The official podcast of the Des Moines Public Library. Featuring interviews with authors, special guests to the library, your favorite library staff, and more!
…
continue reading
DMPL Podcasts
A podcast for people interested in Libraries and Open Source Communities.
…
continue reading
1
Pod Goals with Sarah Lane of DMPL: The Library is Open Episode 56
22:04
22:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:04
Welcome to another episode of The Library is Open Podcast! In this episode, we talk to Sarah Lane, Information Services Librarian at the Des Moines Public Library! Sarah is also the co-host of the Des Moines Public Library Podcast "Beyond the Shelves". Sarah shares what she's reading, how she got into librarianship, and dives deep into all things p…
…
continue reading
1
Beyond the Shelves: Pocket-Sized Powerhouses
45:25
45:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:25
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 P…
…
continue reading
1
Back to School: Academic Libraries and Student Success with Telishia "Tee" Murray. The Library is Open Ep. 55
27:38
27:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:38
It's that time of year again—back to school!!! In this episode of The Library is Open Podcast, we welcome back Telishia "Tee" Murray, Director of Library and Learning Resources at Galveston College's David Glenn Hunt Memorial Library to talk about all things back to school. Tee shares the months-long prep that goes on to ensure student success; the…
…
continue reading
1
Beyond the Shelves: Book Club - 'The Phoenix Pencil Company'
1:00:00
1:00:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:00
On the latest episode of Beyond the Shelves, Jes and Sarah are discussing what they liked and didn't like about The Phoenix Pencil Company, by Allison King. (Please note - this episode was recorded in early July) What They're Reading The Listeners, by Maggie Stiefvater Fallen City, by Adrienne Young When the Tides Held the Moon, by Vanessa Vida Kel…
…
continue reading
1
ALA Recap and Industry Insights with Marshall Breeding: Episode 54
32:16
32:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:16
In this episode of the Library is Open podcast, we welcome return guest Marshall Breeding to talk about his experience at the American Library Association Annual Conference 2025, his annual Library Perceptions Survey, and other industry insights!!By ByWater Solutions
…
continue reading
In this episode of The Library is Open Podcast, Jessie and Elise are at ALA Annual 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania!! They talk about their conference highlights, exciting Koha upgrades, Philly adventures, and so much more!! Thank you so much to the ALA Podcast recording crew who helped make this recording possible!!…
…
continue reading
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 Heir, by Sabaa Tahir Great Big Beautiful Life, by Emily Henry The Duke Who Didn't, by Courtney Milan Disappoint Me, by Nicola Dinan Dream On, Ramona Riley, by Ashley Herrin…
…
continue reading
1
Library Journal Mover and Shaker: Jen Park! The Library is Open Ep. 52
23:20
23:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:20
Welcome to Part Three of our three-part series on ByWater Solutions partners who were honored as Library Journal Movers and Shakers for 2025! In this episode, meet Jen Park, Government Relations Specialist, Ramapo Catskill Library System, Middletown, NY. We discuss Jen's unique role as a government liaison within the public library system, how we c…
…
continue reading
1
Library Journal Mover and Shaker: Jason Homer! The Library is Open Ep. 52
30:10
30:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:10
Join us for Part 2 of our three-part series on ByWater partners that were named as Library Journal Movers and Shakers 2025! In this episode, Meet Jason Homer, the Executive Director of the Worcester Public Library in Massachusetts. Jason shares his unique path to librarianship, his experience leading a library in a rich and vibrant multicultural co…
…
continue reading
1
Library Journal Mover and Shaker: Leah Gregory! The Library is Open Ep. 51
30:19
30:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:19
Welcome to our three-part series on ByWater partners that were named as Library Journal Movers and Shakers 2025! First up, meet Leah Gregory, School Library Membership Coordinator at the Illinois Heartland Library System. Leah was honored in the Advocates category, and is referred to as the "Librarian's Librarian" for her work supporting school lib…
…
continue reading
1
Beyond the Shelves: Summer Reading Preview
1:01:20
1:01:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:20
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 Promise Me Sunshine, by Cara Bastone Dee…
…
continue reading
1
Computers in Libraries Recap with Bill and Brian: The Library is Open Episode 50
15:23
15:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:23
In this episode of The Library is Open Podcast, we have return guest Brian Pichman and ByWater Aspen Sales Consultant Bill Kessler to talk about all things Computers in Libraries 2025! Brian and Bill both attended and presented at the conference, so we wanted to discuss their key takeaways and highlights from the event. Learn more about our Digital…
…
continue reading
1
Beyond the Shelves: A History of Chick Lit
49:08
49:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:08
