You could say the Time to Read podcast was a novel idea. When the Winnipeg Public Library launched it in 2018, no other library had really done anything like it at the time.
“There was a group of us that got together and brainstormed how we could use the emerging podcast format to replicate in person book clubs,” said Trevor Lockhart, Time to Read co-host and Branch Head at the Louis Riel Library. “But none of us knew how to do a podcast.”
They figured it out.
What started as an experiment quickly grew into a community. Every month, listeners tuned into conversations centered around a different book.
Eight years later, Time to Read released its 100th episode this month.
A lofty launch
The team knew they were on to something special before the show even debuted.
The first episode featured Margaret Atwood's Oryx and Crake. A social media post teasing the episode caught the author’s attention. She reposted it and shared her enthusiasm for the idea.
“I mean, talk about daunting,” said Lockhart. “We haven’t even recorded one episode yet and Margaret Atwood endorses you.”
Recognition continued to grow. The podcast was featured on Library Journal’s top 10 library podcasts to listen to and was named a finalist for Best Podcast Series (Consumer) at the Canadian Online Publishing Awards.
Over the years, the podcast has welcomed a range of guest authors. Margaret Sweatman, Jordan Wheeler, Ariel Gordon, and Casey Plett are just a few who have joined in the conversation.
The show is hosted by Lockhart, Toby Cygman, Outreach Librarian, and Dennis Penner, who works in the ideaMILL and edits every episode.
Building a community
Listeners are the heart of the show and the reason there have been 100 episodes so far. Their comments and feedback help shape each discussion. Just like how library branches bring people together, the podcast creates a space for connection online.
“The podcast is just another way we can create community and reach people that otherwise may not ever step foot inside a library, but they can still experience that feeling of being part of something,” said Lockhart. “We’re sharing a moment, an hour at a time, each month and that’s kind of cool.”
People are tuning in from across Canada, the United States, and as far away as Japan.
“There's a woman in Idaho who turned out to be our biggest fan and told us we were better than the New York Times podcast and the BBC Book Club podcast,” said Penner. “She’s a little spicy and fun.”
Penner has even been recognized by his voice while working at the ideaMILL.
“I’ve been giving tours and then it turns out they listen to the podcast,” he said. “It’s really cool to meet and talk with someone who listens and has enjoyed what we've done, it’s really affirming.”
An impressive milestone
Reaching 100 episodes is no small feat.
The team has released monthly episodes consistently for eight years, adapting along the way. During the pandemic, they used video calls, voice recording software, and some creative editing helped maintain the conversational feeling despite not being able to be in the same room.
They even recorded extra episodes highlighting some of the library’s resources that are accessible from home.
Since choosing just one favourite book would be impossible, the milestone episode features 100. The list includes selections from listeners, library staff and the hosts themselves.
“What the podcast has done for me is it's reinvigorated my love of reading,” said Penner. “We hope that our listeners also feel excited about reading and maybe explore books that they wouldn't have explored otherwise.”
And if you stick around until the end of an episode, you’ll even grow your vocabulary thanks to the podcast’s long-running “Nerd Words for Word Nerds” segment.
Want to join the conversation?
Unlike a book, you don’t have to start from the beginning. The hosts recommend jumping in with an episode featuring a book that interests you. While they say the episodes may include spoilers, it won’t ruin the experience.
You’re encouraged to share your thoughts on social media or by email and they could be included in the show.
You can find Time to Read on all major podcasting platforms, online, or listen through the player below.