Radical Love in the Library: Seeing the Humanity in Everyone

 Getting to the Heart of Library Work

“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.”

— Rumi

When I think of the library, I think about how much I love being surrounded by books and people all day long. I learned about the concept of radical love a very long time ago and I have always been fascinated by the work of the poet Rumi. Radical love is at the very heart of what we library workers do, especially when we serve those the world has overlooked.

Radical love is not cutesy hearts, flowers or hugs and kisses. It’s not warm and fuzzy. It’s not passive. It’s absolutely fierce. It’s uncomfortable and pushes you out of your comfort zone more times than you will know. It requires presence, humility, and the willingness to sit beside someone dealing with internal pain. The key here is that you can't try to erase their pain, but instead, you must embrace it. 

Let's Talk More About Radical Love

Radical love is the kind of love that reaches past convenience and Rumi well-known for writing about this in his poems. Radical love is a love that sees the humanity in everyone and everything. It is not bound by titles, appearances, or how you feel. It is the kind of love that walks straight into the places others turn away from very much like the things we see on the daily at the library. poverty, addiction, grief, fear. Radical love speaks to our vulnerable neighbors, “You belong here too.”

In library work, we are invited on the daily into opportunities to practice this love.

When we speak kindly to someone who’s unhoused.
When we offer warmth to someone who’s angry.
When we are welcoming to someone who’s afraid to ask for our help.

Radical love is not about being perfect or endlessly self-sacrificing. It’s about recognizing our shared humanity and responding with empathy, not ego.

Love as a Path

Rumi’s version of love isn’t something you fall into. It is a path. A discipline. A practice. A way of returning to the heart again and again. When you think about library work, isn’t that what our calling is after all?

Library work challenges us to let go of our assumptions, check our reactions, and show up with compassion, even when we’re tired, even when we don’t get recognition, even when we ourselves are hurting.

There have been many moments in my own journey over the last twenty years in libraries when I realized:

I’m not here to fix people. I’m here to listen to them. Walk beside them. Hold space for their light, even if they can’t see it yet.

Radical love in the library is about choosing compassion, not because it’s easy, but because it’s necessary. It reminds us that our patrons are not problems to be managed, they are people to be seen.

The Poetry of Service and Connection

“Be like a tree and let the dead leaves drop."

— Rumi

There’s something sacred about serving those who are in need and there’s something poetic about connection that blooms in unexpected places. When someone walks through our doors and feels unseen, ignored, or written off by the world, we have the power to "drop our dead leaves" and help them. With one smile, with one hello, we can transform lives.

These are the moments that stay with us 🦋
The teen who finally feels safe enough to open up.
The elderly patron who finds comfort in friendly conversations.
The person experiencing homelessness who smiles when you say hello or welcome.

Radical love is poetry in motion. It is the line between silence and kindness. The rhythm of showing kindness and compassion again and again. This kind of service allows the dead leaves to drop and new foliage to bloom.

Libraries as Sacred Ground

When we root our work in radical love, the library becomes more than a resource hub, it becomes sacred ground. A place where equity lives, where hope can breathe, where transformation quietly takes root. We don't have to call it spiritual. We don't have to name it anything at all. We know it when we feel it. That still, quiet moment when someone realizes they are welcome in the library makes all the difference in the world.

Reflect With Me

Here are a few reflection questions to consider as you think about radical love in your own library work, especially if you're navigating burnout, compassion fatigue, or disconnection:

• When was the last time you offered a welcoming smile to someone who didn’t expect it and how did it make you feel?

• What barriers have you had to release in order to serve with your heart?
  
  

• Can you remember a time when someone offered you radical love in your work or life?

Final Thoughts

Radical love doesn’t ask us to fix everything. It asks us to show up. To listen and to remember that the library is more than just a building. It’s a place where everyone should be met with warmth. Where the overlooked are welcomed. Where the work of transformation is happening, but very quietly, on most days.

If you’re doing even just a little right now, you’re already walking that path, so kudos to you!

Here’s to the poetry of your service. Here’s to radical love, even when it’s hard. Here’s to seeing the humanity in every person who walks through our doors.

With fierce love,
the Compassionate Librarian

Out of the Cave and Into the Library: Finding Light in a World of Shadow

 

Why Are We Hiding in the Shadows?

 

“Awakening is like turning on a light. You can’t make someone see it, but once you do, you can never unsee the truth.”

— Unknown

A Peek Into Plato’s Cave

There’s a reason Plato’s Allegory of the Cave still echoes through time. It’s not just a tale from ancient philosophy, it’s a story grounded in reality.

