New Models: Hygge in School Libraries
New Models: Hygge in School Libraries
In this module’s readings, what resonated with me the most was the concept of Hygge. Dr. Michael Stephens explains that this Danish word loosely translates as coziness but truly means much more than this. Dr. Stephens shared a definition of this word written by Joe Pickard that explains the concept of Hygge as the development of “sanctuary and community, of paying attention to what makes us feel alive. A feeling of belonging to the moment and celebrating the everyday” (Stephens, 2019). Dr Stephens also shared the concept of New Models in libraries being “An evolving vision of space and inclusion” (Stephens, 2025). To me, Hygge and libraries as an evolving space of inclusion where students can feel safe and part of a community by participating in things that make them feel alive is what will make school libraries and public libraries indispensable. As an Itinerant Teacher Librarian, creating this at two elementary schools and one middle school where I am only present once or twice a week can also be a huge challenge.
Teen Spaces
After watching the YouTube video of the Monroe County Public Library Teen Spaces, I was inspired by what makes a library a Hygge sanctuary for a Teen. In the video, you get to see how the library created a space where only Teens are allowed to participate, full of tables with adjacent TV monitors, TV’s with gaming consoles, and a space and tools with which to do arts and crafts. Also significant was the knowledgeable staff supporting the teens in their activities and projects. A school library does have some limitations as it is used as a multipurpose space but could be transformed into a teen sanctuary with movable furniture and teen-specific crafts and items to help students of this age group feel part of a community. To transform the space would require special funding for Teen items and furniture. I would love to add a gaming console, green screen, microphone, editing technology and software, 3D printers, and a dedicated crafting space to a public middle school library. I would also love to add more flexible seating in the library to make it more inviting. Collaboration among library staff, classroom teachers, and school administration on this project will go a long way in making the library a Hygge place for teens (MCP LIndiana, 2019).
Elementary Spaces
I work at two elementary schools. Students generally enjoy visiting the library and look forward to their weekly checkouts. However, there is more I could do to create a sense of community and inclusion in the elementary school library. One of my goals for my elementary libraries is to do weekly read-alouds for upper grades and give students the option of coming in during their lunch recess to listen to the story. It would be a book students would vote on as the read-aloud of choice. Another program I plan to implement to promote a sense of belonging and community is providing arts and crafts for the upper elementary grades during their lunch recess. I also plan to promote library helpers and to encourage students to learn how to check books in and out and reshelve books. I also plan to create STEAM programming to help students feel more connected to the library as a Hygge learning hub.
Creating Hygge in school libraries is essential for students’ well-being. Students need a place where they can feel safe while engaging in unique learning experiences that help motivate them in lifelong learning while building community with their peers and school staff. Students need to be able to access a place where they feel they belong, and the public school library can be one of those places for all students.
References
Anythink. (n.d.). Anythink Nature Library. https://www.anythinklibraries.org/anythink-nature-library/?fbclid=IwAR2DgO-k8nU6kNUODo7vTlRXKiEiYSoSeQMC8Aq0QnoLMZoT3d-QKpbSl5M
Gaetani, M. (2018). Q&A with Eric Klinenberg. Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University. https://casbs.stanford.edu/news/qa-eric-klinenberg
MCPLIndiana. (2019, August 29). Teen Spaces at the Monroe County Public Library [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/1ipoQbNPUtQ?si=yZuHMwPbvDTd8-_s
Stephens, M. (2025). Hyperlinked Library master lectures 2025: New models [Panopto video]. San Jose State University School of Information. https://sjsu-ischool.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=a33699b1-6c88-48f5-b684-af1001336869
Stephens, M. (2019). Wholehearted librarianship: Finding hope, inspiration, and balance. ALA Editions.
Uden, R. (2015). New teen spaces from coast to coast. School Library Journal. https://www.slj.com/story/new-teen-spaces-from-coast-to-coast
4 Comments
Michael Stephens
@chicanasteamlibrarian I found your section on Hygge in the elementary school library so interesting. I appreciate your ideas for engaging with students to help them feel that they are part of the library and that they are participating in the library. That is a cozy feeling for sure.
Becca Slick
@chicanasteamlibrarian This is a really good idea and I can understand the challenge when you are wanting to do this in a public school setting that many students from various grades use. I do like your plan on creating a specific space for teens so that they can feel safe, supported, and engaged in things that they like or explore things they may not have thought of. I also like the inclusion in the elementary space for read-alouds. I know that at my kids’ schools, they promote many different things, but reading has not been high on their list. I like that it is an alternative to recess (even though recess is important) and can engage students who maybe struggling with reading in other instances in school.
When you can include students in the process, they take on more appreciation for the task, event, etc. Having them learn to check out and check in books as well as shelving gives them insight into part of what your duties are. I am sure that this would create a great space for the older students to connect with younger students as well in helping them find books and resources too.
Iris
@chicanasteamlibrarian As a teacher, I have found that elementary school students generally love the library but middle school students tend to need a little coaxing. Applying the concept of Hygge with programming targeted specifically for them will probably go a long way in convincing them to visit more often! Also, I commend you on working at two separate sites!
Iris
Maria Ramos-Yoo
Thanks Iris. I will definitely work on creating unique programming and incorporating Hygee elements. This year will be the first time I work with middle school students. I am at two elementary schools and one middle school. Looking forward to incorporating these new concepts into my libraries.