The library I worked in was always comforting to me, and this module really made me understand why. When I walked into the library, there was a small entryway with two smaller staircases on either side. When you walked up, you were greeted with warm lighting, carpeted flooring, and a fireplace with couches surrounding it. We had a patron, George, who would come in every day and work on our community puzzle. Others would join him, and on our breaks, we would join him as well. If I wasn’t working on the puzzle during my break, I was sitting in the meditation garden we had just behind the library. There were always several mugs of warm tea sitting around staff spaces. It was a cozy space and always had a feeling of connection.

When I first heard about hygge in this module, these memories surfaced. I also thought about the children’s room design I created for INFO 260A: Programming and Services for Children. I have worked in childcare for over 5 years and have experience working with neurodivergent children. I am also neurodivergent myself. It was important to me to create a library space that was inclusive, especially for these children. As I thought about the environment my team and I created, as well as all the elements that go within the concept of hygge, it was clear that there are many overlapping factors. This included the sense of gentleness, warmth, comfort, slowness, softness, and community.

Going into public spaces can be overwhelming to neurodivergent individuals due to the bright lighting, loud noises, bright colors, and uncomfortable furniture. All of these things cause sensory overload. Everything hygge brings to a space is meant to be the exact opposite. Some characteristics of hygge are warm, dim lighting, natural materials, plants, different textures (mainly soft or furry), low volume, and the intention of softness. This softness does not just mean decorations but also how people interact with each other and the space. This is just what many neurodivergent individuals need. Bringing these concepts into the library do not just make the space more inviting, it makes it more accessible.

I recently moved back to the Seattle area after living in LA for a while. I was curious if any libraries around me are incorporating these ideas as we get closer to the winter season. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find anything nearby. I did, however, find a library that was doing a Hygge Hideaway night in a library 3 hours away. The Langley Library is a part of the So-Isle Libraries here in Washington. After hearing about this program, I wanted to look more closely at this library to see what it looks like and what hygge characteristics it might already have. This library (as featured in the middle photo below) has a bright and more modern feel. However, I love how it is in a small house-like building and is built with small areas that are cozy, meant for connecting. I can picture this space with dim lights and candles. It will definitely embody the characteristics of hygge then. 

I continued looking at other libraries in this system to see their unique characteristics. The Freeland Library and the Mukilteo do a good job of embodying some hygge characteristics on their own. The Freeland Library uses soft colors of green and brown in its space. The Mukilteo Library uses warm colors as well. However, the brightness of the orange and yellow could be overwhelming for some. Both these locations are surrounded by greenery that they are able to use to the community’s advantage. Not only do they get the comfort of seeing this greenery from inside, but they also created spaces outside to sit or walk. It was amazing to see these different characteristics and how they could improve other libraries as well.

References:

Anderson, G., Behjati,F., Mockrin, K., Peña, L., Shor, C., Stone, T. (2024). Children’s Area Design Project. San José State University School of Information.

Stephens, M. (2019). Hygge state of mind. In Wholehearted librarianship: Finding hope, inspiration, and balance (pp. 61–64)