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 

Follow Mae Craddock on social media @IMCraddock or contact her at [email protected] 

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 Discover how the lateral reading technique replaces outdated evaluation methods, making source reliability a cornerstone of the curriculum.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: [email protected] 

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.