Library Exchange Podcast

Visit the Library Exchange official website to submit a story, ask a question or request to be a guest at https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com  Looking for some new swag for your library, yourself or a favorite book loving friend? Visit: http://libraryexchange.etsy.com  Episode Description: Hosts Julie Saunders and Jan Wilson reflect on Season 1 of Library Exchange, highlighting real-world strategies school librarians used to demonstrate value, expand resources, and increase equity in collections and access. This episode shares concrete ideas, from advocacy and branding to student helpers, partnerships, shelving innovations, and reading challenges while encouraging listeners to set professional library resolutions for the new year.  

Visit the Library Exchange official website to submit a story, ask a question or request to be a guest at https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com  Looking for some new swag for your library, yourself or a favorite book loving friend? Visit: http://libraryexchange.etsy.com  To follow Kannan Cangro on Instagram: @cangrolib  Or contact her through email at Kcangro@gmail.com  Episode Description: In this episode, Kannan Cangro shares how she built a sustainable STEAM program in a busy elementary library—from leveraging a Boeing grant and simple materials like Kiva planks and math manipulatives to using micro:bits and robots. Hear practical, low‑cost instructional strategies, the engineering design process applied with no‑stakes formative assessment techniques, and tips for managing makerspace time and collaboration. Cannon also explains her inclusive true book fair model that gives every K–6 student two new books.  

Visit the Library Exchange official website to submit a story, ask a question or request to be a guest at https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com  Looking for some new swag for your library, yourself or a favorite book loving friend? Visit: http://libraryexchange.etsy.com  Check out the Postcrossing program here: https://www.postcrossing.com/  Episode Description: Hosts Julie Saunders and Jan Wilson talk with Laura Silver, a New York City high school librarian, about bringing Postcrossing to students. Learn how the program uses postcards to teach geography, writing skills, language use, and empathy by connecting students with people around the world. The episode covers how Postcrossing works, classroom and privacy tips, memorable exchanges, and simple steps to start a similar passive program in your library.   More resources for student-centered letter writing projects: American Philatelic Society: Educator Resources https://stamps.org/learn/educator-resources * request a free box of cancelled stamps. We have used them for inquiry lessons and art projects. Students love to add the stamps to their phone cases. Compassion Prison Project https://compassionprisonproject.org/services/letter-writing-campaign/ FIUTS (Foundation for International Understanding Through Students) https://www.fiuts.org/be-a-pen-pal GlamourGals https://glamourgals.org/my-dear-friend-main Invites students to create greeting cards for seniors Inclusive Schools Pen Pal Exchange https://inclusiveschools.org/isw-activity/pen-pal-exchange/ Letters Against Isolation https://loveforourelders.org/learning Love for Our Elders https://loveforourelders.org/learning The National Postal Museum https://postalmuseum.si.edu/ Library of the National Postal Museum https://library.si.edu/libraries/postal-museum/collections Postcards: The Write Stuff https://postalmuseum.si.edu/sites/default/files/education/pdfs/postcards-the_write_stuff.pdf Operation Gratitude https://www.operationgratitude.com/volunteer/anywhere/letters/ Student Letter Exchange https://www.pen-pal.com/ Trucker Buddy (for younger students) https://truckerbuddy.org

Visit the Library Exchange official website to submit a story, ask a question or request to be a guest at https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com  Looking for some new swag for your library, yourself or a favorite book loving friend? Visit http://libraryexchange.etsy.com  Click this link for more information and resources provided by Jessie Storrs: http://tinyurl.com/YDFlib  Episode Description: Teacher librarian Jessie Storrs runs the El Centro Junior Senior High School library inside the Sacramento Youth Detention Facility, serving residents and staff with books, DVDs, and 50+ board games. She uses strategy games like CuBirds to teach SEL skills—accountability, emotional resilience, and responsible decision‑making—and runs virtual field trips tied to popular series like I Survived. Her central goal is to inspire residents and reduce recidivism by providing consistent caring, literacy access, and community through gaming and programming.

Visit the Library Exchange official website to submit a story, ask a question or request to be a guest at https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com  Looking for some new swag for your library, yourself or a favorite book loving friend? Visit http://libraryexchange.etsy.com  To follow Rebeca Fox: TikTok: @thefoxreads Click this link for more information and resources: beacons.ai/thefoxreads  Episode Description: Rebecca Fox, a veteran school librarian who recently moved to a high school position in Texas, shares practical strategies for building relationships with teachers and students, using input forms, creating popular book subscription boxes, hosting homecoming mum-making, and partnering on cultural programming like Día de los Muertos to make the library a welcoming, student-centered space.  

