Are you craving ‘feel-good’ stories? Do you want characters to cheer for? Leave the bleak headlines behind as Kelsey and Jenn shine a light on likeable characters in fiction in this episode of The First Fifty Pages. The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg Isabel Dalhousie mysteries by Alexander McCall Smith One Day by David Nicholls Aurora Teagarden mysteries by Charlaine Harris

Reading for enjoyment can be difficult when you're feeling anxious. In this episode, Kelsey and Jenn discuss their go-to 'comfort' reads. They also share ideas for reading when you're feeling anxious and favorite literary escapes for your #stayathome. Want more? Subscribe to The First Fifty Pages, our podcast about books, library culture, and current reading trends, available on iTunes , Stitcher , and Google Play . Books featured in this episode: The Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha Everything

Looking for something good to read? On this episode of The First Fifty Pages, Kelsey and Jenn share some of their favorite nonfiction books, as reviewed by Sioux City Public Library staff in clips from the Check It Out series. Your To-Be-Read list is about to get longer... Want more? Subscribe to The First Fifty Pages, our podcast about books, library culture, and current reading trends, available on iTunes , Stitcher , and Google Play . Books mentioned in this episode: Born to Run by Bruce

Do you have a “Reading Resolution” for the New Year? In this episode of The First Fifty Pages, Jenn and Kelsey discuss realistic ways to help you reach your reading goals, and they might even persuade you to join a book club. (Spoiler alert: You’re likely to live longer if you do!) Want more? Subscribe to The First Fifty Pages, our podcast about books, library culture, and current reading trends, available on iTunes , Stitcher , and Google Play . Books mentioned in this episode: Nothing to See

How have we evolved as readers? Whch trends picked up steam? What were the most sought out books in the last ten years? Jenn and Kelsey reflect back on the last decade to address these questions. Want more? Subscribe to The First Fifty Pages, our podcast about books, library culture, and current reading trends, available on iTunes , Stitcher , and Google Play .

What is the true cost of eBooks and audiobooks for libraries? What is Bridges? How does the Macmillan embargo affect libraries? In this installment of The First Fifty Pages , Jenn & Kelsey invite Becky Heil, District Consultant from the State Library of Iowa, to help address these questions and further discuss Libby. Want more? Subscribe to The First Fifty Pages, our podcast about books, library culture, and current reading trends, available on iTunes , Stitcher , and Google Play .

In part one of the Libby series, Jenn and Kelsey dive into the app, which lets users borrow eBooks and audiobooks from their local library. Special guest Alex Watters, City Councilmember of Sioux City, helps Jenn and Kelsey discuss why audiobooks are so popular right now, whether listening is the same as reading and Libby hacks. Want more? Subscribe to The First Fifty Pages, our podcast about books, library culture, and current reading trends, available on iTunes , Stitcher , and Google Play .

How does one find the perfect scary story? Is there a one-size-fits-all when it comes to the horror genre? What is your monster? Special guest Gregg Winsor, Reference Librarian and Reader's Advisory Specialist at the Johnson County Library in Kansas, helps Jenn and Kelsey address these questions. Want more? Subscribe to The First Fifty Pages, our podcast about books, library culture, and current reading trends, available on iTunes , Stitcher , and Google Play .

On this episode, Jenn & Kelsey discuss the vast collection of DVDs the library offers along with special guest Sara Leiss, Operations Manager at the Sioux City Public Library. Sara helps dissect appeal factors, viewing styles and the book to movie connections. Want more? Subscribe to The First Fifty Pages, our podcast about books, library culture, and current reading trends, available on iTunes , Stitcher , and Google Play .

Banned Books Week, what is it, and when does it happen? Why is it important for a community to celebrate Banned Books Week? What is the difference between a challenge or banning? Jenn & Kelsey address these questions and more with the help of special guest Zach Freking-Smith, Director of the Cherokee Public Library. Want more? Subscribe to The First Fifty Pages, our podcast about books, library culture, and current reading trends, available on iTunes , Stitcher , and Google Play .