Bookcited!: A Libraries NI podcast for all things library

Martina Devlin – The Irish Bronte Connection

Omagh born author Martina Devlin joins Jillian and Peter from her home in Dublin to chat about her latest novel Charlotte. Based around the life of Charlotte Bronte and the Irish family connection with Banagher in Co. Offaly, Martina talks about the challenges of fictionalising a story around known facts and the need to embellish, add local colour, characters and events in order to craft a successful novel.[Music by Shane M.]*** Have your say on the Bookcited! Podcast ***Take the short survey at the link below by typing it into your web browser:https://tinyurl.com/lnipodsurvey

Book of the Month for May 2025 is Butter by Asako Yuzuki

Butter by Asko Yuzuki is the Book of the Month for May and in this episode Jillian, Peter and Conor chat about this and some other popular Japanese fiction that they have been inspired to read recently with the surge in interest in Japanese novels.Music by Shane M.

Holiday Reading Recommendations

Heading off on holiday? Don’t pack your suitcase without listening to this! In our brand-new episode, Jillian and Peter round up their top must-reads for your getaway – from sun-soaked Greek myths to gripping cosy crime you won’t want to put down.Whether you are poolside, beach-bound or unwinding in a hammock, these picks will keep you turning pages (or pressing play). And with eBooks and audiobooks available via Libby and BorrowBox, you can bring the whole bookshelf with you – no extra luggage required!Music by Shane M.

Claire Allan - Fiction and Mental Health

Derry author Claire Allan has openly shared about her late ASD and ADHD diagnoses on social media and discusses with Jillian and Peter how it has affected, and helped, her writing life up to now with over 20 novels published. ‘The Perfect Mother’ is her latest thriller. [Music by Shane M.]*** Have your say on the Bookcited! Podcast ***Take the short survey at the link below by typing it into your web browser:https://tinyurl.com/lnipodsurvey

Byddi Lee - Climate Fiction – an Uncertain Future

Byddi Lee, an author from Armagh joins Conor and Jillian for a spirited discussion on the so called Cli-Fi (Climate Fiction) trend that is becoming more and more relevant in these current days. Is it just scare mongering or is there something to be gained from projecting possible scenarios into an uncertain future?Music by Shane M.

Kelly McCaughrain - The Responsibility of Writing for a YA audience

Award winning 'Young Adult' author Kelly McCaughrain is still spinning after being shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal Awards for her YA novel ‘Little Bang’. She joins Jillian and Peter to share her writing journey and how important she feels it is for realistic stories of teenage relationships to be portrayed in novels to educate and inform the readers as well as to entertain.Music by Shane M.

Libraries NI Book of the Month for April is Donal Ryan’s Heart, be at Peace

Join Peter and Jillian as they chat about the Libraries NI Book of the Month for April. Donal Ryan’s Heart, be at Peace is an award winning novel based around a small town in rural Ireland. Told in polyphonic voices we follow the colourful, intertwined and at times messy lives of the towns people through trials and tribulations culminating in an explosive and dramatic conclusion. No spoilers here though – pick up a copy for yourself from your local NI library or listen online through Libby or BorrowBox, free with Libraries NI.Music by Shane M.

Sharon Dempsey: After the Party

Belfast author Sharon Dempsey joins Jillian and Peter in the build up to the release of her new standalone novel ‘After the Party’ after the success of her crime thrillers based in Belfast. They discuss exploring class and gender in crime fiction as well as the challenges of basing novels in your hometown.Music by Shane M.

Jo Zebedee: Sci-Fi and Fantasy - Crossovers and Growth

In preparation for the Sci-Fi Convention in Belfast over the Easter Weekend Jillan and Conor have a chat with local Sci-Fi and Fantasy author Jo Zebedee discussing the crossover between the two genres and the growth in popularity of both in recent times.Music by Shane M

Celebrity Authors and Children's Reading Habits

Do celebrity authors help get children reading? Library Assistant Beverley Dempsey from Ballyclare Library joins Jillian and Pete to discuss the impact of famous names on children’s fiction. From reluctant readers to Junior Reading Groups, Beverley shares her insights on how star-studded book releases shape young readers’ choices—and whether they inspire a lifelong love of books.Music by Shane M