Visit the Library Exchange official website to submit a story, ask a question or request to be a guest at https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com  Looking for some new swag for your library, yourself or a favorite book loving friend? Visit http://libraryexchange.etsy.com  You can find more information about Elissa Malespina and her AI information at ElissaMalespina.com. Elissa also has an AI School Librarians newsletter available on Substack. Episode Description: Teacher-librarian Elissa Malespina breaks down practical, ethical ways to use AI in K-12 schools. She shares real examples using ChatGPT for content creation, NotebookLM for research organization, Canva Bulk Create for presentations, Storm for topic overviews, and Screencastify for captions. She also explains how librarians can lead AI literacy, support differentiation, and reclaim time for student-facing work.  

Visit the Library Exchange official website to submit a story, ask a question or request to be a guest at https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com  Looking for some new swag for your library, yourself or a favorite book loving friend? Visit http://libraryexchange.etsy.com  Connect with Amy @amybrownlee93 on Instagram and BlueSky or visit bibliobrownlee.weebly.com for more. Episode Description: In this episode of Library Exchange, hosts Jan and Julie interview Amy Brownlee, the pre-K-12 librarian in a small public school system in Kansas, about her successful grant work and teacher-study travel. Amy explains how she has secured nearly $97,000 through local and regional grants for books, STEM, technology, and professional learning.  She shares practical strategies for securing these grants through application strategies, tracking the funding, and demonstrating student impact. She also describes several funded professional-learning trips including a Fulbright project in Ethiopia, an NEH institute on graphic novels with Comic‑Con, a transatlantic study trip to Germany, and the White House History Teacher Institute and how she brings artifacts, lessons, and cultural experiences back to enrich student learning in a small, rural district. Listeners will leave with clear grant-writing tips, examples of funded projects, and resources to explore; connect with Amy at @amybrownlee93 on Instagram and BlueSky or visit bibliobrownlee.weebly.com for more.  

Visit the Library Exchange official website to submit a story, ask a question or request to be a guest at https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com  Looking for some new swag for your library, yourself or a favorite book loving friend? Visit http://libraryexchange.etsy.com  To follow Hajnalka Molloy, search on LinkedIn and Facebook. For more information and resources for advocating for school libraries, visit Students Need School Libraries website at https://studentsneedschoollibraries.org.au/  Episode Description: Hajnalka Malloy, president of the School Library Association of South Australia and teacher librarian at Concordia College, discusses results from statewide school library censuses showing a decline in dual-qualified teacher-librarians. She shares practical advocacy strategies aligning library work to school goals, producing annual reports, showcasing student work, using parent brochures, and building relationships with leaders and staff. She also speaks on the importance of sharing professional research, and joining advocacy groups to strengthen school libraries and emphasize their role in teaching information literacy and supporting student learning.  

Visit the Library Exchange official website to submit a story, ask a question or request to be a guest at https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com  Looking for some new swag for your library, yourself or a favorite book loving friend? Visit http://libraryexchange.etsy.com  To follow Sharon Amolo: Instagram and TikTok: @bybookchick   Episode Description: In this episode, elementary school librarian Sharon Amolo (aka BookChick) shares how she designs pop‑up museums in the media center to bring curriculum to life for K - 5 students. She describes practical, low‑cost strategies - borrowing trunks from parks and museums, soliciting donations, scavenger hunts, make‑and‑take projects, and rotation stations - using examples like a toy timeline for kindergarten and a Westward Expansion museum for fourth grade. Sharon explains scheduling, classroom partnerships, and the instructional value of hands‑on artifacts that boost engagement and advocacy, plus tips for stretching resources and tying experiences to standards so teachers buy in.

Visit the Library Exchange official website to submit a story, ask a question or request to be a guest at https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com  Looking for some new swag for your library, yourself or a favorite book loving friend? Visit http://libraryexchange.etsy.com  Learn more about the Very Airy Library with Stan Tucker: https://www.theveryairylibrary.com/  Episode Description: Hosts Jan and Julie have a fascinating discussion with Stan Tucker, a former teacher turned children's author, who shares his inspirational journey of promoting literacy and character education across the U.S. Dive into Stan's innovative programs like the Very Airy Library and Share Your Story, designed to spark creativity and respect in young readers and writers. Join us for an episode brimming with nostalgia, passion, and the power of storytelling.  

