© 2025 Iowa Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Ongoing Tower Work Impacting KUNI (90.9 FM)

The little known library costs of ebooks and audiobooks

Ways To Subscribe
Talk of Iowa, hosted by Charity Nebbe

Readers are devouring eBooks and audiobooks through Libby, Hoopla and other apps, but many don't know the costs of providing digital materials to the library.

On this episode of Talk of Iowa, we’ll hear from Kelly Marble, digital marketing specialist at Des Moines Public Library. Marble talks about reader communities on social media — such a BookTok and Bookstagram — and how these platforms help with library engagement. Then, two administrators with Iowa City Public Library, Elsworth Carman and Anne Mangano, share the lesser-known costs behind Hoopla or Libby and what goes into making all library services as easily accessible as possible.

Later in the hour, the new American Library Association president-elect is Iowa City Public Library librarian Sam Helmick. Helmick shares what issues they plan to pursue as president.

Guests:

  • Kelly Marble, digital marking specialist, Des Moines Public Library
  • Elsworth Carman, library director, Iowa City Public Library
  • Anne Mangano, collections services coordinator, Iowa City Public Library
  • Sam Helmick, president-elect, American Library Association, community and access services coordinator, Iowa City Public Library
Charity Nebbe is IPR's<i> Talk of Iowa</i> host. She also hosts IPR's podcasts <i>Garden Variety</i> and <i>Unsettled</i>. Since 2010, Nebbe has interviewed, conversed with, and shared ideas from guests of all backgrounds and locations, and has helped listeners better understand, appreciate, and explore their state and the world around them. Nebbe has a bachelors degree from Iowa State University.
Dani Gehr is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University. Since 2022, Gehr has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.
Madeleine Willis is IPR's Production Assistant supporting the talk shows and The Sunny Side Project. Willis has experience in audio production, reporting, writing and editing stories and conversations. She's reported and produced conversations on womanhood, sports, and good news from across Iowa. Willis will receive her bachelors degree from the University of Iowa in May 2025.