I was intrigued by the concept of “Hygge” (pronounced hoo-ga) that @michael describes in his book, The Wholehearted Librarian, that it roughly translates to mean “coziness” (p. xvi). I began to ponder what this meant exactly and what would it mean for my library. So I did some more reading. What I learned is that it means so much more than just coziness, that it is like a state of mind, about comfort, conversations, and connections (Stephens, 2019). It means sharing time over coffee, having close conversations, playing a board game or even watching a movie with friends and family (Larsen, 2019). The overall feeling of companionship, togetherness, and belonging (Larsen, 2019) are largely reflected in spaces like the library that can facilitate these types of scenarios.
But how do I incorporate this concept of Hygge at my library? I gave some thought to what we already have and it occurred to me that we have already started our version of Hygge at the SWCC Library. we have a cozy fireplace with comfortable seating for students to gather. We have several seating areas located throughout the library where groups can gather to collaborate or study quietly. We recently reduced the number of desktop computers from 24 to 12 to open up space as well as providing laptops for usage throughout the library and for students to take to class if they don’t own a laptop.
We also invested in a coffee cart where students can grab a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate at no cost. We have established a “Stress Free” zone where students can pick up coloring pages, practice Origami, put together jigsaw puzzles, and some have even asked to play Checkers and Chess. We create book displays for binge reading during adverse weather, or to incorporate an activity to pursue in good weather (Stephens, 2019). Users are allowed to have food and drink in the library, and people have been known to bring in baked goods and other extra food to feed the students. They know that this is a place where students can come to and unwind and take a breath. While our library may be oddly shaped (a half-moon with 49 windows making up the longest side of the library) and no room for individual study rooms, our library is open and inviting and overlooks a courtyard that students are encouraged to use as an extension of the library. To this end, I feel like we are heading in the right direction of Hygge for our library, but with anything else, more can always be done.
Looking to the future, I would like to incorporate our glass panels to encourage dialog amongst the SWCC students, faculty and staff with writing a question and leaving markers for users to respond and generate good thoughts, feedback, insights and more. A non-digital space where people can express themselves. I don’t know if I ever see us having pillows and blankets in the library, but students have been known to bring in their own blankets because it can get cold even in the summer months with the air conditioning. Although, in February of each year, we host a quilt show in the library that allows faculty and staff as well as an outside quilt guild to bring in their creations and we hang them in the library and match with a book from our collection. It has received many compliments and makes the space (especially in the winter) a more inviting and colorful place to come. I can see us investing in the electric candles to create intimate spaces during different times of the year. We have been the organizers of the “Hall of Christmas” in the winter where departments or classes can come and decorate Christmas trees around Thanksgiving. We could offer up programming on making connections such as in my Innovation Strategy and Roadmap by bringing in area restaurant chefs to facilitate nutritional literacy amongst the students and advocating for helping local businesses.
Much can be said about how to get your “Hygge” on. For me and my library, we are on our way and will continue to provide a space where our students feel connected, comfortable, and that they matter. This space is here for them.
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Hi Becca – Your library sounds awesome! Thank you for sharing all the ways you help make students feel comfortable. You are lucky to have so many windows! (My library is in a basement with no direct light. We have a hard time keeping plants alive!) I think it is a great idea to use your windows to engage students. Have you ever decorated the windows? You could have the students help you decorate for different seasons with window clings or paint.
Thank you Rachel. For a small library, we try to maximize what we can. It’s really nice having all the windows. It kind of resembles a snow globe in the winter. LOL! We have not had students decorate the windows for a programming event, but I did have a set of window markers once and gave it some serious thought. It’s a great way to get students to collaborate together and come up with something that will generate conversation amongst other students (with stipulations on keeping it professional and clean). We may have to invest in a lot more of these markers!
Becca – I enjoyed learning about all the things you are doing for your students at your library and all of your ideas for bringing the Danish concept of Hygge Into the space. It is wonderful that you have a fireplace. We will have a fireplace in our new Elk Rapids library, and I’m very excited about that.