I find myself connecting profoundly with Sammar and Sabrina’s story found in Hasan’s (2023) article on libraries as sanctuaries for health and wellness. As someone whose native tongue is not English, libraries have always provided safety and support for my English learning. Essentially, the library was my safe space growing up; my family did not have many resources upon moving to the US so we relied heavily on free resources like the library. I was able to learn English alongside my parents and I nurtured a profound love for books that continues to this day. 
Similarly, libraries serve as a safe space for others–even if for different reasons. I agree with Angela Savage when she states that libraries are a free, non-judgmental space that is accessible to everyone (Hasan, 2023). All people from different backgrounds are welcome into the space where they can freely use library resources, interact with their peers, and/or meet new people. In my current role, I have seen so many friendships flourish–especially between patrons who come in to the library for the sake of socialization and distraction for their minds. This provides a great segue into the idea of a library as community driven. In her article, Pewhairangi implores us to get to know our most valuable library members by not just asking them questions, but getting to know them better as people. In a public library position like the one I currently hold, this is super important. I always catch myself designing library programming based on what I think is best but in those instances, I manage to ask myself: what do the participants want? What do they need? Am I fulfilling their needs?
I totally agree that we in fact should become obsessed with our most valuable library members. In an ideal world, we would be able to reach every single member of the entire community surrounding our libraries. The good news is that we can start small and grow from there.
References:
https://www.sbs.com.au/language/bangla/en/article/free-nonjudgmental-and-accessible-how-your-local-library-is-a-sanctuary-of-health-and-wellness/t15blzsi9
Michelle, I’m glad libraries were a safe space for you growing up. They were for me two. I didn’t use them in learning a language, however, stories and escape through storytelling were some major reasons. You’re story is one of many on why libraries need to offer ESL classes, or another language.
Michelle,
That is so amazing that the library helped you and your family learn English, and that it created a strong love of the library for you. I agree that libraries should focus on their regular patrons a great deal, as they are the ones that visit the most and use the facilities the most. While we should definitely think about everyone and how to reach further/bring more people in – it is pertinent that we bring our regular patrons books and activities that can be beneficial to them. It is almost like a thank you for being such a loyal patron and a supporter of libraries.
Hi Michelle,
Thank you for sharing your experience. Libraries are indeed sanctuaries for everyone from all walks of life. It also became my safe space as I transitioned from high school to college and struggled to make friends as an adult. And I agree that knowing what the community wants on a ground level helps craft programs and services that better meet their needs!
@mickeysosa97 That article about health and wellness has been on my mind a lot whilst I read blog posts and on Wednesday when I spoke to the newly formed members of a fundraising group seeking to renovate a new building. It just makes sense to promote wellness and caring for the whole person as we craft information services.
Absolutely! I love that there is more acknowledgement for mental health and well being! For both patrons and library workers alike!