Lead with Branding - E205

Serving the In-Between - E210

Visit the Library Exchange official website to submit a story, ask a question or request to be a guest at https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com [https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com]  Looking for some new swag for your library, yourself or a favorite book loving friend? Visit: http://libraryexchange.etsy.com [http://libraryexchange.etsy.com]  Follow Amanda Hunt on Instagram or TikTok @thenextgenlibrarian. Episode Description: In this episode Julie and Jan talk with Amanda Hunt (The NextGen Librarian) about her work on the AASL standards, strategies for middle school collection development, and practical ways to reignite student reading using tools like Beanstack and social media. They discuss balancing professional reviews with knowledge of your student community, partnering with teachers, leveraging equitable ed-tech like Adobe Express, and Amanda’s plan for moving to the high school level to build a culture of reading.

Literacy With a Beat - E209

Visit the Library Exchange official website to submit a story, ask a question or request to be a guest at https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com [https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com]  Looking for some new swag for your library, yourself or a favorite book loving friend? Visit: http://libraryexchange.etsy.com [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.

Promoting Reading With Purpose - E208

Visit the Library Exchange official website to submit a story, ask a question or request to be a guest at https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com [https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com]  Looking for some new swag for your library, yourself or a favorite book loving friend? Visit: http://libraryexchange.etsy.com [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.

2026 School Librarian of the Year - E207

Visit the Library Exchange official website to submit a story, ask a question or request to be a guest at https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com [https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com]  Looking for some new swag for your library, yourself or a favorite book loving friend? Visit: http://libraryexchange.etsy.com [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!

Community Partnerships - E206

Visit the Library Exchange official website to submit a story, ask a question or request to be a guest at https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com [https://www.libraryexchangepodcast.com]  Looking for some new swag for your library, yourself or a favorite book loving friend? Visit: http://libraryexchange.etsy.com [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.