Library Nerds with Words
By Martin Achatz
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!
Library Nerds with WordsNov 28, 2022
Episode 18: Outgoing PWPL Board President Anne Donohue Gets Nostalgic
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Episode 9: Library Director Andrea Ingmire Talks about Talking
PWPL Director Andrea Ingmire stops by Nerd Tower to talk about Community Conversations, Agatha Christie, and long plane rides.
Andrea's and Marty's book recommendations:
Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree
The City of Brass by S. A. Chakraborly
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
Episode 8: Steph Talks Weird Candy, M&Ms, and "Sweet Tooth"
In this episode, Head of Tech Services Stephanie Garn talks about cricket suckers, soap-flavored chewing gum, and M&M flavors.
Steph's book recommendation:
Sweet Tooth by Jeff Lemire
Episode 7: Circulation Head Melissa Talks Cardboard, Cards, and Claire Keegan
In this episode, the Head of Peter White Public Library's Circulation Department, Melissa Alan, talks about Hallmark Cards, Library Cards, and Irish author Claire Keegan.
Melissa's book recommendation:
So Late in the Day by Claire Keegan
Episode 6: Emily Talks About Bad Movie Adaptations
In this episode, Emily Couts from the Circulation Department talks about Game of Thrones, Last Airbenders, and what Jurassic Park got wrong.
Emily's Book Recommendations:
- Record of Ragnarok series: Story by Shinya Umemura and Takumi Fukui, Art by Azychika
- Dinosaur Sanctuary series: Written and Illustrated by Itaru Kinoshita
Episode 5: Amanda Talks Fashion and Prom Dresses and 1980s Hair
In this episode, Amanda from the Teen Zone stops by to talk about fashion, style, big hair, and the PWPL Prom Dress Swap.
Amanda's book recommendations:
Hoops by Matt Tavares
Episode 4: Communications Coordinator Andrea Talks Fashion Over Function, Websites, and Food
In this episode, Communications Coordinator Andrea Marsh talks about the PWPL new Website, Teleporting, and Food, among other things.
Andrea's book recommendation:
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
Episode 3: Poet Nerd Gala Talks Write On!
In this episode, PWPL Marquette Poets Circle member Gala Mahlerbe talks new kittens, Ross Gay, and Write On!
Gala's Book Recommendation:
Inciting Joy: Essays by Ross Gay
Episode 2: Time Traveling with Andrea Ingmire
This week's episode is a special Time Travel edition. Marty hops into the Library Nerds with Words DeLorean with PWPL Director Andrea Ingmire to revisit the second episode of the very first season of the podcast. Get ready to see how the times have changed!
Episode 1: Local History Coordinator Cat Talks Danny DeVito, Murderbots, and Dev Patel
In this episode, Local History Coordinator Cat Shattuck talks bad casting decisions, Murderbots, and Dev Patel.
Cat's Book Recommendation:
The Bell in the Fog by Lev A. C. Rosen
Episode 51: Lynette Chats About the "S" Word
Assistant Adult Services Department Head Lynette Suckow talks polar plunges, snow books, and book displays.
Lynette's book recommendations:
- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
- The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
- Smilla's Sense of Snow by Peter Hoeg
Episode 50: Amanda and Ben Talk Holiday Movies and Mariah Carey
Amanda from the Teen Zone and Ben from Tech Services stop by for out third annual Holiday Movie roundtable, with maybe some Mariah Carey bashing.
Ben and Amanda and Marty's book recommendations:
- Amanda--Brooms by Jasmine Walls
- Ben--Network Effect by Martha Wells
- Marty--My Friend Dahmer by Derk Backderf
Episode 49: Circulation Head Melissa Gets on Board the Polar Express
In this episode, the Head of Peter White Public Library's Circulation Department, Melissa Alan talks about riding the Polar Express, drinking hot chocolate, and loving Jimmy Stewart.
Melissa's book recommendation:
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Episode 48: Amanda Talks Merry Movie Mayhem
In this episode, Amanda from the Teen Zone stops by to talk about the showdown between Elf and The Muppet Christmas Carol.
Marty and Amanda's book recommendations:
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allburg
A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote
Episode 47: Would You Rather Highlights
This week's episode is a special gratitude edition of the podcast. It features some of my favorite "Would You Rather?" moments with some of my favorite library nerds from the past year
Come back next week for some Merry Movie Mayhem!
Episode 46: Amanda and Ben Talk Sloths, Gratitude Movies, and Cheating
Amanda from the Teen Zone and Ben from Tech Services stop by Nerdflix to talk movies, safe cheeses, and books for which we are grateful.
