It is easy to get caught in the hamster wheel of adulting. Many work a 9-5 job, tend to children and/or pets, try to prep dinner or lunch for the next day, homework for classes, sleep, and repeat. Hygge (pronounced “hoo-ga”) is “taking time away from the daily rush to be together with the people you care about- or even by yourself- to relax and enjoy life’s quieter pleasures” (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, n.d.). Life is much more than just the highlight reels. The moments in between are a significant part of the human experience. Hygge is about comfort, joy, and that feeling of home. The feeling of being safe, cared for, and loved. An image that comes to mind is a cat or dog sleeping by a fireplace. They are content and in the moment. Another example is a gathering of loved ones enjoying a meal and board games.
Libraries can promote hygge through resources such as libguides and hosting events. The Boston Public Library has a page dedicated to hygge resources such as book lists about happiness, mindfulness, food, music, and hobbies.
They have hosted “Hygge Evenings” where people can indulge in a cup of tea or hot chocolate and enjoy coloring or reading. They also offered “hygge kits” with hot chocolate packets and coloring sheets to go (Boston Public Library, 2024). This allows people the chance to unwind at home.
The Morse Institute Library has a similar page with video and audio resources from Spotify.
https://morseinstitute.libguides.com/hygge
The Jackson-Madison County Library utilizes their Makerspace to host DIY projects.
https://jmclibrary.org/media/series/vfhj6ww/makerspace-projects
Libraries can offer soft spaces such as comfy couches, book nooks, and areas for crafting, hobbies, or boardgames. Allowing people to pause gives them the chance to be in the moment and aid with their well-being.
In high school, my mom and I would have late night chats over hot chocolate or tea and cookies. It was a way to connect and talk about anything. It was our own version of hygge.
Below is an infographic on ways to hygge inspired by the article How to hygge: 8 ways to be happier, the Danish way published in The Telegraph:
Ways to virtually participate in hygge:
Enjoy a Virtual Fireplace:
Enjoy some tunes:
Take a moment to pause and be in the moment.
References:
Boston Public Library. (2024, January 11). Hygge Evening. https://bpl.bibliocommons.com/events/65944bd761803d360073ed2c
Hyggelig Jazz – playlist by Spotify | Spotify. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2024, from https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DX6kQOEoHSaYy?si=X0DKdC-6SBG6c8s3ZTtbiw&nd=1&dlsi=084e347fec934587
Jackson-Madison County Library. (n.d.). MakerSpace Projects. Retrieved October 14, 2024, from https://jmclibrary.org/media/series/vfhj6ww/makerspace-projects
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. (n.d.). What is hygge: All you need to know about the small joys of life. Retrieved October 14, 2024, from https://denmark.dk/people-and-culture/hygge
Morse Institute Library. (n.d.). Hygge. Retrieved October 14, 2024, from https://morseinstitute.libguides.com/hygge
The Telegraph. (n.d.). How to hygge: 8 ways to be happier, the Danish way. Retrieved October 14, 2024, from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/discovering-hygge-in-copenhagen/eight-ways-to-be-happier/
Trumpet, C. (2018, December 3). 12 HOURS of Relaxing Fireplace Sounds – Burning Fireplace & Crackling Fire Sounds (NO MUSIC) – YouTube [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgHKb_7884o&themeRefresh=1
Lilia,
Incorporating hygge and comfort in libraries is SO important. Taking breaks is a must sometimes, for us to recharge and be at our best again. I noticed a hygge moment at the academic library I work at today. I was taking a break and realized they had free tea and puppies to hug out front. It is around midterm time for the students and all of their assignments are due, so this was such a great way to help everyone take a break, smile, and relax.
Hi Lilia, thanks for sharing your thoughts on hygge! Similar to Millicent, my library is hosting a Therapy Pets event today too. Our students love it!
Hi Lilia,
Thank you for sharing and highlighting this. Life gets so hectic at times and it’s important to remind ourselves to slow down, and libraries providing a space for it is just so cool!
Hi Lilia,
I love the hygge philosophy and have been actively trying to incorporate that sense of peace and coziness into my day-to-day life, especially after work and school. Libraries are a place for people, not books, which is such an important concept to understand and by creating that cozy space, users feel welcome, content, and relaxed. Thanks for your post!
@catladylilia 12 hours of the fireplace! So cool.
Thanks for this exploration of what libraries are doing with higgle. So many inspirations! I recently spoke to a smaller library here about their future renovation and they may use some of these concepts.