: Reimagining the Classics 09/04/2024

Beyond the Shelves: Reimagining the Classics On the newest episode of Beyond the Shelves, Jes and Sarah find new versions of old classics they want to recommend for their listeners, including the best readalikes for books like The Great Gatsby, 1984, Moby Dick, and more. Show Notes What They're Reading Jes Sarah Classics, Reimagined CLASSIC TITLE UPDATED CLASSIC , by F. Scott Fitzgerald , by Sally Rooney , by William Golding , by Simon Jacobs , by Franz Kafka , by Rachel Yoder , by Jon Steinbeck , by Nathan Harris , by George Orwell , by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah , by Herman Melville , by Sarah Perry , by J.D. Salinger , by Kaveh Akbar , by Harper Lee , by Delia Owens , by Henry David Thoreau , by Mary Oliver , by Charles Dickens , by Barbara Kingsolver Book Bulletin /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/32894197

DMPL Podcast: Shawntelle Madison 08/28/2024

DMPL Podcast: Shawntelle Madison Fall Author Series author Shawntelle Madison joins us on the latest episode of the DMPL Podcast! Madison will be the first author in this year's Fall Author Series, visiting the Central Library on Thursday, September 5, at 7 PM at the Central Library. Her newest book, The Fallen Fruit, comes out on Tuesday, September 3. Show Notes Shawntelle Madison books at the library What Shawntelle's reading: /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/32764927

Beyond the Shelves: The Library of Things (With Special Guest Kathleen) 08/06/2024

Beyond the Shelves: The Library of Things (With Special Guest Kathleen) On the newest episode of Beyond the Shelves, Jes and Sarah talk with Kathleen, a Central Library Librarian that works with The Library of Things and Tech Central. She talks about developing the Library of Things, what items are most popular, how they decide what to purchase, and more! What Everyone's Reading /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/32387012

Beyond the Shelves: Disability Pride Month Book Picks 07/02/2024

Beyond the Shelves: Disability Pride Month Book Picks In honor of Disability Pride Month, Jes and Sarah are discussing some of their favorite books that center characters with disabilities. They also discuss the history of Disability Pride Month and the importance of audiobooks. You can also . Disability Pride Month Picks: What Jes and Sarah are reading: Book Bulletin Ransomware attack at Seattle Public Library - Audiobook Information 2016 Rogowsky study on Audiobooks 2019 Neurological Study on Written vs Spoken Word /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/31968252

DMPL Podcast: Iowa Author Scott Reister 06/18/2024

DMPL Podcast: Iowa Author Scott Reister Local sportscaster and debut author Scott Reister joins us on the latest episode of the DMPL Podcast. Reister's new middle grade novel, Baseball Spy, was one of the bestselling baseball books for kids up on its debut in April. Scott says the idea for this book has been in his head since he was taking little league at-bats. Scott talks about turning the idea into the novel, including how librarians helped. He also discusses his journey through the pubishing process and what the next book in the series entails, among other topics. Show Notes /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/31778932

Beyond the Shelves: Pride Month Book Picks for Kids 06/05/2024

Beyond the Shelves: Pride Month Book Picks for Kids We're celebrating Pride Month on Beyond the Shelves! Jes and Sarah have combed through our catalog and found some of the best titles for kids this month. These books tell LGBTQ+ stories and celebrate sexuality and gender orientation. Happy Pride! Show Notes Book Picks Kid/Picture Books by Christian Trimmer (he/him) and illustrated by J Yang (he/him) , by David McMullin (he/him) and illustrated by Robbie Cathro (he/him) , by Rob Kearney (he/him) & Eric Rosswood (he/him) and illustrated by Nidhi Chanani (she/her) , by Asley Molesso (she/her) and Chess Needham (he/him) Middle Grade Books , by Jen Wilde (she/they) , by Esme Symes-Smith (they/them) , by Karen Wilfrid (she/her) , by Nora Dåsnes (she/her) Teen Books , by Jonny Garza Villa (they/them) , by L.L. McKinney (she/her) , by K. Ancrum (she/her) , by Edward Underhill (he/him) , by Deya Muniz (they/them) What We're Reading Jes , by Liz Moore , by Kathleen Hanna , by RF Kuang , by Emet North Sarah , by Everina Maxwell , by Kaliane Bradley , by Amy Lea , by Kate Goldbeck What’s Happening at DMPL? Thursday, June 13 | 7PM | Central Moderated by /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/31599852

