Reflection on Welcoming New Models

“How might we use hygge as a means to integrate the

life of the community into the library?”

Michael Stephens, Wholehearted Librarianship

We seem to live in a very tech forward society. So I feel like I should be writing about some exciting tech innovations in the library. The thing is, I keep coming back to the feeling of the place. I’ve been told recently that just because people like the idea of libraries, it doesn’t mean they are willing to go to bat for them. In this module we are exploring new library models because it’s clear that while our old model is okay, it’s not inspiring enough to make all but the most cynical of citizens consider libraries indispensable. Libraries are the only institutions that exist as a safe, welcoming, and enriching environment for everyone. Most importantly, there are no strings attached. All are welcome no matter their personal beliefs or philosophy. At least that’s our ideal.

But I have seen too many “arbitrary rules” (Wholehearted Librarianship, Stephens) get in the way of creating a welcoming, comfortable environment that could be a favorite hang-out for everyone in the community. Why NO food? There could certainly be nuanced guidelines for where it can’t be eaten. Don’t tell me it’s about the books. Ever heard of a beach read? In fact, let’s make it okay for people to sit on the floor. Yes, that really is a rule. How 18th century can we be? Not allowed to bring in all of your personal belongings? As the author of Palaces for the People, Eric Klinenberg says in this interview “…libraries have become a crucial part of the [social] safety net…”. Let’s provide a secure space to stow things for visitors who need to keep their things close.

Constantly, metaphorically shushing patrons in these ways really just serves to upset people for little gain. I wouldn’t want to support, much less return to a place that treats me like a naughty child rather than someone who is appreciated as a member of the community. And that’s just the most basic part of retaining patrons. Once we make it clear that people can be comfortable, as long as it doesn’t interfere with other patrons’ comfort (let’s ignore the malcontented for a time), we can put our energy toward impactful resources and services. We can be an indispensable community hub.

In Hygge State of Mind, Stephens (Wholehearted Librarianship) talks about the feelings of calm, the quiet contemplation evoked in a hygge-inspired environment. It’s not just about a quiet corner to read with comfortable furnishings and warm lighting. It’s a space where, as Danish writer Christian Lauersen says, “citizens experience togetherness – alone, or with others”. I imagine this space as one where you don’t have to be on guard, waiting for someone to tell you that you’ve done something wrong. We are trusted information providers. So, being a place where people in crisis generally feel safe, let’s lean into providing practical information in the form of social workers who can give information and help in real time.

But let’s also be a place like in the Omaha Public Library’s Do Space where it’s okay, even expected that you will try something new and probably make a mistake, or many mistakes, all in the name of education, growth, and personal fulfillment. People of all kinds need libraries and libraries need people to whole-heartedly and practically support them.