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 Everything Is Tuberculosis, by John Green Cleat Cute, by Meryl Wilsner While the Duke Was Sleeping, by Sa…
…
continue reading
1
Let's Go, Girls! Female Founded Library Tech Business with Diana Silveira! The Library is Open Episode 49
18:30
18:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:30
In honor of Women's History Month, we wanted to talk to Diana Silveira, President of Novare Library Services, a female-founded library technology, training, and consulting company. Diana is also the author of Library Technology Planning for Today and Tomorrow. In this episode, we discuss Diana's journey in the library world, her experience starting…
…
continue reading
1
Beyond the Shelves: Book Club #1, 'Harlem Rhapsody', and Other Fun News
59:54
59:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:54
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 spo…
…
continue reading
1
Let's Do the DAM Thing with Yonah Levenson and Paul Cuomo: Episode 48
30:25
30:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:25
In this episode of The Library is Open podcast, we have not one, but TWO fabulous guests: Paul Cuomo and Yonah Levenson!! Paul is a Product Specialist at TDNet and host of The Info-Leaders Podcast. Yonah is aMetadata, Taxonomy, and Asset Management Strategy Consultant; Language Metadata Table Chair and Rutgers DAM Certificate Program Co-Director/In…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
1
Personalized Learning with Rex Duval of Nookly: Episode 47
18:41
18:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:41
In this episode of The Library is Open podcast, we catch up with Rex Duval, Cofounder and CEO of Nookly! Nookly is a personalized learning tool that utilizes AI to create educational stories for children. In this episode, we discuss what led Rex to cofound Nookly, how the personalized learning application works, and examples of how libraries can le…
…
continue reading
1
Beyond the Shelves: Books That Bring Us Joy
49:40
49:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:40
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 Sign up for the 2025 …
…
continue reading
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. Watch on YouTube Show Notes What they're reading The Vegetarian, by Han Kang Make the Season Bright, by Ashley Herring Blake Clean, by Al…
…
continue reading
1
DMPL Podcast: Children's Author and Illustrator Don Tate
31:04
31:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:04
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 drawi…
…
continue reading
1
Memory Care for Libraries with Bruce Barnet--The Library is Open Ep. 46
31:21
31:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:21
In this episode of The Library is Open podcast, Bruce Barnet, co-founder of The MindCare Store and SiMPL Technologies, shares his inspiring journey to working with Alzheimer’s and dementia communities. Bruce discusses how his personal experiences and passion for improving the quality of life for those affected by cognitive challenges led him to dev…
…
continue reading
1
Beyond the Shelves: Decolonizing Your Bookshelf
40:34
40:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:34
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 The Bog Wife, by Kay Chronister Headshot, by Rita Bullwinkel American Rapture, by CJ Leede Sarah The Paradise Problem, by Christina L…
…
continue reading
1
The Library is Open Ep. 45: 2025 Forecast with Brian Pichman
17:42
17:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:42
In this episode of The Library is Open Podcast, Brian Pichman returns to talk about the tech trends that he thinks will be the hot topic for libraries in 2025. From new facets of AI to cybersecurity, Brian draws on his experiences attending recent library conferences to workshops he has hosted to share his insights. We also may talk about cows....l…
…
continue reading
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 t…
…
continue reading
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 yo…
…
continue reading
1
Live at kohacon24 with Aleisha Amohia--The Library is Open Ep. 44
8:34
8:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:34
In this episode of The Library is Open Podcast, we had the joy of talking with Aleisha Amohia, Technical Lead at Catalyst IT at kohacon24! We talk about her experience working with Catalyst IT, what the open source community means to her, and what's to come with kohacon25!! Learn more about Aleisha here: https://www.aleisha.nz/ Twitter: @aleishaamo…
…
continue reading
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.…
…
continue reading
1
Beyond the Shelves: Reimagining the Classics
1:05:52
1:05:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:52
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 Story of a New Name, by Elena Ferrante Cue the Sun: The Invention of Reality TV, by Emi…
…
continue reading
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 Fall Author Serie…
…
continue reading
1
Coming Home to the Library with Lydia Sigwarth: The Library is Open Ep. 43
26:01
26:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:01
In this episode of The Library is Open Podcast, we welcome librarian, ByWater friend, and author Lydia Sigwarth to the podcast! Lydia is a Community Engagement Librarian at the Dubuque County Library District in Iowa and the author of "Dear Librarian", a beautifully illustrated children's book about Lydia's childhood experience at the library. Lydi…
…
continue reading
1
