Drinks in the Library

Gigi Howard
  • 4.8 (24)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Drinks in the library, the only library where drinks aren’t just allowed, they are required! Each episode librarian Gigi Howard interviews a guest about their favorite book and we pair it with a drink for you to make at home or share with your next book club meet-up!

  1. 2D AGO

    Twilight by Stephanie Meyer with Burn Before Reading Podcast

    Hi Librarian Nation! This week we are discussing Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, the now-ubiquitous tale of Bella Swan and the vampire who just can’t quit her, Edward Cullen. This story has, of course, been widely read and adapted into famous films, and I was so happy to discuss it with this week’s guests, Christina and Lelia from fellow Richmond book podcast Burn Before Reading! I was on Burn Before Reading last week talking about being a librarian during the Fifty Shades of Grey craze, so please go check it out (heads up that Burn Before Reading is for mature audiences only!). Burn Before Reading Podcast is where hosts Christina Kann and Lelia Hilton in an exploration of bad writing, cringey memories, and scandalous literary history. The cringe factor of literature is as ancient as writing itself, and Burn Before Reading is here to explore it all. Every week, Christina & Lelia delve into the story of a piece of writing, a writer, a movement, or a memory to unpack the people they used to be and appreciate how far they’ve come! O-Positive Party Punch (from Slugs on the Refrigerator Blog) Ingredients (per glass): 3 oz. cranberry juice 2 oz.pomegranate juice 3 oz.sparkling water Squeeze of fresh orange Instructions: Fill a glass with ice. Add cranberry and pomegranate juices. Squeeze in orange and stir. Top with sparkling water and a thin apple slice. In this Episode Vote for DITL in Style Weekly’s Best of Richmond 2026 Drinks in the Library Merch! The Butterfly Effect Mean Girls Film This is the Skin of a Killer, Bella! The Byrd Theater Books by Stephenie Meyer Sinners Film Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by VE Schwab

  2. FEB 3

    Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl with Matthew Stern

    Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl is a whimsical children’s novel about Charlie Bucket, a kind, poor boy who wins a once-in-a-lifetime tour of the mysterious Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Since so many know this story, Matthew and I were able to have a conversation about the book’s history and Dahl’s legacy, and about how art and our views of it change over time. Matthew Stern is an award-winning public speaker and writer with over 40 years of professional experience. His works include the novels Amiga and The Remainders, as well as the best-selling public speaking book Mastering Table Topics. A lifelong resident of Southern California, he grew up in Reseda, graduated from California State University, Northridge, and now lives in Lake Forest. When he’s not rooting for the Dodgers and Rams, he enjoys exercising and spending time with his wife, adult children, and granddaughter. You can find him on social media platforms @MASwriter Our drink this week is a Greek Cheek Beer, a favorite of Matthew’s from his home in California, and a reference to the gum-smacking habits of Violet Beauregaard. If you are in California definite check it out. For those of us outside of the Golden State, Sam Adams Chocolate Bock would have be a great pairing for this book. In this Episode Roald Dahl Revision Controversy Wonka vs Wonka The problem with overly likable characters - Matthew Stern

  3. JAN 27

    Libby Lost and Found by Stephanie Booth with Kendall Concini-Moore

    This week’s book is Libby Lost & Found, by Stephanie Booth, about Libby Weeks, the reclusive author of the hit fantasy series “The Falling Children”, who faces a crisis when she is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's and struggles to complete her overdue manuscript. In desperation, she enlists the help of eleven-year-old superfan Peanut Bixton, who knows the series inside and out but has her own hidden troubles. As Libby grapples with her diagnosis, Peanut and her family work to protect and help her save herself and the series. My guest this week is Kendall Concini-Moore. Kendall‘s greatest adventure began not on the page, but at home, as a mother. Her book Mom’s Cloud and the Beach Adventure was inspired by her own family and her struggles with depression, or her “cloud.” With empathy and playful hearts, her family encourages her to rest, reminding her that it’s okay to not be okay, because clouds don’t last forever. Complete with discussion questions and resources, this picture book gives children ages 4-8 the language to understand when someone they love is struggling, while celebrating that sometimes, simply being together is the most caring thing. You can find out more about her and her book on her website, https://cloudydaychronicles.org/, through her Substack where she shares resources: cloudydaychronicles.substack.com/ and on social media @cloudydaychronicles. Kendall curated our drink this week:  A Black Manhattan with a coffee twist, listen to the episode to learn how this was inspired by the book and what author Stephanie Booth thought Libby’s favorite drink would be! Ingredients 2 oz rye whiskey (or bourbon if you want it softer) 1 oz Amaro ¼ oz coffee liqueur (just a pinch—enough to deepen, not dominate) 2-3 dashes orange bitters (optional but rounds it out) Luxardo cherry or orange twist for garnish Directions Add rye (or bourbon), amaro, coffee liqueur, and bitters to a mixing glass. Fill with ice and stir vigorously for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted. Strain into a chilled coupe (for up) or an old-fashioned glass over a large ice cube (for on the rocks). Garnish with a Luxardo cherry or a long orange twist.  In this episode Chuck Palahniuk  Laurie Notaro Patrick Roth Brandon Sanderson Every Heart a Doorway Episode Tweetsie Railroad Drop Dead Generous A Doubters Almanac Episode

