Welcome to The Compassionate Librarian: A Space for Self-Care and Support

 

Hello, and welcome to The Compassionate Librarian! I’m so glad you’re here. This blog is dedicated to exploring the connection of library work and self-care. Library work can be very rewarding, yet other times it can be overwhelming and sometimes even traumatic. Library work is often selfless and let's face it self-care for library staff is often forgotten or overlooked. I've been diving into the importance of self-care for library staff over the last year and have been wanting to share what I have found with anyone that wants to hear. I've created this blog to be an opening for library and self-care to come together as a whole. Whether you’re a seasoned librarian, just getting started in the field, a volunteer, library student, or just someone passionate about the transformative power of libraries, this is the space for you.

Libraries are incredible places, but working in one isn’t always easy. I guess I should tell you that I've been working in public libraries for twenty years now.  I'm also an educator and I started teaching library graduate students in 2020. I love teaching and sharing everything I have learned working in a public library and students really enjoy learning about practical applications in my classes. The libraries I have worked in have mostly been in socio-economically disadvantaged areas and I enjoy the work and it is very rewarding in many ways, yet it does have its drawbacks. Over the years, I’ve faced challenges that many of you may find familiar: the trauma of navigating difficult library patrons, working closely with unhoused patrons and the exhaustion of compassion burnout, and the frustration of pouring my heart into a project only to have my work go unseen and completely downplayed by upper management. There have been days when I left work feeling utterly drained and disjointed. And yet, there have also been moments of joy, connection, and fulfillment that remind me why I chose this path in the first place. 

This blog is my way of creating a community where we can acknowledge the hard days while celebrating the rewarding ones. It’s a space for sharing practical self-care strategies, reflecting on the meaningful work we do, and finding ways to support one another through it all. I’ll be posting realistic a variety of content—from quick self-care tips you can use on a busy day to personal stories that highlight the resilience and dedication it takes to thrive in this profession.

Above all, I want this to be a place where you feel seen and supported. Because let’s face it: library work is about so much more than books. It’s about people, communities, and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome. And to do that, we need to take care of ourselves too.

I’d love to hear from you as we embark on this journey together. What’s one thing you do for self-care that helps you through challenging days? Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me directly. Let’s start a conversation and build a compassionate community together.

Thank you for being here. I’m excited to share this journey with you.

Warmly,
Kimberli Buckley AKA the Compassionate Librarian