Librarians in Music City

About Librarians in Music City

A podcast hosted by MNPS Library Services that highlights the work, creativity, and leadership of school librarians and library staff in Metro Nashville Public Schools.

Publisher

MNPS Library Services

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

3 Apr 2023

Latest episode

3 May 2024

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 May 2024

   Podcast Takeover: Ms. Tidwell's Class at McGavock Elementary

   Today, we welcome students from Ms. Tidwell’s 2nd grade class at McGavock Elementary for a podcast takeover. Students are going to share facts and information about a variety of topics, such as animals, sports, weather, and more! These students worked hard to read, write, and record this special episode for you. Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/librariansinmusiccity/message

2. 

   2 May 2024

   Student Voice: Meet Students from Stratford STEM Magnet School and Overton High School

   Today, we meet students from Stratford STEM Magnet High School and Overton High School. What do school libraries mean to students? To find out, I’m talking with students, about what they’re reading, the variety of ways they are involved in their library, and what they love most about their school library. Our first guest is Charles from Stratford. His librarian, Diane Chen, involves students in the running of the library. From shelving books, to making deliveries, and being hosts for special events, the “Chenions” as they call themselves, take pride in their library and the loving and accepting community it is for Stratford students and teachers. Charlies is one of the Chenions. Then, we’ll meet Gabby, Shada, Cade, and Hana from Overton. Their librarians Krista Winnginham and Lori Bervoets provide loads of opportunities for their students to get involved in the library. These students will be discussing the Battle of the Books team and Project Lit Community Book Club, two popular programs that Overton librarians provide. Book Recommendations: The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher Bluebird by Sharon Cameron The Cost of Knowing by Brittney Morris Dread Nation by Justina Ireland Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/librariansinmusiccity/message

3. 

   2 May 2024

   Student Voice: Meet Students from Hume-Fogg Academic High School and Meigs Middle Academic Magnet School

   This episode features students from Hume Fogg Academic Magnet High School and Meigs Academic Magnet Middle School.What do school libraries mean to students? To find out, I’m talking with students, about what they’re reading, the kinds of things their libraries offer, and what they love most about their school library Our first guest is Clara from Hume Fogg. Her librarian, Amanda Smithfield, brings in a variety of voices on hot topics, giving students the opportunity to explore issues, perspectives, and to challenge students to think about the importance of civic engagements. Clara is a Senior, and she is involved in helping plan Lunch and Learn sessions for students and a few of the sessions that have been extra meaningful to her and how they are having an impact on her and her future career. Then, we’ll meet Emmie, Esther, and Sam from Meigs. Their librarian Amanda Tucker provides loads of opportunities for her students to get involved in the library. These three 7th graders take advantage of many programs they library has to offer, and they even have a few books to share with you. Book Recommendations: The Keeper of Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger Becoming Michelle Obama by Michelle Obama Scythe by Neal Shusterman --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/librariansinmusiccity/message

4. 

   8 Jan 2024

   Episode 12: When the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature Came to Nashville

   Season 2: Episode 12: When the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Came to Nashville Welcome to season 2 of Librarians in Music City hosted by Library Services of Metro Nashville Public Schools! I’m your host, Lindsey Kimery, Coordinator of Library Services. This season, we will be focusing on students and the power of reading. We will be visiting schools, attending book clubs, and going on field trips so that we can talk with students about books, author visits, and the power of stories. We will also continue to highlight the great work, creativity, and leadership of librarians in MNPS. We have an incredible team of 130 librarians and 44 clerks who are working diligently to grow and nurture a culture of reading, support students’ academic needs, prioritize equity and innovation, and ensure that every student is known. In this episode, we meet students from Westmeade, Mt. View, and J.E. Moss Elementary Schools. They had the amazing opportunity to go on a field trip to Lipscomb University and meet author Meg Medina, who is the 2023-2024 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature (https://megmedina.com/naypl/). Meg is also the recipient of the Newbery Medal, the Pura Belpre Award, and she’s a NYT bestselling author. Christoper, Maria, and Keyaela were chosen as Student Ambassadors and joined Meg on stage to talk about books. I visited each school to interview the student ambassadors and their librarians about their experience. This field trip was made possible by the Nashville Public Library, and Westmeade Elementary School librarian, Katharine Dieckmann, whose application for a visit with Meg Medina was selected! You’ll hear all about how Katharine found this opportunity. In MNPS, over 30% of our 80,000 students are Hispanic. Meg’s visit is a perfect example of Dr. Rudine Sims Bishops’ statement that books are windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors, and Westmeade student, Christopher, eloquently shares why her visit meant a lot to him. So, come along with me to hear what happened when the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Came to Nashville. Thank you to MNPS staff, the Nashville Public Library, the Library of Congress, and author Meg Medina. Books mentioned in this episode: Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina Hatchet by Gary Paulsen Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney Narwal and Jelly by Ben Clanton The Babysitter’s Club graphic novels by Ann M. Martin, Raina Telgemeier, Gale Galligan, Gabriela Epstein, Chan Chau, Cynthia Yuan Cheng, Ellen T. Crenshaw, and Arley Nopra Shark Lady by Jess Keating Bad Sister by Charise Mericle Follow @MNPSLibrarians on Instagram and X. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/librariansinmusiccity/message

5. 

