The Nurturing Librarian
Reading is not a luxury or guilty pleasure, reading is self-care. The Nurturing Librarian Podcast is here to help you tackle the obstacles that get in the way of reading. After all, self-care starts with a good book. My name is Nicole aka The Nurturing Librarian and I'm a book reviewer, former librarian (but always a librarian at heart) and former library board member with a background in health coaching. Whether you haven't found the time, the right book or are overwhelmed by everything booktok, we can nurture a healthy habit of reading for you! If you are a book lover (or book curious) and are seeking inspiration, motivation, or the latest book buzz, then tune in and let’s nourish a love of reading together.
Episodes
In the trailer of The Nurturing Librarian, Nicole, a former librarian and health coach, discusses why reading should be considered an integral part of self-care. She challenges the notion that making time for reading is a luxury or a lazy activity. Instead, Nicole encourages listeners to see reading as essential for reducing stress, increasing empathy, enhancing communication skills, and providing a sense of belonging. By shifting ...
The Nurturing Librarian podcast kicks off with an exploration of reading as a vital self-care practice. Host Nicole highlights how societal perceptions often undervalue reading, treating it as a hobby for those with ample leisure time. However, scientific studies show that reading can significantly reduce stress in mere minutes and foster community connections by enhancing empathy. Nicole argues that reading should be prioritized a...
In this episode of the Nurturing Librarian podcast, Nicole introduces the concept of a 'time audit' to help listeners find time for reading. By analyzing daily routines, she suggests identifying overlooked opportunities, such as commutes or waiting periods, that can be transformed into valuable reading time. Nicole argues that reading should be prioritized like other self-care activities, proposing a shift from mindless phone scrol...
In this episode of the Nurturing Librarian podcast, Nicole provides practical solutions for accessing books without breaking the bank. She emphasizes the importance of utilizing local libraries, getting a library card, and revisiting books already owned at home. The conversation reveals tips on finding affordable books, such as digging into the backlist of favorite authors and understanding library features like 'Skip the Line' boo...
In this episode, the Nurturing Librarian addresses a variety of misconceptions about reading and sets out to debunk these myths. Cornerstones of these discussions assert that all reading is valid and that there isn’t a strict 'one-size-fits-all' definition of what it means to be a reader. She insists that reading should be viewed as a form of self-nourishing, not a competition.
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Finding your next read can be harder than it looks! The Nurturing Librarian has you covered from reading the latest buzziest book of the season to getting VIP service at your library with your very own customized list, Nicole has resources for you to pull from to find your next five-star read. And stick around for book news and two recs that might be out of your comfort zone.
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The Nurturing Librarian Podcast focuses on recognizing and overcoming book slumps. The host stresses that understanding slumps is crucial before attempting to conquer them. Tips shared include finding rebound books, such as thrillers or cozy reads, changing the reading environment, and remembering the excitement of a great read. This insightful conversation promotes treating reading as a self-care routine and adopts a compassionate...
In this special episode, the discussion is on a recent study by the National Literacy Trust showing a significant decrease in reading among young people. These alarming findings prompt us to consider the challenges surrounding reading, such as time constraints, access to books, and representation and what we can do about it.
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National Literacy Trust Report 2024
This episode of the Nurturing Librarian Podcast delves into the concept of gift giving during the holiday season. The host shares alternative ways you can express your love for books through thoughtful and mindful gift-giving, and favoring books as a wonderful gift. The episode also shedding light on some inspiring bookish traditions from around the world.
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Looking for the perfect book to cozy up in December? This episode is for you. Nicole discusses being a mood reader and offers up winter-themed recommendations sure to appeal across genres including romance, obviously. Highlights include 'Love You A Latke', a holiday romance, 'The Gilded Wolves', a magical fantasy, 'The Tea Dragon Society', a beautiful graphic novel and 'Greenglass House', a middle-grade narrative filled with myster...
The concept of having a reading goal is explored in depth. On one end, there are readers who set a specific number of books to read in a year, often using tools like Goodreads. On the other, there are readers who choose to remain goal-free, reading at their leisure. Both approaches are appreciated and respected. Despite these differences, a common theme among both groups is that reading should be a source of joy, not a cause for st...
In this episode, we explore the beauty and potential of local libraries. From reading challenges that spur the joys of reading to community events like the 'December Sip and Shop', libraries offer far more than just a collection of books. It's about building community, offering resources, and nurturing a deep love for reading amongst people of all ages.
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In this episode of the Nurturing Librarian Podcast, the host reflects on her reading habits for the ending year and how the year has shaped her approach to books and reading. She highlights the fresh narrative of being able to reconnect with her love for reading in her new city and how her youngest daughter’s passion for book collecting has fueled her fascination.
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Dive into the anticipated reads of 2025! The Nurturing Librarian shares upcoming books on her TBR or that she has already read and can share with you! Also, Nicole asserts her curiosity for the Kobo Libra Colour due to its capacity for color display, more sustainable production, and propagation of mindful consumption among users over the Kindle.
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The opening podcast of 2025 from the Nurturing Librarian Podcast invites listeners to envision their reading goals for a new year. Beyond just a numerical goal, the host encourages listeners to understand how successful reading makes them feel, connecting this sentiment with a sensory experience to enhance motivation. Goals can be trying a new genre, reading a certain number of pages or even maintaining your habits from 2024.
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We have a surprise guest on today as we enjoy the winter wonderland of recent snowstorm Blair. Let's talk with Leighann, The Nurturing Librarian's daughter, about 2025 reading wishes and Romantasy and Romance. And be aware that at the end there is heavy discussion about Emily Henry's Beach Read so if you haven't read it yet, you can dip out early since we kinda spoil it.
****Looking for more book recs? Check us out on goodreads<...
Reading journals have been around awhile but now you can get a customized one on Etsy or go digital with Goodreads or Fable. Should you journal your reading this year? I'm sharing my own 2025 goal of tracking my reading in a physical reading journal I was gifted and how you can get in on the fun, too. Plus, book news and book recs.
Traveling can be fun but stressful. How does reading factor into your trips? Is it a treat to anticipate, or is there no time for it? Do you find soothing in the routine of cracking open a book spine? Here's how my recent trip went and an impromptu review of my Kobo, RF Kuang's Babel, and some book news!
Every Library Advocacy Website
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****Looking for more book recs? Chec...
Book clubs provide an enriching space for book lovers to connect, share, and support each other beyond just the realm of literature. Flexible in nature, these clubs can adapt to meet the varying needs of their participants. New members often bring novel ideas and diverse reading preferences, encouraging growth and variety in book selection. Whether discussing venue choices, food arrangements, or potential new members, regular re-ev...
Book hangovers, like their emotional counterparts, can leave readers longing for the worlds and characters they've grown to love. This podcast episode delves into the experience of finishing a captivating book series and highlights the difficulty of moving on to new reads. Drawing on personal experiences, the host Nicole the popular Empyrean series as a case study, examining the feelings of reluctance in transitioning to new books....
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