  4. JAN 20

    Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger with Valerie Adachi

    Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger revolves around identical twins, Elspeth and Edie, who have a deep but complicated bond that is tested when Elspeth, a reclusive woman living in London, dies and leaves her apartment to her American nieces, Julia and Valentina. As the twins settle into Elspeth's home, they become entangled in the mysteries of her past and the supernatural presence that lingers in the apartment, particularly the ghost of Elspeth herself.  My guest this week is Valerie Adachi. Valerie is a self-proclaimed bookworm who even enjoyed reading cereal boxes 🥣as a kid, she reminisces over the tactile joy of spreading the New York Times 📰 across her kitchen table. Adventure always seems to be around the corner for her, often appearing spontaneous but rooted in long-percolating ideas—like the decision to add a new puppy 🐶 to her already bustling pack, turning her quiet life topsy-turvy. Beyond her love for dogs 🐕 , she thrives on live music, good food and drink shared with family and friends, and the thrill of knowing that adventure is always nearby, maybe we a cozy reading spot 📖 SPOILER ALERT! For the first episode ever, we do discuss the ending, so heads up if you plan to read the book. I do give you a heads up in the episode so you know when to stop, but if you have read it already or want to hear the ending, listen all the way through! In This Episode Mirror Twins Highgate Cemetery Earl Grey Hot Toddy Ingredients: 1 cup water 1 Earl Grey tea bag 1-2 tablespoons honey (to taste) 1-2 ounces whiskey (such as bourbon or rye) 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice Lemon slice (for garnish) Cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish Directions 1. Boil the water in a small saucepan or kettle. 2. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the Earl Grey tea bag. Steep for about 3-5 minutes, depending on your preference for strength. 3. Remove the tea bag and stir in the honey until fully dissolved. 4. Add the whiskey and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the tea mixture, stirring gently to combine. 5. Pour the hot toddy into a mug or heatproof glass. 6. Garnish with a lemon slice and a cinnamon stick, if desired. 7. Serve warm and enjoy your soothing hot toddy!

  5. JAN 13

    An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin with Amy Carleton, Ph D.

    Our book this week is An Object of Beauty, a novel released in 2010 by Steve Martin, chronicles the journey of the driven and charming Lacey Yeager as she navigates the New York art scene. Starting as an intern at Sotheby's, Lacey ascends to become a prominent gallery owner, revealing her questionable methods and the fluctuating dynamics of the art market from the 1990s to the present. Narrated by her friend Daniel, the story delves into themes of art, collecting, ambition, and social ambition within the art world, all infused with Martin's characteristic wit and dry humor. My guest this week is Amy Carleton, Ph D. She teaches in the Comparative Media Studies/Writing program at MIT and is the co-founder of Black Notes Project, a Charlotte, NC-based music festival and nonprofit, as well as the creator of Lecture Notes, a public humanities series (and now Substack!). Her research focuses on the behavioral economics of online communities and the intersection of race and digital culture. She is a recipient of the MIT Teaching With Digital Technology award, holds a graduate certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University, and was selected by the WikiEducation Foundation as a Wikipedia Black History Scholar. Find out more about Amy through her website TheAmyCarleton.com Our Drink this week is La Marca Prosecco, which is a popular offering at art galleries and showings. So sip some along with us as we dive into the art world of the 90s and 2000s! In this Episode Ways of Seeing by John Berger Born Standing Up by Steve Martin Davidson college Exit Through the Gift Shop Documentary Isabella Stewart Garden Museum Theft The Mint Museum  Boston Museum of Fine Arts Bechtler Museum of Modern Art  Harvey B. Gantt Center Institute of Contemporary Art Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross Novant Health Art Initiative Virginia Museum of Fine Arts The Story of Art Without Men by Katy Hessel Unfinished: The Role of the Artist in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Lucas Cantor Santiago A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara Random Family: Love, Drugs, Trouble, and Coming of Age in the Bronx by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc  Brookline Booksmith RJ Julia Bookstore