   12 Jun 2023

   Episode 11: Limitless Libraries part 2 (Meet the Shared Systems Team)

   We are in a two-part series featuring the partnership between Metro Nashville Public Schools and the Nashville Public Library, which is called Limitless Libraries. This is a shared system between our district and the public library. Beyond their school library, our students and teachers can access items from the public library and have those items delivered via courier to them at school. This year alone, students and staff requested over 66,000 items through Limitless Libraries. Combine that with the over 948,000 items checked out at the schools, our students have accessed over 1 million items this school year. In this episode, we meet the Shared Systems team at the Nashville Public Library, which includes Jenny Lane and Kate Wingate, who are 2 of the 7 librarians who are working to run the website for Limitless Libraries and the Nashville Public Library, support our integrated library system, automation, discovery, and acquisitions, which are all integral to the function of Limitless Libraries. When we talk about a shared system, we are talking about how our school library catalog and the public library catalog are one. Our students go to limitlesslibraries.org and they can see the holdings of their school library and the public library and access age-relevant items. Their library card number works for the school and public library, and when a student or staff member requests an item from the public library, it is pulled from any of the 21 branches, and sent via courier to their school. The Shared Systems team makes this magic happen. In the previous episode, we mention the MOU, a Memorandum of Understanding, which is the agreement between the district and the public library, which guarantees funding for our school libraries. An aspect of that agreement that is mentioned here is the requirement of a full-time, certified school librarian at each MNPS school. This supersedes state minimum requirements and is not only key to a successful school library program but it’s a key component to the success of our Limitless Libraries program. I hope you enjoy this more technical look behind the scenes, and perhaps this helps you think about how to start a partnership like this in your area. Book Recommendations: Why We Get Sick: The Hidden Epidemic at the Root of Most Chronic Disease--and How to Fight It By Benjamin Bikman, PhD Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age By Katherine May Resources: www.limitlesslibraries.org --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/librariansinmusiccity/message

6. 

   29 May 2023

   Episode 10: Limitless Libraries

   Series: We are in a two-part series featuring the partnership between Metro Nashville Public Schools and the Nashville Public Library, which is called Limitless Libraries. This is a shared system between our district and the public library. Beyond their school library, our students and teachers can access items from the public library and have those items delivered via courier to them at school. This year alone, students and staff requested over 66,000 items through Limitless Libraries. Combine that with the over 948,000 items checked out at the schools, our students have accessed over 1 million items this school year. Episode Intro: In this episode, we meet the Limitless Libraries team, which includes Program Manager Syreeta Butler, Collection Development librarians Sarah Allen and Emily Farmer, and Outreach Coordinator, Laura Youmans. This team impacts our students and staff in so many ways. They oversee the funds that Limitless provides to support collection development and database access. As part of the district’s agreement with the Nashville public library, the district agrees to fund school libraries at $7.50 per student, and LL provides additional funding for school library collections which works out to be about $6,000 for elementary schools, $8,000 for middle schools and $9,000 for high schools. Their collection development librarians collaborate with the school librarians to select print books, ebooks, and audiobooks and more for the school libraries, and they create monthly pre-pub orders so that librarians have the hottest titles available for students on the day their publication day. Can you imagine not having the latest Dog Man on the day it gets released? We don’t have to worry about that in Nashville. They also support our students by hosting the Middle School Battle of the Books, and they partner with the Library Services team to help provide professional development throughout the year. It is a beautiful partnership and a shining example of how school libraries and public libraries can work together to remove barriers to access and enhance the experience of reading and learning. Book Recommendations: The 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones The Brixton Brothers by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Adam Rex The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson The Holy Bible For more information: www.limitlesslibraries.org Follow them on Twitter: @LimitlessLib --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/librariansinmusiccity/message

7. 

   22 May 2023

   Episode 9: Knowing Your Readers (featuring Michelle Caldwell)

   In our final episode featuring our instructional leaders from the 2022-2023 school year, we meet Michelle Caldwell, librarian at Ida B. Wells Elementary School. Michelle is wrapping up her 8th year as a librarian and her 1st year at Ida B. Wells. One of the most important roles of a librarian is to know the students so that you can guide them on their reading journeys. In MNPS, one of our core tenets is every student known, and librarians have an amazing opportunity to know students over the course of many years. Imagine how much a reader can grow from kindergarten to 5th grade, or during middle school or high school, with time to visit the library, access to a current and relevant collection, the support of a librarian who is helping them find books that interest them, and time to read independently. Time and access under the leadership of a librarian can make such a difference in the lives of students. Librarians are focused on creating lifelong readers and learners, and Michelle takes this mission seriously. She loves the challenge of matching students with books. She strives to learn each student’s reading needs and creates an inviting library where they feel safe and welcome. Her collection represents her students, and she works diligently to ensure that her students will always find something just for them among the shelves. Book Recommendation: The Stars Did Wander Darkling by Colin Meloy --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/librariansinmusiccity/message

8. 

