From Writing to Storytelling: How One Group Found Their Voice

I’ve been doing a lot of research on intergenerational literacy and oral history and researching ideas like Gentelligence and exploring how different generations communicate, preserve stories, and pass on traditions lately. Along the way, memories of my own experiences keep bubbling up, reminding me why understanding intergenerational literacy and keeping storytelling alive is so important.

One memory in particular that came back to me was from about a year ago. It was a difficult time for me because my writing group that I had been hosting at the library for several years fell apart. I was saddened by the ending of this group because it had been so magical. Well, in true Compassionate Librarian form, I wanted to keep the magic going, so I found myself starting something new: a storytelling circle. I am someone who loves stories. I am surrounded by books all day, every day, I find myself drawn to stories in every form. 

So I leaned into what I know best: talking to groups and sharing stories.

Our very first gathering centered around banned books. I wheeled in a full cart of titles from the Top 10 Challenged list, and what unfolded was magical. Each person had a personal connection to a book on that cart. I read this in high school. I found this during a difficult time in my life and it comforted me. This was my favorite story growing up. What began as a discussion of censorship quickly became a circle of memories, reflections, and laughter.

As we talked, connections emerged. I could see it wasn't just between people and books, it was clearly between multiple generations sharing stories that are valuable and meaningful. We found ourselves reflecting on how stories shape identity, comfort us in hard times, and offer perspectives that sometimes scare the world enough to be challenged. We realized that among all of our collective memories there are many stories worth telling.

That day, this new group bonded. We decided to meet monthly and share stories, memories, and carry on oral traditions. Family, holidays, ghosts, places we grew up, the conversations all just flowed naturally, weaving together threads of lived experience that transcended beyond anyone's age or background. The ages spanned from teens to seasoned adults. 

Looking back now, I see that what began as the end of one group became the beginning of a new kind of community. Just like Djo’s song End of Beginning, we found our group in another version and we were in it. We were definitely in it. All we needed was a space to talk, to listen, and to honor the stories that connect us across generations. It was so amazing!

Sometimes, when writing fades, storytelling finds its voice and I want to give tribute to this group for bringing back the art of storytelling and preservation the tradition of oral history. 

Until next time,

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.