Back to School: What do School Librarians do All Day?
This month we’re going “back to school”, and we’re focusing on school libraries, a memorable field trip, and a few school-themed treasures I found in the archives. (And be sure to scroll to the bottom and see Hangerbee’s new Pants Hangers!)
I recently had a fantastic conversation on the Exhibitsmith podcast with Jill Sullivan-Bennin, the District Library Media Specialist for the Sherrard Community School District in Western Illinois.
Do you know what a school librarian does all day? How about a librarian in charge of *four* school libraries? Jill has overseen the library activities for all four buildings in her rural school district since 2014. Jill and her small staff of library aids have developed a robust library program and as the only dedicated, full-time library staff for the entire district, she definitely wears many hats. Working in a small school district, especially one with a large geographical footprint like Sherrard’s, has its own challenges and opportunities, which Jill shares with us. I learned a lot from the conversation and I bet you will, too!
Next, if you missed last season’s podcast episode about George Washington’s tent, you’re in for a treat. It will be re-released on Monday 9/22, so be sure to subscribe today so you don’t miss a moment. “Re-release: Tales From a Fourth Grade Field Trip (aka The Tent)” tells the story of when I chaperoned my son’s school trip to the Museum of the American Revolution. Last month I reshared “Typewriters and Tweens, and I said that was one of my favorite museum experiences ever. Well, my son’s field trip also falls in that category, so I definitely hope you’ll tune in. To say these kids were excited to see a tent is an understatement. Exhibitsmith the podcast is available on all major podcast platforms. It’s also available at Exhibitsmith.com and https://exhibitsmith.podbean.com/.
And last but not least, I invite you to check out my “From the Archives” videos on You Tube and social media. I’ve picked a few school-themed videos below that I hope you’ll check out (and subscribe to my channel, of course!)
I also wanted to share a fun photo of Hangerbee hangers in Boston Home Magazine, an upcoming Downsizing Heirlooms & Collectibles event, recent customer reviews, and more. See below!
An 1860 US History textbook reprinted in 1870 (with no mention of the Civil War? Why?!)
What the heck should I do with my class ring? (suggestions welcome)
Hangerbee in Boston Home Magazine
Hangerbee, our preservation supply company, was recently spotted in Boston Home Magazine, in “Nantucket’s Textile Legacy Unfolds in New Exhibition”.
Our hangers are in a behind-the-scenes photo about the Nantucket Historical Association’s new exhibition, “Behind the Seams: Clothing and Textiles on Nantucket”.
How to Downsize Heirlooms - Register Today!
The last time I did this program at Main Line School Night it sold out. If you’re in the area, I would love to see you there!
Downsizing heirlooms, collectibles, and personal treasures can be extremely difficult for a number of reasons. I developed an entertaining, thought-provoking, and helpful program to help people understand not only how to get started but also reach their goals.
If you’re in the Philadelphia area, I invite you to check out my upcoming "Downsizing Heirlooms and Collectibles" program. This event has been very popular over the past year and a half and I hope you consider signing up. For more information and to register, please visit the Course Listing on the Main Line School Night website.
Downsizing Heirlooms and Collectibles
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
7:00-8:30 PM
Lower Merion High School
315 E Montgomery Ave
Ardmore, PA 19003
I would love to talk to your group, whether in-person or online. For more about me and my programs, please visit www.exhibitsmith.com and email me today! - Lindsey
Pants Hangers Have Arrived!
They’re here!
Whether you've been waiting patiently for a padded pants hanger or you would like a narrower padded clothes hanger, this one's for you. Each chrome hanger with chrome hook (non swivel) is padded with museum-quality polyethylene padding and three layers of 100% cotton stockinette.
I have spent over a decade trying to develop a padded pants hanger that Hangerbee could be proud of. Who knew it would be so difficult? So, I’m excited to share that our padded pants hangers are finally available! Like all Hangerbee hangers, our pants hangers are hand-assembled, hand-sewn, and safe for long term preservation and storage. What’s not to love?
Coming Soon: Take Control of Your Stuff!
I am still hard at work behind the scenes developing an amazing new way to help you take control of your stuff. I plan to launch some products and videos later this year, with even more coming in 2026. I’ll be covering topics such as artifact and heirloom care, preservation, collections management, project planning, designing your storage and display space, how to document your memories, downsizing heirlooms and collectibles, and so much more.
My working document of resources, exercises, stories, planning pages, and guides is currently over 180 pages long. Yikes! I am also preparing to record my existing programs and make recordings available to you, as well as relaunch my Donating Artifacts to Museums course and record Saving (or not) Your Wedding Dress program. I am also exploring ways to create a community for people who are in the trenches preserving, documenting, and/or downsizing their treasures.
Be sure to check back for details!
Thank you, as always, for supporting my small business.
I would love to hear from you. Please email at info@exhibitsmith.com or find us on social media.
Best wishes, Lindsey Smith
Hangerbee.com &
Exhibitsmith.com