Fated Mates - A Romance Novel Podcast Episode: New York Public Library Best New Romance List Release Date: February 11, 2025

In this engaging episode of Fated Mates - A Romance Novel Podcast, host Jen Prokop sits down with special guests Kate and Grace from the New York Public Library (NYPL) to discuss the recently released New York Public Library Best New Romance List. The conversation delves into the creation, purpose, and impact of the list, providing valuable insights for romance readers and library enthusiasts alike.

Introduction to the Guests and the Romance List

At the outset (00:00), Jen introduces Kate and Grace, librarians from the NYPL, highlighting their roles and excitement about the new romance list. Kate serves as a young adult librarian at the Bloomingdale branch on the Upper West Side, while Grace is a teen librarian at the St. George branch in Staten Island. Jen emphasizes that the list is for adult romances, ensuring clarity for her listeners.

Origins and Evolution of the NYPL Romance List

Kate explains that the initiative began in 2021 during the Great Pandemic when the librarians sought to create engaging content for readers stuck at home (01:06). Initially a Top 10 Best Romances of the Year, the list has since expanded to 50 titles, with its release moved to coincide with Valentine's Day, aligning with the "high holy holidays of Bromancelandia."

Roles and Collaboration within the NYPL Committee

Grace elaborates on the diverse makeup of the committee, which includes not just librarians but also clerks and information assistants passionate about romance novels (02:33). This diversity ensures a robust and varied list that caters to different tastes within the romance genre.

The Process of Curating the Best New Romance List

Creating the list involves monthly committee meetings where members discuss and nominate their favorite reads (04:50). Grace describes the process as "involves chaos sometimes so much chaos," highlighting the dynamic and collaborative nature of their work. The committee reads extensively, often juggling multiple nominations, leading to moments of both excitement and overwhelm:

Grace: “It just helps us make a really robust and diverse list.” (03:05)

Kate shares a humorous anecdote about grappling with multiple "enemies to lovers" novels, reflecting the challenges they face in maintaining variety:

Kate: “Except the week I had to read nine enemies to lovers... I can't read another one of these for like a year.” (05:23)

Impact of the Romance List on Library Collections and Patron Engagement

One of the significant benefits of the list is its role in guiding library acquisitions. Kate credits Stephanie, the head of selection for NYPL, for facilitating the acquisition of featured titles:

Kate: “We kind of like helped influence the collections as well.” (06:29)

This proactive approach ensures that popular and recommended titles are available to patrons, preventing shortages when circulation spikes due to the list's publicity.

Enhancing Book Discoverability and Reader Recommendations

Jen discusses how the list aids in the discoverability of romance novels, especially amidst the overwhelming number of titles available. By having librarians curate and recommend based on their reading, the list serves as a trusted resource for readers seeking new romances:

Jen: “If you're ever... someone has made a list because there are lots of people like you in the world.” (04:24)

The inclusion of various sub-genres ensures that there's something for everyone, from mild romances to "scorching" tales, as Kate humorously notes:

Kate: “Our committee usually makes fun of me because I'll be like, this book is like, really scorching.” (06:29)

Supporting Local Libraries: Tips and Recommendations

Jen transitions the conversation to the broader challenges libraries face, such as funding issues and book bans, and seeks advice on how listeners can support their local libraries. Kate and Grace offer several actionable suggestions:

1. Be Kind to Librarians: Simple gestures like a smile or a kind word can make a significant difference. Kate emphasizes the importance of recognizing librarians' dedication:

   Kate: “We get yelled at. We're just doing our job... because we're in this job because we like helping people.” (08:46)

2. Utilize Library Resources: Encouraging patrons to get library cards, check out books, and use online resources demonstrates support and justifies library funding.

3. Advocate for Desired Collections: Jen suggests patrons speak up about their reading preferences. Writing letters or directly communicating with librarians about desired genres or titles can lead to improved collections:

   Jen: “If you think you can't, like, walk up to them and say, I'm a romance reader. Where's your romance section?” (12:33)

Kate shares a success story where patron feedback led to better organization and expanded romance sections:

Kate: “A patron came up to me he's like, that romance section got so much better.” (13:07)

Spotlight on Favorite Titles from the NYPL Romance List

The conversation shifts to specific highlights from the Best New Romance List. Kate and Grace share their favorite picks, offering listeners a glimpse into standout titles:

• Kate praises Birding with Benefits for its charming premise involving a divorcee and a birding competition, reflecting her personal love for birds:

  Kate: “Celeste is a divorcee... accidentally involved in a birding competition and as this guy's fake girlfriend.” (14:32)

• Grace expresses admiration for several historical romances, mentioning titles like Any Duke in a Storm by Amelie Howard and The Duchess by Sophie Jordan, highlighting the diversity and depth of the list:

  Grace: “Seven of them made it on the list, I think, and they're all really wonderful.” (15:05)

Jen appreciates the variety, noting that the list includes different sub-genres beyond typical rom-coms, making it accessible for all types of romance readers.

Personal Reflections and Appreciation for Librarians

Towards the episode's conclusion, Jen shares heartfelt anecdotes about her relationship with libraries, emphasizing the pivotal role librarians play in fostering a love for reading:

Jen: “Listen, don't obey in advance. We know the rules for 20, 25.” (20:45)

She thanks librarians for their unwavering support and dedication, resonating with many listeners who share similar experiences.

Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Kate and Grace conclude the discussion with light-hearted banter about their love for romance novels and the joys of accessing beloved sections like the ripped bodice (20:19), leaving listeners with a warm appreciation for the collaborative efforts that make such lists possible.

Jen wraps up by reiterating the importance of the NYPL Romance List as a valuable resource for both new and seasoned romance readers, encouraging listeners to explore the recommended titles and support their local libraries.

Notable Quotes:

• Jen Prokop: “We are a third space. You can come, you can hang out. You don't have to spend money.” (09:24)

• Kate: “This is a very diverse and varied list and we're very proud of it.” (17:30)

• Grace: “If anything, you'll find out your librarian's a closet romance reader, too, and be like, let's talk in the corner.” (13:29)

This episode of Fated Mates not only highlights the New York Public Library's commitment to promoting romance literature but also serves as a heartfelt tribute to the indispensable role of libraries and librarians in nurturing literary passions. Whether you're a dedicated romance aficionado or a casual reader, the insights shared by Kate and Grace offer meaningful ways to engage with and support your local library while discovering new and exciting romance novels.