  6. JAN 6

    Heartbeat by Terreece M. Clarke with Liz Bullard

    Happy New Year Libration Nation! We are kicking off the year with Heartbeat by Terreece M. Clarke, a romance suspense novel in which Mike and Maya find love in the midst of danger and messiness.  This is the first book in Clarke’s Courageous Love Series, and with excellent characters and diverse voices, it is a favorite of this week’s guest, Liz Bullard! Liz Bullard is a multi-genre author, therapist, and coach known for her captivating storytelling and passion for helping creatives overcome obstacles. Her notable works include The Prophecy Series and the Lira Somers Mysteries—praised for fast-paced plots, vivid characters, and movie-like imagery. Liz’s love of reading and writing is evident in the eReads Podcast, where she celebrates the power of creativity and storytelling. When she’s not writing, coaching, or recording the podcast, she’s cooking, reading, or spending time with Preston the corgi. Our drink this week is a Hibiscus French 75 Mocktail, using one of my favorite syrups Wild Hibiscus, which includes hibiscus flowers that make the cocktail match Heartbeat’s cover! Ingredients 1 oz NA gin .5 oz Wild Hibiscus syrup .5 oz fresh lemon juice NA Sparkling wine Ice Lemon twist or edible flower (for garnish) 1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, wild hibiscus syrup, and fresh lemon juice. 2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for about 15-20 seconds until the mixture is chilled. 3. Place hibiscus flower from the syrup in a champagne flute. 4. Pour mixture from shaker into flute 5. Top it off: Gently top off the drink with your choice of chilled NA sparkling wine. In this Episode Terreece M. Clarke’s Website James Patterson Janet Evanovich

  7. 12/16/2025

    This is the Honey by Kwame Alexander with Nick George The Poet

    Hello Libration Nation! This week I am joined by Nick George, a poet and educator, to discuss This Is The Honey an anthology of poems edited by Kwame Alexander. We talked about Nick’s journey with poetry, the significance of diverse voices in poetic anthologies, and the importance of seeing yourself reflected in stories. We read and analyze poems from the anthology, including works by Mahogany L. Brown and Jabari Asim. This is the last episode of 2025 as I’m taking a little break to relax and spend time with my family. Looking forward to some great episodes coming out in 2026! Nicholas Steven George (or, Nick George the Poet) is a poet, educator, DJ and facilitator. He has performed at venues such as TedXCharlottesville, American Psychology Association Annual Convention, University of Lynchburg & Opera Roanoke. In performing his original work, he has opened for renowned poets like Jasmine Mans, Levi the Poet, Alysia Harris, Black Ice & Joshua Bennett. His work dwells at the intersection of culture, identity and spirituality. He has been writing, performing, and teaching for more than two decades. Nick’s award-winning work has been featured in a variety of industries and highlighted on platforms on the local and nationwide scale, ranging from private group facilitation and workshops, 1 on 1 coaching, and virtual/in-person performances. Find him on his website or on social media. Moscow Mule 2 oz vodka 1 oz fresh lime juice 4 oz ginger beer Fresh mint leaves (about 8-10) Lime wedge (for garnish) Ice Copper mug (traditional) In the bottom of a copper mug, add the fresh mint leaves. Gently muddle them with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their oils. Fill the mug with ice cubes. Pour the vodka and fresh lime juice over the ice. Top off with ginger beer, stirring gently to combine all ingredients. Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of fresh mint. Enjoy your refreshing Moscow Mule! In this Episode Drinks in the Library Merch Sonya Sanchez Langston Hughes Still I Rise by Maya Angelou Amiri Baraka Black Art

  8. 12/09/2025

    The Gunslinger by Stephen King with Bill Blume

    Hello libration nation! This week's book is The Gunslinger by Stephen King a dark twisted fantasy novel and the first book in King’s The Dark Tower series. It follows the journey of Roland Deschain, the last gunslinger, as he traverses a desolate and mysterious landscape in pursuit of the enigmatic Man in Black. The story blends elements of fantasy, horror, and Western, exploring themes of destiny, obsession, and the nature of good and evil, as Roland confronts both external foes and his own inner demons on his quest to reach the Dark Tower, the nexus of all universes. Guest Bill Blume was determined to be a writer from a young age, often taking the lead in crafting adventures during childhood games in South Carolina. After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, he worked as a TV news producer before transitioning to a dispatcher role for Henrico County Police in 2001. In Richmond, he and his wife became active in the local writing community, contributing to James River Writers, where he served on the board and continues to engage with fellow writers and industry professionals.He is the author of several books, and has an upcoming novel, To Hell and Back coming out January 20th, 2026. Our drink this week was a Dark & Stormy, the perfect dark and spicy drink to pair with an anti-hero like Roland Deschain. In This Episode Sh*tty First Draft - Anne Lamott George Lucas Star Wars changes Original Gunslinger vs. Revised Edition Shiver by Maggie Steifvater James River Writers Books by Stephen King Battle of the Planets Series Malinda Lo Books NK Jemison Books Erin Bowman Books West of Apocalypse by Bill Blume Richmond SPCA Richmond Animal League Sarah Glenn Marsh

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Drinks in the library, the only library where drinks aren’t just allowed, they are required! Each episode librarian Gigi Howard interviews a guest about their favorite book and we pair it with a drink for you to make at home or share with your next book club meet-up!

Information

  • Creator
    Gigi Howard
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    98
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Gigi Howard
  • Show Website
    Drinks in the Library

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