Visit the Library Exchange official website to submit a story, ask a question or request to be a guest at https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com  Looking for some new swag for your library, yourself or a favorite book loving friend? Visit http://libraryexchange.etsy.com  Follow Mae Craddock on social media @IMCraddock or contact her at mae.craddock@gmail.com  Episode Description: In this episode, we delve into the transformative role of school librarians as key players in collaborative education. Our guest, Mae Craddock, shares insights from her 26 years as an educator at the innovative Community Lab School in Charlottesville, Virginia. Learn about the interdisciplinary approach that integrates librarians into the educational fabric, ensuring every student develops essential information and media literacy skills. Mae discusses the unique setup of her school, where freedom in learning and collaboration are encouraged, resulting in fewer discipline issues and heightened student engagement. Discover how the lateral reading technique replaces outdated evaluation methods, making source reliability a cornerstone of the curriculum. We also explore Mae's innovative approach to library management, where books are easily accessible throughout the school, emphasizing the librarian's role beyond just resource provision. Tune in for inspiring strategies to enhance your educational environment, whether you're an educator, librarian, or student advocate.

Visit the Library Exchange official website to submit a story, ask a question or request to be a guest at https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com  Looking for some new swag for your library, yourself or a favorite book loving friend? Visit http://libraryexchange.etsy.com  To follow Melissa Corey: Blue Sky, Threads, and Instagram: @melissacorey Tiktok: @melissacoreylibrary Beacons: beacons.ai/melissacorey  Episode Description: Welcome to the latest episode of Library Exchange, sponsored by Capstone. In this engaging discussion, we speak with Melissa Corey, an esteemed middle school librarian from St. Joseph, Missouri. Recognized as a 2023 School Librarian of the Year finalist, Melissa shares her passion for integrating creativity and literacy in schools. Dive into Melissa's innovative initiatives, from her renowned visual book lists that celebrate diverse literature to passive programming that captivates students' imaginations. Discover how her talents provide valuable tools for educators and inspire a love of learning in students. Melissa also shares strategies for connecting with teachers and enhancing staff wellness with engaging activities like bingo. This episode is filled with insights for librarians and educators seeking to enrich their library programs and foster meaningful connections within their school communities.

Visit the Library Exchange official website to submit a story, ask a question or request to be a guest at https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com  Looking for some new swag for your library, yourself or a favorite book loving friend? Visit http://libraryexchange.etsy.com  For more information about the GCPS Book Mobile Program or how you can support this book mobile initiative, visit http://www.gcpsbookmobile.org/  Episode Description: In this episode of Library Exchange, we delve into the exciting world of bookmobiles and their significant impact in one of Georgia's largest school districts. With Jan Wilson, co-host turned special guest, we explore how this unique program combats the traditional summer slide and fosters a love for reading among students. The discussion highlights how the program, which started in 2017, has expanded to include two buses and a van, reaching thousands of students each year with a variety of books. Unique in its approach, the initiative emphasizes student choice and provides brand-new books to young readers, creating valuable personal libraries. We also learn about the collaborative efforts behind the project, with community and district partnerships driving its success. Whether through a yearly 5K or partnerships with local charities, the program continually evolves to meet the needs of the community. Join us as we explore the powerful link between accessibility and literacy and inspire new ways to engage young minds through reading.

Visit the Library Exchange official website to submit a story, ask a question or request to be a guest at https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com  Looking for some new swag for your library, yourself or a favorite book loving friend? Visit http://libraryexchange.etsy.com  Link to the Flywheel Reading Momentum Model: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NenvLEq4vUFNNI7PqeHszrp9GLPLnNkO/view?usp=sharing  Episode Description: In this engaging episode of Library Exchange, we explore innovative approaches to library programming with our guest, Dr. Sarah Sansbury. Known affectionately by her students as Mrs. Dr. Sansbury, she shares her inspiring journey from teacher to award-winning school librarian. Discover how the Flywheel model, borrowed from the world of digital marketing, is revolutionizing school libraries by attracting, engaging, and delighting students and teachers alike. You'll hear about unique programs like the worm hotel, therapy dog visits, and birthday book vending machines that are captivating young minds at Dr. Sansbury's metro Atlanta school. Learn how Sarah’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment in her library is turning casual visitors into enthusiastic, repeat patrons, fostering a lifelong love for reading.   