Beyond the Shelves: The Library of Things (With Special Guest Kathleen)
49:24
49:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:24
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! Borrow items from the Library of Things Borrow Board Games Borro…
…
continue reading
1
Marshall Breeding's ALA 2024 Wrap-Up: The Library is Open -- Ep. 42
24:01
24:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:01
Guess who's back? Back again? Marshall's back! Marshall Breeding of Library Technology Guides is back on the podcast to discuss all the trends and hot topics of ALA 2024, and recap his Executive Perspectives panel (our very own Nathan Curulla was a panelist!). We also compared our step counts at the conference and our favorite AI tools. Learn more …
…
continue reading
1
Beyond the Shelves: Disability Pride Month Book Picks
52:41
52:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:41
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 listen to the podcast on YouTube. Disability Pride Month Picks: Get a Life, Chloe Brown, by Talia Hibbert Being…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The Library is Open Podcast, Sam Passey, Associate Dean of Library Services at Colorado Mountain College, joins us to talk about his recent switch from public to academic librarianship, his experience and passion for Open Source, and his hopes for the future. Sam formerly worked as the Director of the Uintah County Library and wa…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
1
Beyond the Shelves: Pride Month Book Picks for Kids
56:57
56:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:57
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 The Good Hair Day, by Christian Trimmer (he/him) and illustrate…
…
continue reading
1
DMPL Podcast: AViD Author Joyce Carol Oates
25:38
25:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:38
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 Talk …
…
continue reading
1
Andrew Auld from PTFS Europe--Library is Open Ep 40
17:09
17:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:09
In this episode of the Library is Open podcast, Andrew Auld, Commercial Director at PTFS Europe, joins us to talk about the partnership with ByWater, updates from koha Hackfest, and...sourdough bread??! Listen to the podcast to learn more!By ByWater Solutions
…
continue reading
On the latest episode of Beyond the Shelves, Jes and Sarah discuss Book Chat, 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. Wa…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
1
Marshall Breeding's PLA 2024 Wrap-Up! The Library is Open--Ep. 39
25:20
25:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:20
Guess who's back?! Marshall Breeding of Library Technology Guides! Marshall joins us on this episode of the podcast to discuss the trends and topics that were at the forefront of this year's Public Library Association 2024 Conference, as well as the fun events! Follow Marshall at librarytechnology.org…
…
continue reading
1
Beyond the Shelves: Reading Through the Decades
57:27
57:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:27
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 Where the Lost Wander, by Amy Harmon Clean Sweep, by …
…
continue reading
1
Beyond the Shelves: Stats, Numbers, and Tech with DMPL Systems Administrator Katie
50:54
50:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:54
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 …
…
continue reading
1
HAPPY 15TH BIRTHDAY, BYWATER! Brendan Gallagher and Nathan Curulla -- The Library is Open Ep. 38
21:41
21:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:41
It's ByWater Solutions' 15th Anniversary!!! What better way to celebrate 15 years of extraordinary service to libraries by talking with ByWater Solutions founders Brendan Gallagher and Nathan Curulla. In this episode, we discuss the ByWater Solutions origin story, starting and growing a business with your best friend, and hopes for ByWaters' future…
…
continue reading
1
DMPL Podcast: Megan Bannister, Author of 'Secret Iowa'
22:12
22:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:12
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 Secret Iowa at the library Iowa Supper Clubs, by Megan Bannister Megan Bannister's …
…
continue reading
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 The Book the Wouldn't Burn, by Mark Lawrence…
…
continue reading
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: The Berry Pickers, by Amanda Peters Mall Goth, by Kate Leth If You'll Have Me, by Eunnie A Guest in the House, by Emily Carroll Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries, by…
…
continue reading
On the latest episode of the DMPL Podcast, hosts Jess and Sarah talk about their favorite books of 2023, as well as some of the most common books on the best of 2023 lists across the book media sphere. Show Notes What They're Reading Bookshops & Bonedust, by Travis Baldree Calamity, by Constance Fay Assistant to the Villain, by Hannah Nicole Maehre…
…
continue reading
1
Telishia "Tee" Murray--The Library is Open Ep. 37
43:24
43:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:24
In our latest episode of The Library is Open Podcast, we chat with one of our good friends Telishia "Tee" Murray, Director of Library and Learning Resources at Galveston College in Texas. Tee shares about her path to becoming a librarian, her unique experiences serving as both a public library and academic library director under the age of 40, her …
…
continue reading
