Libraries are evolving faster than ever, adapting to shifting community needs, advancing technology, and an ever-expanding role as busy community hubs. While this transformation is exciting, it also places a large amount of pressure on library workers. Burnout, compassion fatigue, and unrealistic expectations often leave staff feeling overwhelmed. With all of this in mind, what libraries really need to be working toward is a future that fosters a culture of self-compassion and self-care. I believe this shift is exactly what we need to in order to rise up and thrive. I my mind I’ve been calling it a self-care revolution. I myself don’t even know how much longer I can continue to work in a library. I'm feeling so chained down and restricted lately. I’ve spent years balancing heavy workloads, constant changes, and the emotional weight of serving my community while trying not to burn out. At times, it feels like I’m on an island all alone and I’m trying to put out fires and basically just survive each day. I’m sure there are others that feel this way too, in fact I know there are. If we don’t break away from this current culture of unsupportive restriction and move toward a more encouraging and inspiring one we will continue to lose passionate and dedicated staff because of the lack of support and burnout.
Why Self-Compassion Matters in Libraries
Many library workers dedicate themselves to serving the public, often placing the needs of patrons above their own. However, chronic stress and emotional exhaustion can lead to burnout. Taking time to care for yourself is not indulgent, it is something that we all must do. This allows us to acknowledge our own struggles, set realistic boundaries, and recover from the emotional demands of our work in libraries.
A workplace that fosters self-compassion:
Encourages staff to take breaks without guilt.
Normalizes the emotional toll of public service.
Creates an environment where workers feel valued and supported.
Without self-compassion, library workers are at risk of emotional depletion. Prioritizing self-compassion can lead to better job satisfaction, stronger team dynamics, and a healthier work environment overall.
Advocating for Yourself in the Library Workplace
Many library workers struggle with self-advocacy, whether due to hierarchical structures, fear of being seen as a complainer or simply being too overextended to ask for help. However, advocating for yourself is key to long-term sustainability in this field.
Ways to advocate for yourself in the library workplace include:
Setting Boundaries – It’s okay to say no to extra tasks beyond your role or capacity. Overextending yourself can be harmful to your mental and/or physical health and it doesn’t serve you or your community if you are overloaded or overwhelmed.
Communicate Your Needs Clearly – If workload expectations are unrealistic, speak up. Ask for more support, ask for help adjusting responsibilities or modifying deadlines.
Prioritizing Rest and Recovery – Requesting time off or scheduling regular breaks isn’t a luxury—it’s a way to get more rest and better balance in our lives.
Seeking Professional Development – Advocate for training and resources that help you to expand your skills and grow, which will enhance your job skills for any future work.
It’s frustrating that library workers are constantly expected to do more and more without any support. We need to advocate for ourselves and prioritizes our wellbeing, we actually have to stand up for ourselves and make our own self-care a priority.
Creating a Supportive Network in the Library
Library work can sometimes feel isolating, especially when dealing with difficult patron interactions or heavy workloads. Building a strong support network helps foster resilience and emotional well-being.
Find Your People – Identify colleagues who share your values and commitment to mutual support. Having trusted co-workers to vent to or collaborate with can make challenges more manageable.
Encourage Peer Mentorship – Formal or informal mentoring relationships can help staff navigate challenges, gain perspective, and develop new coping strategies.
Practice Workplace Gratitude – A culture of appreciation goes a long way in making library work feel fulfilling rather than draining. Recognizing each other’s contributions can help boost morale.
Push for Institutional Support – Advocate for leadership to implement mental health initiatives, structured debriefing sessions after difficult incidents, and employee wellness programs.
Realistic Expectations for Self-Care in Libraries
The idea of self-care is often reduced to spa days or bubble baths, but in reality, self-care is about creating realistic and sustainable habits that fit into your daily life. Library workers need self-care strategies that are both practical and workplace-friendly.
Here are some realistic self-care practices that can be incorporated into the library setting:
Micro-Breaks – Even 5-minute breathers between interactions can make a difference.
Mindful Transitions – Before jumping from one task to the next, take a moment to reset and refocus.
Workspace Comfort – Adjusting your desk setup, adding a small plant, or listening to calming music (when possible) can help create a more supportive environment.
Knowing When to Step Away – If an interaction with a patron is escalating, knowing when to involve a supervisor or security is a form of professional self-care.
After-Work Decompression – Establishing an end-of-day ritual (journaling, walking, listening to music) can help transition out of “work mode” and into rest.
The Future of Libraries Needs to be a Future of Self-Care
We know that libraries are essential, but so are the people who work in them. A sustainable future for libraries requires not just innovation in services, but a commitment to staff wellbeing. By fostering self-compassion, self-advocacy, supportive networks, and realistic self-care practices, we can build resilient workplaces where library workers can thrive, not just survive.
I really love working in a library. It has the best of both worlds, books, programming, engaging with the public, and working with an awesome library crew. I think we all need to realize that the future of libraries isn’t just about what we offer patrons. It’s about taking a deep look into the care of the people who are working in the libraries.
💬 How do you practice self-compassion in your library work? I’d love to in the comments!
All the best,
the Compassionate LIbrarian
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