Ben and Amanda and Marty's book recommendations:
- Amanda--The Baby-Sitters Club series by Ann M. Martin
- Ben--My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
- Marty--Charlotte's Web by E. B. White
Episode 45: Amy Talks Turkey, Dolly, and Moons
Head of Adult Services Amy Salminen stops by to talk about gratitude for turkeys, new books, and Dolly Parton.
Amy's book recommendations:
- Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
- Heart of the Sun Warrior
Episode 44: Ben and Amanda Talk Possessed Dolls, Possessed Cheese, and Swedish Cults
Amanda from the Teen Zone and Ben from Tech Services stop by Nerdflix to talk haunted houses, creepy dolls., and a Muppet version of The Silence of the Lambs.
Ben and Amanda and Marty's book recommendations:
- Amanda--The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix
- Ben--Night Film by Marisha Pesl
- Marty--Krampus the Yule Lord by Brom
Episode 43: Communications Coordinator Andrea Talks Alex Gino and The Carnival of Horrors
In this episode, Communications Coordinator Andrea Marsh and Marty talk about banned books, Alex Gino, and the first annual Carnival of Horrors at PWPL. .
Andrea's book recommendation:
Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See
Episode 42: Ben and Amanda Talk About the Worst Movies Ever Made
Amanda from the Teen Zone and Ben from Tech Services stop by the Nerd Central Park to talk about the worst movies ever made.
Ben and Amanda and Marty's book recommendations:
- Amanda--How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
- Ben--Starter Villain by John Scalzi
- Marty--There There by Tommy Orange
Episode 41: Author Nasheena Johnson Talks Once Upon a Time, Project Publish, and "The Golden Journey"
In this episode, YA author Nasheena Johnson discusses Project Publish, writing, and her new book, The Golden Journey.
Nasheena's book recommendation:
- Keeper of the Lost Cities series by Shannon Messenger
Episode 40: Lynette Talks Mysteries, True Crime, and the Perfect Murder
Assistant Adult Services Department Head Lynette Suckow talks about her love of mysteries, true crime, and the perfect murder.
Lynette's book recommendations:
- The Longmire Defense by Craig Johnson
- Storm Watch by C. J. Box
Episode 39: Library Director Andrea Ingmire Gets Spooky About Spiders, Banned Books, and Clowns
PWPL Director Andrea Ingmire stops by Nerd-a-palooza to talk about spooky season, Banned Books Week, Alex Gino, and possessed dolls.
Andrea's book recommendation:
How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
Episode 38: Circulation Department Head Melissa Talks Palette Cleansers, Jimmy Hoffa, and Library Cards
In this episode, the Head of Peter White Public Library's Circulation Department, Melissa Alan stops in to talk about Murder She Wrote, the location of Jimmy Hoffa's body, and Library Card Sign-up Month.
Melissa's book recommendations:
The Guest by Emma Cline
Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson
Episode 37: Communications Coordinator Andrea Gets Reel
In this episode, Communications Coordinator Andrea Marsh and Marty talk about movies and the process of making a PWPL Reel.
Andrea's book recommendations:
Hllda and the Troll by Luke Pearson
Episode 36: Amanda from the Teen Zone Talks Middle Earth Maps, Cooking, and Carnival of Horrors
In this episode, Amanda from the Teen Zone talks about all the goings on in the Teen Zone--Middle Earth mapmaking, costume swaps, cooking classes, and the Carnival of Horrors.
Amanda's book recommendations:
The Honeys by Ryan La Salla
You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron
Episode 35: Cat Stops to Talk "Paprika" versus "Inception" and All Things Animation
In this episode, Cat Shattuck from the Reference Desk visits Nerd Central to talk movie adaptations, Paprika versus Inceeption, and author Emily Tesh.
Cat's Book Recommendation:
Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh
Episode 34: Communications Coordinator Andrea Goes Out of Her Comfort Zone with Poetry
In this episode, Communications Coordinator Andrea Marsh talks poets and poetry, writes poetry, and solves a mystery with Scooby-doo.
Andrea's book recommendations:
Running with Sherman: The Donkey with the Heart of a Hero by Christopher McDougall
Scooby-doo! and You: The Case of the Haunted Hound by Vicki Erwin
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Episode 33: Dax from Reference Desk Talks Funerals, Barbarians, and Umberto.
In his final visit to the podcast, Dax from the Reference Desk talks about funereal rituals, German barbarians, and Umberto Eco.
Dax's book recommendations:
Everyday Life of the Barbarians: Goths, Franks, and Vandals by Malcolm Todd
My Traitor's Heart by Rain Malan
Episode 32: Steph Serves Up a Feast of Pringles and Book Genres
In this episode, Stephanie, Head of Tech Services, dishes up a feast of Pringles and genres, from the scorchin' hot to the mysteriously bad.
