With the popularity of podcasts like Serial, Atlanta Monster, Welcome to Night Vale and This American Life we’ve gotten in on the action and now provide a mobile library experience for people on the go. Our podcasts allow listeners to get acquainted with our staff, benefit from their reader’s advisory expertise and learn more about what the library has to offer.

Each of our podcasts is produced in-house using our digital studio and is hosted by members of the library’s staff. Checked Out is marketed as a “virtual book club,” featuring book discussion, interviews and related programming. Library Cooks critiques new and classic cookbooks by testing and discussing the recipes. It will help us spread the word about the importance of healthy cooking and eating! Tales from the Kentucky Room focuses on stories of local interest.

Checked Out now spans 17 episodes and over 8,000 listens. The inaugural episodes of Library Cooks and Tales from the Kentucky Room have been well-received and appear poised to further expand the library’s podcasting reach. In addition to promoting library collections and services, podcast episodes have established or strengthened existing community partnerships. Special episodes have highlighted the Lexington Humane Society, local businesses and community events.