These two modules are very interesting to me, especially in context of the immediate social environment. Everyone, including library staff, is under a great deal of psychological stress – for many reasons. At our library we have an increasing number of behavioral incidents of a more violent nature, which in turn, creates more stress.
Looking ahead to 2026, an election year, I cannot see much relief on the horizon. How then, do we use these new tools in our toolbox to get our libraries (and our communities) through these trying times? Can humans “cope effectively with such far-reaching changes, given that they are required to function with ‘paleolithic emotions, medieval institutions and god-like technology,’ in the words of biologist E.O. Wilson,” as noted in Anderson, Rainie & Vogels?
Later on in the same article, Douglas Rushkoff notes “I’m thinking simple, real tasks like growing food, building houses, teaching kids, health care and providing energy may dominate what we now think of as ‘work.’ In other words, instead of developing careers in industries, people will learn how to do things – which could prove truly fulfilling and psychologically stabilizing.”
Forward thinking
Combining these two ideas we can arrive at a potential approach that I think of as “turning inward into order to move forward.” This encompasses the “hygge state of mind” (Stephens, p. 63), the Anythink Nature Library concept, all conducted under the auspices of Wholehearted Librarianship (Stephens).
In the short term, at our library I believe this going to take a few different forms. Redoing our front entryway with plants, seats, and new calming paint to help people entering the space reset before the come into the library. I’ve started collecting LED candles, to create a welcoming and warm winter ambiance. On a larger scale I’m going to initiate some discussion on future community programs featuring Psychological First Aid training, as well as more hands-on programs and also opportunities for community (volunteer happy hour). In terms of cultivating or sparking joy, I will continue to look for opportunities both simple (like sparkly fringe in our gardens) to more complex – like hobby fairs, to bring people together and ignite interests.
In closing I would like to pause and note that, while we focus on helping our communities, we cannot neglect the element of self-care and compassion toward ourselves and our fellow staff members. While we emphasized it during the pandemic, it is easy for it to fall by the wayside. We have to remember to put on our own oxygen masks, in order to be able to best help everyone else.
References
Anderson, J. (2021, February 18). Experts Say the ‘New Normal’ in 2025 Will Be Far More Tech-Driven, Presenting More Big Challenges. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/02/18/experts-say-the-new-normal-in-2025-will-be-far-more-tech-driven-presenting-more-big-challenges/
Anythink Nature Library. (n.d.). Anythink Libraries. Retrieved October 28, 2025, from https://www.anythinklibraries.org/anythink-nature-library/
5 thoughts on “Reflection: Modules 8 & 9”
Hi, Heather!
Wow, you really covered a lot in one post. My library system has had an increase in violence as well, and it has not been easy to address it. Some of the measures taken have affected the overall welcome of the library, leading to numerous discussions. I like your focus on hygge moving into 2026 and how you are planning on implementing it. I have noticed that something as simple as turning on only one set of overhead lights, instead of two, makes a difference. Great post!
Thank you – it’s comforting in a way to know that we’re all facing similar situations. I’ve been thinking about it lot lately, and I found a set of LED candles (with a remote control!) and I’m going to try putting them in a display cabinet in our atrium for the holiday season.
Hi Heather,
I have noticed that there have been an increase of unruly customers at the libraries in my area. At work, they always tell us that when people become angry and yell, it likely occurs because they were already frustrated and angry when they came into the library and staff just happened to be helping them the moment that the patron explodes. I agree that transforming the library into a cozy space will alleviate stress because rather than seeing a library as a regular building, they will see the library as a safe space to relax. It is almost similar when each of us come home from work. We associate home with relaxation and a stress-free zone.
It’s helpful to remember things like that because it can be so difficult to stay helpful and welcoming sometimes. Some of the new vestibule refurbishments arrived last week, I’m looking forward to getting them out. Hopefully I can get it done and see if it makes a difference that I can report before we’re done for the semester!
@hharrisbrady your last paragraph is spot on. We have to take care of ourselves first. That has become even more evident to me in the more recent times post pandemic when it seems like there’s a lot of bad stuff going on. I like your ideas for changing up the entrance to the library and helping people reset before they come into a calming space.