For librarians Sara Shahein and Tessa Werden, what began as casual conversations about books and pop culture at work has grown into a community staple. Their podcast, Checked Out, produced by the Green Hills Public Library District at10331 S. Interlochen Drive Palos Hills, celebrated its one-year anniversary this month.
Episode 1 of Checked Out went live on Sept. 24, 2024. Since then, a new episode has dropped on the first Wednesday of every month, each running 30 to 60 minutes.
“Checked Out was really born from wanting to share the conversations that we had at work, and bringing our patrons into the mix,” said Shahein, an Adult Services Associate. “We try our best to be well rounded in our recommendations and topics of conversation so there is something for everyone—whether it be film, music, TV shows, video games, and of course books.”
The podcast pairs Werden, the library’s Youth Services Librarian and resident fantasy enthusiast, with Shahein, who brings a passion for romance reads. Together, they’ve created an audio space that mirrors the library’s eclectic shelves.
“Checked Out serves to connect to our patrons in a more personal way than we are often able to do,” Werden said. Beyond book recommendations, the duo dives into broader cultural conversations, often with humor and a light touch.
Reaching the one-year milestone is something both hosts said they are still processing.
“One year of Checked Out is unbelievable. It feels like we’ve just started, while still feeling like second nature somehow,” Shahein said. “This podcast has been such a unique way to express and share with the community while showcasing the library and what we have to offer. We’re thankful for everyone that has given us a chance and listened to us.”
Looking ahead, the hosts said listeners can expect more of the mix that has kept the podcast growing, including book converstions, cultural commentary, and plenty of laughter.
“In the future you can look forward to more episodes about the books we love and the media we consume,” Werden said. “Future episodes will feature fellow staff members, discussions about hot topics in the book community, and plenty of laughs.”
For Shahein and Werden, the podcast is about more than microphones and monthly episodes. It’s about bringing the library’s mission to life in a fresh, personal way, one conversation at a time.
Green Hills Public Library librarians Tessa Werden and Sara Shahein. (Supplied photo)
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