   22 May 2023

   Episode 8: Read Me Week (featuring Laura Hartley)

   In our 8th episode, we meet Laura Hartley, one of the librarians at Waverly-Belmont Elementary School. Laura is wrapping up her 8th year there. She and co-librarian Katie Barksdale work diligently to make the library the heart of the school. This year, I got to be a guest reader during their annual Read Me Week. This event takes place in March during Read Across America Month. Laura and Katie did a spectacular job of celebrating reading and book joy with all of the events and activities they planned. They went above and beyond to make this a memorable and engaging event for students. Enjoy as Laura gives you just a taste of the festivities. Book Recommendation: Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/librariansinmusiccity/message

9. 

   15 May 2023

   Episode 7: Librarians are Active Partners in Education (featuring Natalia Fallon)

   In our 7th episode, we meet Natalia Fallon, one of the librarians at Hillwood High School. Natalia is wrapping up her first year in MNPS, but it’s not her first year as a librarian or as an educator. She has been an incredible addition to our team of librarians and to our high school instructional leader team. She is in her first and last year in her current building as students and staff say goodbye to Hillwood High School, and in the fall, they will enter a brand-new building, which will be called James Lawson High School, named in honor of James Lawson, who is known as the father of the civil rights movement in Nashville. The library is going to be absolutely gorgeous, as are so many of our school libraries in MNPS. Our libraries are truly a point of pride for our district and designed for student use. But, it’s not just about the space, it’s about the people. Natalia believes that librarians should focus on building relationships and being an active partner in education, and finding creative ways to meet students where they are. One way librarians are active partners in education is they enhance the curriculum by connecting students and teachers with additional resources. Natalia refers to resources from our TN State Museum and TN State Library & Archives, and more information about how to reserve these resources is linked below. Another example is Hillwood’s Fri-YAY. What is Fri-yay, you ask? Natalia will tell you all about it. It’s a perfect example of how the library is the hub and the heart of the school. Episode resources: TN State Library & Archives Doc Boxes: https://sos.tn.gov/tsla/services/docsbox (https://sos.tn.gov/tsla/services/docsbox) TN State Museum Traveling Trunks: https://tnmuseum.org/traveling-trunks--reservations?locale=en_us (https://tnmuseum.org/traveling-trunks--reservations?locale=en_us) Book Recommendation: The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/librariansinmusiccity/message

10. 

    9 May 2023

    Episode 6: When Library Dreams Come True (featuring Stella White)

    In our 6th episode, we meet Stella White, librarian at Tom Joy Digital Literacy and Leadership Magnet. Stella is in her 26th year at Tom Joy, and even after all these years, the library is never predictable. every day is just a little different, and that’s one of the many reasons she loves being the librarian.  She centers her lessons on books as a way to bring them to life for students, and she shares a wonderful example of this as she helps her 5th graders prepare for middle school. Principals are instrumental to the success of the school library, and Stella shares a few of the ways her principal supports the library and its programming. I always ask the librarians about a dream they have for their library, and Stella’s dream is coming true. You’ll love finding out what it is. Stella's book recommendations: Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds Show Way by Jacqueline Woodson illustrated by Hudson Talbott --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/librariansinmusiccity/message

11. 

    30 Apr 2023

    Episode 5: The Joy of Reading (featuring Emmie Stuart)

    In our 5th episode, we meet Emmie Stuart, librarian at Percy Priest Elementary. She is completing her 10th year there but learn why it’s really her 15th year. Emmie’s love for books and reading in all formats shines at Percy Priest. When you visit her library, you want to stay a while because there is so much to see and discover. There are all kinds of cozy spots for kids to read. They can read under the sunlight streaming through the giant windows, in a tent, or in the tub. However, it doesn’t stop her from dreaming big about additional ways to make the library even more magical. You will love hearing how she engages students, staff, and families in developing a love of reading through activities like the Read-a-thon and Mock Caldecott. And, learn why she utilizes class sets and audiobooks to further help students develop a love for reading. She also shares her experience at award winning author Sophie Blackall’s Milkwood Farm, which is a creative retreat for the children’s book community. As you listen, I hope you hear what joy Emmie finds in being a librarian and in helping her students discover their love for reading. Resources: Tips for Teachers: Your ultimate guide to a Mock Caldecott unit: https://www.bookpage.com/features/24741-tips-teachers-your-ultimate-guide-to-mock-caldecott-unit/ Emmie's book recommendations: Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey and Knight Owl by Christopher Denise --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/librariansinmusiccity/message

12. 

