Mindful Communication in the Library Workplace

The modern library is a unique ecosystem. It's rich with stories, resources, and people of all ages. One of its greatest strengths? The diversity of its workforce. Today’s library staff might include members of at least five different generations—all working under one roof. With such a broad mix of perspectives, experiences, and communication styles, it’s no surprise that misunderstandings might happen, but with mindful communication it doesn't have to. Mindful communication offers us a way to pause, listen, and connect more intentionally so that no matter your generation or role, you feel seen, heard, valued, and understood.

What Is Mindful Communication?

Mindful communication means slowing down and being fully present in your conversations. It’s about listening without interrupting, choosing words with care, and approaching each interaction with empathy and curiosity—not judgment.

In a busy library environment, this might look like:

• Giving a colleague your full attention when they’re speaking—even during a hectic reference desk shift.

• Asking clarifying questions instead of making assumptions.

• Noticing your tone, body language, and timing (are you interrupting someone’s break or piling on when they’re overwhelmed?).

The Generational Landscape in Libraries

Libraries are one of the few places where five generations often work side by side. Here’s a quick snapshot of some generational tendencies:

• Silent Generation (born before 1946): May value hierarchy, loyalty, and face-to-face communication.

• Baby Boomers (1946–1964): Tend to prefer direct conversation, phone calls, and formal structure.

• Gen X (1965–1980): Known for independence, pragmatism, and a preference for email or text-based communication.

• Millennials (1981–1996): Often collaborative, tech-savvy, and value feedback and flexibility.

• Gen Z (1997–2012): Grew up with digital communication and value authenticity, inclusivity, and rapid responsiveness.

These are generalizations, of course, but they can help us to understand why a simple email or staff meeting might land differently depending on who's in the room.

Why Generational Communication Gaps Matter

Miscommunication isn’t always about tone or intent, it’s can often be about expectations. Someone who is good at texting that has a question might expect an immediate answer to, while someone else might wait for the next team meeting to bring it up. Others might prefer to work things out on their own and not in a group, and a few might be looking for team projects.

If we don’t pause to understand these dynamics, we risk frustration, misinterpretation, and fractured teamwork. With awareness and intention, we can build bridges to improve mindful communication.

Tips for Practicing Mindful Speaking

1. Pause Before You Respond: Give yourself a moment to reflect before reacting, especially when you're annoyed, confused, or caught off guard. A thoughtful pause can prevent defensiveness and open the door to curiosity.

2. Practice Active Listening: That means no interrupting, eye contact when possible, and affirming statements like “I hear you” or “Thank you for sharing that.”

3. Be Aware of Your Emotions: Before engaging in a tough conversation or responding to a frustrating situation, check in with yourself. Are you tired, overwhelmed, or feeling triggered? Emotional self-awareness helps you respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. A moment of self-reflection can prevent a small issue from escalating.

4. Use Reflective Statements: Show that you’re truly listening by reflecting back what you’ve heard. Phrases like “It sounds like you’re feeling frustrated because the shift schedule changed” or “What I’m hearing is that you’d like more support during busy hours—did I get that right?” help build trust and clarify understanding.

7. Celebrate Our Differences
We all bring something valuable to the library: resilience, innovation, mentorship, fresh ideas. Instead of viewing differences as a negative, we should consider our differences to be our team’s superpower!

Final Thoughts

Mindful communication isn’t about perfection, it’s more about thoughtful intention. When we take the time to connect with curiosity instead of assumption, we create a culture where everyone feels respected. In the end, that’s what libraries are all about: making space for every staff person's opinion and voice. 

Until next time, keep listening with empathy, speaking with care, and making your library a place where every generation feels at home.
💛 the Compassionate Librarian

The Heat is On: Tackling Summer Overload in the Library World (Powered by Overthinking and Exhaustion)

There are mornings when I wake up with a thousand ideas. By the time I hit the library, I’ve planned three programs in my head, solved two staffing challenges, rewritten our onboarding guide (mentally), and probably designed a new logo in Canva while waiting for my coffee to brew and humming a song I made up about the library that goes to the tune of We Built This City. It's a crazy world and I'm just living in it.

The Big-Thinker Trap

I love ideas. I love solving things. I love making the library a magical, engaging space. I want it to feel like something is always happening, especially for kids and families. The one thing I keep forgetting is that somewhere between my vision and actual reality is this little thing called capacity.

Sometimes I look at my calendar and think, "Who scheduled all this?!" Then I remember: oh yeah. It was me.

Summer Reading Energy: Maximum Overdrive

Right now, We're all living in it. It’s June. It’s Summer Reading. At my library we've got Summer Lunch too, and I want our library to be the place to be. So what did I do? I packed our calendar like a suitcase for a month-long trip with only a carry-on. There are crafts, activities, guests, giveaways, and chaos. Beautiful, joyful chaos.

Here’s what people outside of libraries don’t always realize:
If the holidays are retail’s busiest season, summer is the Library's busiest time of the year.
The kids are out of school. Caregivers need support. The community turns to us for free programs, safe spaces, and meaningful engagement. We show up and we show up BIG.

And also? We get exhausted.

Here’s the difference this year: This year I reach out to staff and I asked for help and we created a Summer Reading/Summer Lunch Team! I let go of the idea that I had to run every program, troubleshoot every detail, and personally glitter-glue the path to the end of the summer. What about our Summer Team? They’re showing up! Doing it up right. They’re helping make the magic real and I love that so much!




"You’re Doing Too Much, Bro"

Have you heard this Gen Z phrase? You're Doing Too Much, Bro. It’s said with humor or a bit of snark, but it really hits home when you think about it.

When your to-do list is a scroll, your inbox is overflowing, and you’re mentally writing meeting agendas at red lights, it’s time to pause.

It doesn’t mean you care any less. It means your caring has overflowed its container. At this point, it's time to remind yourself it’s okay to scale back. It’s okay to rest. Remember you can't pour from an empty cup.

What I’m Learning (Still)

I don’t have to prove my worth by how much I do (I'm just fine)


Delegation is a strategy (The more the merrier!)


Saying “no” sometimes is like saying “yes” to your own self-care (A little no never hurt)


The library will survive if I leave a few white spaces on the calendar (Cringing over here, LOL!)


The best kind of magic happens when you let others co-create it (This is so true!)


Final Thoughts

If you’re a big thinker with a big heart, just know this: You’re enough, even when you’re not knocking yourself over with exhaustion. You don’t have to overdo it to make a beautiful and meaningful summer at the library.

My motto is Self-care isn’t Selfish. Especially in library work. It’s how we stay strong, creative, and resilient. If you’re feeling the burnout creep in, or just want practical strategies for maintaining balance in your library life, I invite you to check out my course on ALA eLearning: It's free to all ALA members.

Self-Care for Library Workers

It’s full of real talk, helpful tools, and reminders that you matter too.

Remember to Breathe... Just breathe. Pass the glue stick. It'll all be over soon. 

If no one else says it today I will: You’re doing great. But also…you might just be doing too much.