Stephanie's book recommendation:
Cackle by Rachel Harrison
Episode 31: Andrea Talks Summer, Middle Earth, and Bigfoot
In this episode, Andrea Ingmire, Director of Peter White Public Library, dishes up summertime fun, Middle Earth Madness, and fantasy/sci-fi reads.
Andrea's book recommendations:
Working for Bigfoot by Jim Butcher
Storm Front: The Dresden Files, Book 1 by Jim Butcher
Full Moon: The Dresden Files, Book 2 by Jim Butcher
The Name of the Wind: Kingkiller Chronicle, Book 1 by Patrick Rothfuss
Episode 30: Lynette Talks Snakes, Four-Legged Friends, and James Herriot
In this episode, Assistant Adult Services Lynette Suckow tames the subject of tarantulas, pet care, and all things great and small.
Lynette's recommendations:
James Herriot's Animal Stories by James Herriot
All Creatures Great & Small (TV series--2010 & 2020, DVD)
The Incredible Dr. Pol (DVD)
Episode 29: Ben and Amanda Dig Up Classic Movies for Amanda, Pulp Muppets, and "The Wire"
Amanda from the Teen Zone and Ben from Tech Services stop by the Nerd Multiplex to talk about classic movies Amanda hasn't seen before, Quentin Tarantino and the Muppets, and selling haunted houses.
Ben and Amanda and Marty's book recommendations:
- Amanda--How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
- Ben--All the Pieces Matter: The Inside Story of "The Wire" by Jonathan Abrams
- Marty--The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood
Episode 28: Communications Coordinator Andrea Sings the Praises of KISS Kazoo, Concerts on the Step, and
In this episode, Communications Coordinator Andrea Marsh talks about her dream KISS cover band--KISS Kazoo--and Concerts on the Steps and Barbara Kingsolver.
Andrea's book recommendation
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Episode 27: Amanda Gets Serious About Playing Games, Eating Hot Dogs, and Chaos
In this episode, Amanda from the Teen Zone gets serious discussing hot dog eating contests, GameFest, and Nic Stone.
Amanda's book recommendation:
Chaos Theory by Nic Stone
Episode 26: Super Patron Douglas Gill Dishes on Movie Reboots and Super Heroes
PWPL super patron Douglas Gill stops by the Nerd Multiplex to dish on movie reboots, move drive-ins, and books to get you thinking.
Douglas' Book Recommendations:
Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom by Ilyon Woo
Be Free or Die: The Amazing Story of Robert Smalls' Escape from Slavery to Union Hero by Cate Lineberry
White Lies: The Double Life of Walter F. White and America's Darkest Secret by A. J. Baime
Episode 25: Amy Talks Diving with the Loch Ness Monster, Summer Reads, and Historical Fiction
In this episode, Amy Salminen, Head of PWPL Adult Services, talks about scuba diving in Scotland, the Adult Summer Reading Challenge, and historical fiction.
Amy's book recommendations:
Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See
The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel
Episode 24: Board of Trustees President Anne Dishes On Summer Vacations, Hope, and Sailing
In this episode, Anne Donohue, President of PWPL's Board of Trustees, dishes on Judy Blume, Two Book Two Communities, and summer vacations.
Anne's book recommendations:
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Racing Odysseus: A College President Becomes a Freshman Again by Roger H. Martin
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Episode 23: Melissa from Circulation & Amber from Art Week Dish About Mobiles, Good Scissors, and Greek Mythology
In this episode, the Head of Peter White Public Library's Circulation Department, Melissa Alan, and PWPL Art Week Artist Amber Dohrenwend talk about Alexander Calder, Scissors and Staples, and Melissa's habit of always avoiding questions on the podcast.
Melissa's and Amber's book recommendations:
The Culture Keeper by Olayami Dabls (Amber)
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (Melissa)
Episode 22: Communications Coordinator Andrea Dishes on Simon & Garfunkel, Surf Rock, and Reading Glasses
In this episode, Communications Coordinator Andrea Marsh talks Woodstock, summer concerts, and Ramble Tamble love.
Andrea's book recommendation
The Loon Feather by Iola Fuller
Episode 21: Dax from the Reference Desk Talks Judy Blume, Icelandic Chants, and Poverty
Dax Ritter from the Reference Desk drops by to talk about poetry and Judy Blume, Icelandic chants and cuisine, and poverty.
Dax's book recommendation:
Poverty, By American by Matthew Desmond