DMPL Podcast: AViD Author Joyce Carol Oates 05/24/2024

DMPL Podcast: AViD Author Joyce Carol Oates Upcoming AViD author Joyce Carol Oates joins us on the latest episode of the DMPL Podcast! She talks about her latest book, Butcher, writing about the dark side of the human psyche, and how exercise helps her writing process. Joyce Carol Oates will be at the Central Library on Thursday, May 30, at 7 PM for AViD. The event will be moderated by host Charity Nebbe. Show Notes /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/31438602

Beyond the Shelves - All About Book Chat 05/07/2024

Beyond the Shelves - All About Book Chat On the latest episode of Beyond the Shelves, Jes and Sarah discuss , a reader's advisory service at the Des Moines Public Library. They talk about how to use it, why it's helpful, how they assign Book Chat requests, and more. Plus, an extra long Book Bulletin where we run through some of the controversies and news in the literary world. What Jes and Sarah are Reading , by R.F. Kuang , by Emily Henry , by Abby Jimenez , by R.F. Kuang , by Eunnie , by Christian Lauren , by Everina Maxwell Book Bulletin Note: In the time since this was recorded, they have ) /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/31147188

DMPL Podcast: Gregg Hurwitz 04/24/2024

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 . You can also watch this episode of the DMPL Podcast on YouTube! . /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/30966818

Beyond the Shelves: Reading Through the Decades 04/03/2024

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 , by Amy Harmon , by Ilona Andrews , by V.E. Schwab , by Casey McQuiston , by Sally Rooney , by Tananarive Due Decade Book Picks 1960s , by Kristin Hannah , by Rachel Heng 1970s , by Jessica Knoll , by Alex Segura 1980s , by Donovan X. Ramsey , by Carol Rifka Brunt 1990s , by Maggie Thrash , by Mecca Jamilah Sullivan 2000s , by Eric LaRocca , by Angie Cruz 2010s , by Andres N. Ordorica , by Anissa Gray /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/30649818

Beyond the Shelves: Stats, Numbers, and Tech with DMPL Systems Administrator Katie 03/05/2024

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 Bulletin segment! What Our Hosts Are Reading , by Emily Skrutskie , by Benjamin Stevenson , by Naina Kumar , by Denise Williams , by Sherry Thomas , by Kiley Reid , by Eliza Clark /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/30190748

DMPL Podcast: Megan Bannister, Author of 'Secret Iowa' 02/22/2024

DMPL Podcast: Megan Bannister, Author of '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 /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/30069673

Beyond the Shelves: All About Romance 02/06/2024

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 , by Mark Lawrence , by Rebecca Ross , by Marie-Helene Bertino , by Dolly Alderton , by Ryka Aoki , by Shannon Chakraborty Trope Picks Enemies to Lovers , by Talia Hibbert Grumpy Sunshine , by Jen Deluca , by Tessa Bailey, , by Ashley Herring Blake Only One Bed , by Sarah Maclean , by Trish Doller , by Emily Henry Marriage of Convenience , by Alyssa Cole , by Beverly Jenkins Forbidden Love , by Casey McQuiston , by Alisha Rai Fake Dating , by Alexis Hall , by Abby Jimenez Second Chance , by Tia Williams , by Sonali Dev Amnesia/Mistaken Identity , by Julia Quinn , by Olivia Dade. Sports: , by Ngozi Ukazu , by Alexa Martin , by Lyssa Kay Adams Funny-Paranormal , by Jenna Levine Other Books Discussed /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/29824163

Beyond the Shelves - 2024 Reading Goals 01/09/2024

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: Other books discussed: News items /episode/index/show/dmplpodcast/id/29392298

Beyond the Shelves: A Podcast from the Des Moines Public Library

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