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 Billy Allen on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube @3Kingvisions
For more information about Billy Allen's Hip Hop Storytime visit https://3kingvisions.com/
Episode Description:
In this episode we feature Billy Allen, founder of Three King Visions, who reinvents storytime by pairing hip‑hop and R&B with read‑alouds to spark a love of reading across ages and communities. We discuss his journey from public librarian to youth advocate, his community work in Las Vegas, and the impact of creative programming on families, teens, and lifelong learning.
Billy explains how libraries offer limitless learning and social services, why outreach and partnerships matter, and what’s next as he grows Three King Visions to bring hip‑hop storytimes, teen empowerment events, and professional development to more schools and libraries.

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 Mike Rawls on Instagram @thebookwrangler 
Through Mike's Instagram bio, access Google Freebies or visit his Teacher Pay Teachers store.
Episode Description:
Mike Rawls, aka The Book Wrangler, discusses building a diverse, intentional elementary library collection, embracing all reading formats (from graphic novels to audiobooks), and using creative passive programming like character height charts and passport displays to spark curiosity.
He shares practical tips for creating designs while encouraging educators to welcome multiple pathways to literacy.

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 Allie Cornejo on Instagram or TikTok @alliethelibrarian.
 
Episode Description:
Allie Cornejo, 2026 School Librarian of the Year, describes serving a border community in Harlingen, Texas, and supporting a health-professions high school through creative, hands-on library programs.
She discusses 3D-printing, stop-motion and graphic design projects, energized book talks, and leading district AI literacy. Plus the recap of this episode describes how you can be eligible for a Demco giveaway for your library!

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 Kathy Schmidt on Instagram @Kathyfs24
Episode Description:
Hosts Julie Saunders and Jan Wilson talk with Kathy Schmidt, a veteran elementary school librarian, about building community partnerships that support student literacy and family engagement.
They spotlight Brock Elementary’s programs: United Way Reading Buddies, the Lit on the Lawn family reading event, and the Loop It Up Savannah garden program and share practical ideas for creating volunteer-driven reading support, outreach events, and hands-on learning opportunities.
 

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 contact Lori McGovern by email:  mcgovern.lori@newton.k12.ga.us
Follow Lori McGovern on Instagram @Lori.McGovern.LMS
Episode Description:
In this episode, hosts Julie and Jan talk with Lori McGovern about why school libraries need intentional branding to communicate their instructional value. Lori shares practical steps: start with a logo, use consistent visuals in email signatures, newsletters and social media, and tweak captions and wording to highlight standards-aligned learning instead of just events.
Listeners will hear concrete ideas like templates, the “smother and cover” (Waffle House) approach to brand placement, and fun recognition strategies to promote collaboration and visibility. Contact details for Lori are provided for follow-up.
 

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 connect with Robin Thompson through email: rthompson@bryan.k12.ga.us
Follow Robin Thompson @CrazyMrsT on Instagram and TikTok.
Episode Description:
Librarian Robin Thompson (Crazy Mrs. T) breaks down Melissa Stewart’s Five Kinds of Nonfiction: active, browsable, traditional, expository, and narrative. She explains how she reorganized her elementary nonfiction collection for better student findability, including chronological history and grouping military transportation with military books.
She also shares hands-on strategies that increased circulation: nonfiction book tastings, a March Madness-style bracket to engage readers, and outreach tips. 

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 connect with Nick Moore through Instagram: @learnteachmoore
Episode Description:
Hosts Julie Saunders and Jan Wilson speak with elementary librarian Nick Moore about arts-integrated lessons, student-created projects, and growing a schoolwide reading culture.
Nick shares examples like using Tinkercad to build 3D cell models with Toy Story metaphors, body biographies enhanced with VR, and research using PebbleGo, Britannica, and Gale. The episode also covers community partnerships, strategies that boosted boys' engagement with reading, and practical tips to make students producers of content.

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 
Listeners are invited to learn more or connect via LAPL.org.
Episode Description:
In this episode of Library Exchange, Amanda Miller, an adult librarian at the Los Angeles Public Library Central Branch, discusses her dual role as a reference librarian and outreach coordinator serving people experiencing homelessness, re-entry clients, and community partners around Skid Row.
Amanda explains weekly pop-up programs and partnerships (including Midnight Mission, Blue Hollywood Street Sanctuary, Skid Row Arts Alliance, and Urban Voices Project), services like courtesy library cards, free printing and Wi‑Fi, Career Online High School, music wellness sessions, and re-entry support, and how the library functions as a place of stabilization and dignity.
Listeners are invited to learn more or connect via LAPL.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 
For more information about the Library of Things: https://sites.google.com/view/lotmutualaid/home 
Episode Description:
Julie and Jan talk with Hazel Onsrud of Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick, Maine, about the Library of Things: a community-focused, sustainability-driven collection of items, from dehydrators and worm-casting kits to power washers, supported by repair cafés, swap carts, and local partnerships.
Hazel shares practical tips on packaging, safety, maintenance, and using experience passes and the LOT Mutual Aid network so other libraries can tailor a sharing program to their community.

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.