World Poetry Day with Gail McConnell

To mark World Poetry Day, Jillian and Pete sit down with award-winning poet Gail McConnell for a powerful discussion about the personal experiences that shape her work. From childhood trauma to parenthood, Gail reflects on how life influences poetry and shares her thoughts on Belfast’s growing poetry scene. Plus, don’t miss a special reading of her poem Untitled / Villanelle.Music by Shane M

Brian McGilloway: The One You Least Expect

Local author Brian McGilloway joins Jillian and Pete to talk about his writing journey, from his early works to his latest projects. He also gives an exclusive insight into his upcoming standalone novel, The One You Least Expect, set for publication in May 2025. Tune in for a fascinating chat about crime fiction, storytelling, and what’s next for this acclaimed author.Music by Shane M

Musical Connections 2 – Duke Special

In this episode, Jillian and Pete chat with the one and only Duke Special, a musician known for his distinctive style and genre-defying performances. He talks about the inspirations behind his work, from his love of home to the joys of deep research, and how embracing the unexpected has shaped his artistic journey. Expect fascinating insights, a touch of musical magic, and plenty of surprises along the way.Music by Shane M

Awards Season in Books

With the Oscars just days away, Jillian, Pete, and Conor are talking about the books that have made it to the big screen—both past and present. From classic adaptations to this year’s awards contenders, they’re diving into the stories that captured Hollywood’s attention! Tune in for some pre-Oscar book chat!Music by Shane M

Musical Connections 1 – Eilidh Patterson

Jillian and Pete sit down with Derry-born singer-songwriter Eilidh Patterson to explore the deep connection between music and storytelling. From navigating life’s ups and downs to finding solace in books, Eilidh shares how reading has shaped her songwriting and helped her through challenging times. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about creativity, resilience, and the power of words in both lyrics and literature.
Podcast music by Shane M

Celebrity Authors

Publishing powerhouses or just a passing trend? Jillian and Peter from the Stock Team are joined by Liza Thompson from Bloomsbury Publishing to explore how celebrity-penned books have shaped the industry. Love them or loathe them, they’re impossible to ignore!Podcast music by Shane M

Exclusive Interview: Martin Waddell – A Giant In Our Midst

Step into the world of Martin Waddell, the legendary children's author behind classics like Owl Babies and Farmer Duck. In an exclusive conversation with Jillian, Martin reflects on his remarkable career, the stories that shaped generations, and the awards that have cemented his legacy.From an early dream of football stardom to a harrowing experience that nearly cost him everything, Martin’s journey to becoming one of Ireland’s most cherished storytellers is nothing short of extraordinary. Now, from his historic home at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, he shares insights into his storytelling craft, the power of picture books, and his new artistic passion.Discover the life, the books, and the man behind them—Listen to the full podcast.

Book to Screen 6

In the series finale, Jillian from the Libraries NI Stock Team introduces Naomi from the Marketing Department and Alisha, Branch Manager of Antrim Library, as they take a closer look at Daisy Jones & The Six and Little Women. From rock 'n' roll drama to timeless literary charm, this episode wraps up the series with a mix of nostalgia and excitement.

Book to Screen 5

Join Jillian from the Libraries NI Stock Team as she sits down with Niall, Branch Manager from Warrenpoint Library, and Julie-Anne, Branch Manager from Carrickfergus Library, to discuss two gripping mysteries brought to life on screen: Dissolution by C.J. Sansom and Evil Under the Sun by Agatha Christie. Discover how these classics translate to film and TV!

Cosy Reads for Winter Nights

Snuggle up with our pick of heartwarming and comforting reads perfect for cold winter nights. Josephine, Branch Manager joins Jillian and Peter to share a selection of her recommendations of cosy reads to keep you company through the darkest months!

Reading Resolutions: Books To Look Forward To

New year, new reads! Area Manager Rebecca joins Jillian and Peter to share her top hits from last year and share her most anticipated releases for 2025

Best of the Best: 2024’s Biggest Hits

Ready to see what dominated the bestseller charts this year? We’re revealing the top-selling books that captured readers’ imaginations worldwide. Join Jillian and Peter along with Branch Manager Michael to find out which titles are worth adding to your must-read list before the year ends!