Library Exchange Podcast Website Access all episodes, submit a question, request to be a guest, or submit a story. https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com Library Exchange Etsy Store Find something fun for you, your favorite reader, or for your library. http://www.libraryexchange.etsy.com  Contact Jennifer Mathews at the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind: jmathews@csdb.org    This Episode's Description: This episode welcomes Jennifer Mathews, a finalist for the 2025 School Librarian of the Year from the School Library Journal, as she shares her transformative journey at the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind. Dive into the challenges and rewards of adapting library services to meet the unique needs of students with diverse sensory abilities.

Visit the Library Exchange official website at https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com  Looking for some new swag for your library, yourself or a favorite book loving friend? Visit http://libraryexchange.etsy.com  Episode Description: Join us as we delve into the topic of Findability and its impact on school libraries. Three distinguished school librarians from the largest school district in Georgia share their experiences and insights on implementing a word-based classification system for nonfiction. High school librarian Lorraine McCullough, middle school librarian Carrie Card, and elementary librarian Nicole Solanki discuss their unique approaches in aligning library book categories, locations, and communications with student needs. Discover the importance of vertical alignment, the challenges and successes of transitioning to this innovative model, and how it has enhanced students' ability to independently explore and engage with their library collections. Learn how Findability has shifted the perception of nonfiction sections from research-focused to curiosity-driven spaces, supporting diverse learning styles and multilingual student populations. This episode is a must-listen for librarians and educators seeking to revolutionize their library spaces, encouraging student-centered learning and fostering a love for reading. Tune in to the Library Exchange podcast for a deep dive into the future of library systems.

Visit the Library Exchange official website at https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com  Looking for some new swag for your library, yourself or a favorite book loving friend? Visit http://libraryexchange.etsy.com  Follow the Snarky Librarian (Amy Drake): Instagram and TikTock: @the_snarky_librarian   This Episode's Description: Welcome to this episode of Library Exchange, where we dive into the world of school libraries with our guest, Amy Drake, also known as the Snarky Librarian. Amy, a school librarian in Iowa, shares her journey from a high school English teacher to managing libraries across different educational levels.   Amy discusses the challenges and joys of overseeing both an elementary and a middle school library, highlighting the importance of building independence and fostering a love for reading among students. We also learn about her unique approach to integrating the Leader in Me framework to empower students and her innovative uses of library tools to promote student autonomy.  

Library Exchange Podcast Website Access all episodes, submit a question, request to be a guest, or submit a story. https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com Library Exchange Etsy Store Find something fun for you, your favorite reader, or for your library. http://www.libraryexchange.etsy.com    This Episode's Description: The episode features a special interview with Christy James, Charleston County School District's Library and Media Services Coordinator. Discover her incredible journey from teacher to trailblazer, addressing librarian shortages with innovative solutions and fostering partnerships between public libraries and schools.   Supported by their sponsor, Nisewonger AV, advancing technology and designing spaces, Julie and Jan explore the transformative power of libraries and discuss initiatives that position them as a cornerstone of educational success.

Library Exchange Podcast Website: https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com Library Exchange Etsy Store: http://www.libraryexchange.etsy.com School Librarians United Podcast Website: https://schoollibrariansunited.libsyn.com/  Follow Amy Hermon on Instagram: @schoollibrariansunited    Episode Description: In this episode of Library Exchange, Amy Herman, the voice behind the podcast "School Librarians United," discusses her journey from classroom teacher to librarian influencer and podcaster, touching on the importance of connection and community among librarians.   Amy highlights the impactful experiences gained from attending conferences, the need for constant advocacy of library roles, and the essential collaboration between librarians and teachers to enhance both library services and educational strategies. With humor and insight, the episode underscores librarians as invaluable human resources, capable of fostering professional growth and inspiring educational environments.   Listeners are also introduced to innovative ways librarians can create personalized professional development and connect with others to nurture an ever-evolving educational landscape. Julie and Jan offer a fresh perspective on the significance of librarianship and the power of building a vibrant professional learning network.

Podcast Website: https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com Etsy Store: http://www.libraryexchange.etsy.com    Episode Description: In this episode of Library Exchange, hosts Julie Saunders and Jan Wilson engage in a conversation with Jennifer Saunders, Director of Library Media Services for a large school district in Atlanta, Georgia. Together, they explore the impact of the Race to Read campaign—a city-wide initiative designed to cultivate a culture of reading.   Discover how programs like Beanstack and ClassPass make significant differences in literacy engagement, removing barriers and energizing students and adults alike.   With personal stories and creative strategies, this episode provides inspiration for library professionals and educators aiming to drive change in their communities.