Welcome to Library Exchange, the ultimate podcast for school librarians! Whether you’re a seasoned library media specialist or just starting your journey, this podcast is your go-to resource for all things related to the world of school librarianship. Each episode dives into the role of a school librarian offering practical tips, expert insights, and inspiration.
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 Gwinnett County Public Schools Book Mobile program or information about how you can provide a monetary donation, visit http://gcpsbookmobile.org.
For information on this year's Book Mobile 5K held every year on the last Saturday in October in Suwanee, GA, visit http://bookmobile5K.com.
Episode Description:
In this episode Julie and Jan talk with Mary Barbee, the founder of Gwinnett County Public Schools Book Mobile, about launching and sustaining a full-size bookmobile to get books into kids’ hands. They cover the program’s origins, funding and logistics, driver training, community partnerships, and the decision to give children brand-new books to take home.
Listeners will hear heartwarming student stories, program impact numbers, and ways to support or replicate the GCPS Book Mobile through fundraising and cross-department collaboration.
21 Sept 2026
Student Management, Library Edition - E218
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 US listeners, get 20% off professional development books for school librarians using code LIBRARYEXCHANGE20 at bloomsbury.com/BLU
School Library Journal Course: Shh Happens: Behavior Management for the Real Elementary Library: https://course.libraryjournal.com/products/shh-happens
For 20% off the price of the course, use code: LE-Shh20
*Discount code is good for any session of the course through the end of 2027.
Follow Melanie Wood on Instagram and TikTok @melanie_in_the_library
Episode Description:
Elementary librarian Melanie Wood shares practical, classroom-tested strategies for managing student behavior in the library. Drawing on her ISTE certification and experience leading professional learning, Melanie focuses on a three-part approach: intentional space design, tight routines and transitions, and purposeful relationship-building.
Key takeaways include using color-coding and clear sightlines to promote independence, routines for smooth transitions and checkout, and building rapport through lunch duty, morning and afternoon duties, library ambassadors, and teacher collaboration. Follow Melanie at @Melanie_in_the_library and explore her School Library Journal course for deeper strategies.
7 Sept 2026
Data Decisions and Impact - E217
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 Crissi Brandhuber @itty_bitty_librarian
Follow Heather Kindschy @dickersonmsllc
Impact Report Examples from:
Dickerson Middle: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SB1I6AS5jbQgjli_S6TBdqQkxkgV9un8/view?usp=drive_link
Eastside Elementary: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1148KuU-ifMrmMNnfP-hl8qA9loX5gY9H/view?usp=drive_link
Neosho Middle: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gdf33O1Jjj2aSeg_PbIUMvAqi4MIc4vr/view?usp=drive_link
Episode Description:
In this episode of Library Exchange, three school librarians, Chrissy, Rochelle, and Heather, share practical ways they used data to set goals, increase circulation, build partnerships, and advocate for their programs.
Hear concrete examples: a schedule change that doubled checkouts and raised ELA scores, a Breakfast Club and digital check-in that boosted learning activities, and aligning library services with curriculum changes. Learn simple tips for creating a Library Impact Report to make your library’s value visible.
Who has been a guest on Library Exchange Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Jan Wilson
Dr Sarah Sansbury
Jennifer Mathews
Lorraine McCullough
Carrie Card
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.7 / 5
14 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
12 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 51 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
83
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
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Guest appearances
Books guests
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