Dua Lipa’s ‘Service95 Book Club’ Goes Live at the New York Public Library
It was the ultimate convergence of pop culture and literary prestige: Last night, Dua Lipa brought her Service95 Book Club podcast to the stage for a special live taping at the iconic New York Public Library.
In partnership with Spotify and the NYPL, the event featured Dua in conversation with acclaimed author David Szalay, whose novel Flesh was recently long-listed for the Booker Prize. Their discussion unfolded before an audience of 300 fans, press, influencers, and literary figures in the NYPL’s Edna Barnes Salomon Room. And the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building that housed it provided a fitting backdrop for a talk that transcended the typical literary panel, blending high culture with accessible conversation.
After the interview, Spotify’s Chief Public Affairs Officer, Dustee Jenkins, shared questions submitted by fans, giving the audience a chance to engage further with Dua and David. The full video episode will be available globally on Spotify and other platforms in early October.
“At Spotify, we’re on a mission to build the ultimate experience that delivers creativity to the world, and brings fans like you closer to your favorite artists and the books that you love,” said Dustee.
For Dua, an avid reader whose book picks regularly spark conversation across social media, the event brought her back to where her love of reading began.
“My love of literature started when I was little,” she said. “My mom would take me to the bookshop or the park, and I would spend the whole day reading. I connected with different stories, and I’ve loved books from that point on.”
Guests and listeners got an up-close look at the Service95 Book Club format, with Dua guiding David through a thoughtful conversation that mirrored the show’s signature style. For example, when Dua asked the author about character development in the story, he explained, “It’s one of the things that I’m most proud of with the book … it quite accurately portrays the way people change and the ways we stay the same.”
The night also spotlighted the possibilities of video podcasts and audiobooks, underscoring their growing roles in today’s cultural conversations. By featuring a musical icon’s genuine passion for books, the event reinforced Spotify’s place as a home for creators and fans to connect over what moves them.
It was a reminder of how Spotify continues to innovate, offering unique experiences that other video platforms just can’t replicate: a seamless blend of audio and video content that caters to every facet of a fan’s engagement.
Stay tuned for the full video episode of Dua Lipa’s Service95 Book Club, live from the New York Public Library, available globally on Spotify in early October.
