287 Assignments

Innovation Roadmap – Whimsical Wellness Weekends

Whimsical Wellness (for Adults)

The IDEA

Whimsical Wellness that is specifically geared towards college and working adults.

The goal is to create programming to help adults (18 – 40~) combat burn-out and find their “whimsy” again. These programs will highlight and feature a variety of creative and mindfulness activities meant to spark creativity, promote relaxation, and reconnect with their sense of wonder and whimsy again. Once a month the library will host a whimsical wellness space – 1 to 2 hours for adults (18+) that is low or no cost. During these events they would be able to participate in mindfulness activities like meditation, restorative breathing, arts and crafts, and types gentle movement – such as yoga. The idea would be removing or lowering financial barriers that may stop these individuals from seeking that types of space and provide a low stress environment in which they can interact and connect with others.

The MISSION

Mission – Cultivate community and help college and working aged adults combat stress and burn through mindfulness and creative activities.

Audience – Adults ages 18 to 50

Why do we need this?

It is no secret that Burn-Out is a very real and frustrating reality for most adults. Stressors can come in the form of day-to-day responsibilities: such as work, family, chores, etc. or even on a global scale – such as current events, world-issues, and politics. According to an Aflac workforce report conducted in 2024 – nearly 66% of Millennials reported moderate to severe burn-out, while 56% of Gen Z and 60% of Gen X reported the same.

Currently, there is a lack of creative and mindfulness programming provided by the library for this age group. Most programming is for those who are children, have children, or are seniors. The library is a space for everyone but most individuals who fall in this age group likely only see the library as a workspace which does not lend itself into fulling the personal need of a third space – a space away from home and work. By developing programming and proving this space – adults who have more financial restrictions will be able to experience these leisure activities as well without having to worry about additional financial burdens. Additionally, by leaning more into creative activities as a means of stress management – there will be more opportunities for adults to develop and reconnect with their own creativity, which has been shown to improve other aspects in life.

ACTION STATEMENT 

Convince community members aged 18 to 50 that by practicing mindfulness and engaging in low effort creative activities, such as crafts and coloring, in a group social setting – they will learn new ways to connect with their bodies, creativity, and mind, while also connecting with other members within the community. Which will help them recognize burn out, manage stress levels, and (find more restful outlets in their lives) because the library’s mission is to build healthy communities and promote wellness for all patrons.

The INSPIRATION

 

How are we going to make this happen?

 

Staff Training & Readiness

  • Library staff will be briefed and informed of the programming and its value for the target audience in advance.
  • A group of staff will be selected to lead and organize the monthly wellness programming – The Whimsy Team (WT).
  • Staff will be given the opportunity to explore and share different creative projects and mindfulness techniques that could be used in programming – with opportunities to lead or organize events in the future.
  • The WT will create a database of activities/projects and pre-select each month’s activity at least 5 months in advance. Certain projects may require more advance planning for materials and supplies – staff are encouraged to create materials lists in the shared document on Box.
  • Mini teams will be created to plan and lead each activity – these teams will be responsible for determining space and materials needed for the designated activity. These teams will also be responsible in determining if space caps are needed for each activity.

Guidelines & Policies

  • Participants are required to adhere to the library’s current use guidelines and policy as outlined on the library website. Print copies of the use guidelines and policies will be available to patrons at any of the help desks located within the library.
  • Participants must be 18+ in order to participate in programming.
  • Prior registration may be required in order to participate in the event – dependent on the activity. This can be based on space or materials required to host the event.
  • Activities (and registration for the activity) will be free to anyone 18+ within the community – no library card needed. As stated previously space for activities may be limited – so prior registration may be required. Further information will be available through the library website if this is needed.

Marketing & Promotion

  • Promotional Materials will be shared within the library and affiliated city programming.
  • A social media campaign with quick wellness tips will be shared on the library’s Instagram weekly leading up to that month’s activity. Information regarding the activity will be listed in the caption of the posts.
  • A calendar will be created listing out the different activities that will occurring each month.
  • Information and promotional materials for each event will also be shared on the library event’s blog and monthly newsletter.
  • Mini – wellness activations throughout the library one week prior to the event. These can be meditation stations (desks set in the corner with headphones where patrons can listen to guided 5-minute mediations) or coloring stations with mini coloring pages.

Implementation Timeline –

Beginning August 2025 with initial programming beginning January 2026

Phase 1: Staff will be informed of Whimsical Wellness programs, policies, and procedures – with up to 6 months of programming planned by the first month of programming. Mini teams will be created to host each activity and each team will be expected to plot out the details of each activity – including but not limited to space and supplies. Additional considerations if an outside instructor will be needed or if a staff member can be or is trained to lead classes.

Phase 2: Once activities are planned and approved – materials and supplies will be obtained by the appropriate vendors and instructors will be planned and booked in advance. Mini teams will inform the WT of required room bookings.

Phase 3: The WT will book the space and time slots needed for the activities. Once dates and times are finalized, promotional materials will be created by designated staff and shared with city marketing and local vendors. Staff will also begin sharing Whimsical wellness tips through the library’s Instagram 5 weeks before the initial implementation of the program.

Phase 4: One week prior to the first planned date of programming – the library will host mini “activation” stations throughout the library. Staff will be briefed on how to set-up, replenish, and maintain each station through the week. Staff will also be briefed on the upcoming activity and what information to share with patrons should they have questions.

Phase 5: Whimsical wellness programming will be planned for every 2nd Saturday in a given month – with the exception of holidays, beginning  January 2026.

 

Evaluation & Future Expansion

  • Attendance will be counted at each event to determine the success of each activity.
  • Surveys will also be provided to participants and staff in order to determine what went well with programming, what could be improved, and what patrons would like to see at future events.
  • Pending popularity and demand – programming can be hosted twice a month particularly with programming that is limited with space, such as with classes or certain crafts.
  • Take home wellness kits with journals, coloring books, and other simple materials can be developed for patrons – as way to continue wellness practices at home.

Thank you for reading my Whimsical Wellness Roadmap!

I hope it inspires you to look for the wonder and whimsy in your life again.

Mini-wellness tip! – Look for “glimmers” in your day – to – day life!

Glimmers are small moments that make you smile or bring you joy.

Example: Seeing a hummingbird while driving.

2 Comments

  • Niko S

    This seems like such a great idea! Mental health and wellness is so important, especially for librarians too! I also love the alliteration of the title!

  • Kristin Hirst

    Hi Ashley,
    This is such a great idea! This sounds like it would be such an impactful program to help improve mental health and well-being for the community. As you mentioned, burnout is such a real issue a lot of people are dealing with, and being able to come together and participate in stress-reducing activities without having to worry about cost seems like such a great way for the library to really take care of people and help them have more balance in their lives. I also really like the idea of having take-home kits that people can take with them so that they can continue to enjoy stress-relieving benefits at home.
    Nice work!

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