    24 Apr 2023

    Episode 4: Student Voice in Advocacy, Project LIT Community Book Club, and in Library Programming (featuring Tyler Sainato and Dr. Trellany Lane)

    In our 4th episode, we meet Tyler Sainato librarian at Cane Ridge High School. Tyler is a former English teacher turned school librarian. Her passion for books and her excitement for her students is contagious. I can't wait for you to hear all the ways that she works to ensure that the library is a place that is inclusive and welcoming for all students. Also, if you’ve been curious about Project LIT Community Book Clubs, and you want to know how to start a chapter at your school, Tyler would love to connect with you. Many of our middle and high school librarians offer Project LIT Book Clubs, and we are proud that Project LIT got its start in Nashville. Then, our principal sound bite of the week comes from Dr. Trellany Lane, Principal of IT Creswell Middle School of the Arts. Finally, we end each episode with a booktalk, so we’ll circle back to Tyler for her book recommendation, It's One of Us by J.T. Ellison. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/librariansinmusiccity/message

13. 

    16 Apr 2023

    Episode 3: Interactive Displays, Super Powers, and Tea Time in the Library

    We are continuing our School Library Month series where we feature librarians on our Library Instructional Leader Team and principals in our district. In this episode, we meet Mary Davis, librarian at Two Rivers Middle School. If you are familiar with Nashville, Two Rivers is in the Opryland area of town. Mary is a former English teacher turned school librarian. She absolutely delights in her space and makes the library an interactive place to be. Every time I visit her school, there is something new to see and experience. For example, she had a camping theme in the fall with comfy chairs and a tent set around a fake campfire as well as a display of objects one might discover while hiking. She recently invited the Metro Nashville Police Department’s Horse Mounted Patrol Unit to visit, and her students loved meeting the horses. And this is just a typical day for Mary. Because to her, the library is more than just a place for books. She helps bring the books to life through the experiences she creates for students. Her library is a place of wonder. Then, continuing with our theme of adventure and exploration, our principal sound bite of the week comes from Trey Stephens, Principal of West End Middle School. Finally, we end each episode with a booktalk, so we’ll circle back to Mary for her book recommendation, and she has two books to share: I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys and The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/librariansinmusiccity/message

14. 

    10 Apr 2023

    Breakouts and The Many Hats Librarians Wear (Featuring Katie Wesolek, Dr. Susan Kessler, and Dr. Seth Swihart)

    Series Info: We are in our School Library Month series, in which we are featuring members of our library instructional leader team. This team is a group of elementary, middle, and high school librarians who meet quarterly to create lesson ideas that model high quality library instruction that is aligned to our scope and sequence and the AASL National Standards. They also share ideas for collaborative opportunities centered on literacy celebrations and reading promotion. We’ve also asked several district leaders to share how the school library is the heart of the school community. I love hearing what they have to say as their support is so vital to the success of the school library and to the librarian’s leadership in the school. Episode Info: We’ll start by meeting Dr. Susan Kessler, principal of Hunters Lane High School. She will be sharing how the library is the heart of her school’s community. Then, you’ll meet Katie Wesolek. Katie is the librarian at Hermitage Elementary School. She was selected as their teacher of the year this year. We’re talking about making connections with students, the many roles of librarians, collaboration, using breakout box activities. Next, you’ll meet Dr. Seth Swihart, principal of Bellevue Middle School, and he’ll share the important role his librarian plays in making the library the heart of the school Finally, we end each episode with a booktalk, so we’ll circle back to Katie for a book recommendation, in which she shares Twenty Questions by Mac Barnett and Christian Robinson. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/librariansinmusiccity/message

15. 

    3 Apr 2023

    We're Back!

    Our podcast is re-launching in honor of School Library Month after a three-year hiatus. Previously called “Don’t Judge a Book,” the last episode was in March 2020, and we all can guess why it’s taken us a minute to find our way back to this space.  To kick off school library month, we are featuring a variety of voices from our district. On the show today, we’ll hear from Overton High School librarian Lori Bervoets. Lori is a recipient of the 2021 Blue Ribbon Award from the Nashville Public Education Foundation, and she is a member of our library instructional leader team. Next, we’ll hear from Dr. Michael Pratt, Principal at Stratford Stem Magnet High School. You’ll enjoy hearing why school library month is extra special to him. Then, we’ll hear from our Director of Schools, Dr. Adrienne Battle, who is an avid support of our school libraries in MNPS. Finally, we end each episode with a book talk, so we’ll circle back to Lori for a book recommendation. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/librariansinmusiccity/message

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.