Imagine this, you’ve been living in a dark cave your entire life, chained in place, only able to see the wall in front of you. Behind you, there’s a fire. And between the fire and your back are people walking by, carrying objects, but you can’t see them. You can only see their shadows on the wall. That’s your whole world. The shadows become your truth.

Then one day, you break free. You stumble out of the cave and into the light. At first, it’s blinding. Confusing. Overwhelming. But slowly, your eyes adjust. You begin to see what the world really looks like—color, form, depth, real people and not just shadows.

And here’s the twist, once you understand the truth, you feel called to go back into the cave. To help others wake up. To say, “Hey… what you’re seeing isn’t the whole story.”

But not everyone wants to hear about it. Because stepping into the light means letting go of what’s familiar.

Plato’s cave is a metaphor for the illusions we live with, the beliefs we don’t question, and the journey toward deeper awareness. It’s about awakening. More importantly, it’s about the courage it takes to go back and hold the light for others.

We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Sitting in a dark cave, staring at the flickering shadows on the wall, wondering how to get out or if we even can. Maybe it’s a job, a fear, a system, or even a version of yourself you never meant to become. The shadows become familiar. Even comforting.

And then something shifts.

Suddenly, you’re stumbling toward the light, blinking your way into a new way of thinking or feeling. Sometimes we assume things will always stay the same, and we grow complacent. Do you want to know what I think? You can break free. It might not look the way you might expect it to be, but it’s possible.

For me, that realization first came when I read Plato’s Allegory of the Cave. It was a true aha! moment for me. I began to see that I didn’t have to stay in the dark. That I could choose to step toward the light, even if it was uncomfortable at first. Even if I had to find my own way. I've had to do that many times in my life, I went through a horrible divorce, awful custody battle, dealt with cancer, and lost loved ones. 

The Library as a Threshold

Because I'm a librarian through and through, it means a lot to me to relate this idea of going from the shadows to the light in relation to the library and the work we do. The library is so much more than a building filled with books. It’s a definitely a space for expansion, a threshold between who we are and who we’re going to be. I'm not the same person that I was when I started working in a library all those years ago. Ultimately, when you work in a library you realize that it’s a place where your perception of reality gets challenged and your creativity can bloom.

In a world that is constantly telling us who we are and who we’re supposed to be, libraries whisper, “What do you want to be?” Libraries push our boundaries and stretch us. We can't be contained in the "cave" because as the years go by we expand and grow. This reminds me of when I first started working in a public library. I'd just finished graduate school and was feeling somewhat lost. I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. What was my career path? I wondered, would it magically appear for me? My first few months working in the library I knew this was place and these were my people. From there, I made the decision to go back to school and get my master's in library science. 

I've been working in libraries now for twenty years and for me it is more than just a workplace, it's a place of awakening. Through books, conversations, programs, and working closely with vulnerable community  members I have been able to help so many people. I have witnessed the good and unfortunately the difficult unfold. I will always cherish those small moments like when I helped an underprivileged teen find other teens to bond and socialize with, or when someone who is unhoused whispers “thank you” because they finally felt seen.

The Shadows Still Linger

Let’s be honest: even in libraries there are shadows. These are the shadows we’re still fighting everyday. Censorship, underrepresentation, misinformation, burnout, and the invisible systems that shape who gets to speak and who gets silenced. We should not fear these shadows, that’s also why we do the work we do and why it matters. Because we’re not just reading books all day long (although, that's what many people think), we are actually holding up the lanterns to light the way through the shadows. We need to keep walking, even when the light is uncomfortable. We must continue to walk through the shadows ourselves.

Searching for the Light, Together

Plato’s cave isn’t just about leaving the shadows, it’s about returning and going back for the others. It's about carrying the light with you, even when you’re tired, even when your voice shakes, even when no one applauds you for it and this happens so much in the library world. I hope you will believe in illumination over illusion. Keep up the work you are doing, you matter, your questions matter, taking care of yourself matters, and your transformation matters.

Maybe that’s why I’m still here. I feel like I've wanted to give up so many times and move on from the library. There's this voice inside of me that says, you're not done yet and this keeps me hanging on. 

Stepping Out Beyond the Cave

Awakening doesn’t always feel like a grand moment. Sometimes it’s quiet. Sometimes it’s painful. Sometimes, it’s just choosing to ask one more question, pick up one more book, or believe in one more possibility. Sometimes, it’s when you feel the most lost and lonely and then suddenly, you find a little piece of yourself and you come back into the light.

We don’t escape the cave once and for all. We do it over and over again. When we choose growth over standing still. When we question what we’ve been told. When we decide to turn and face the light. In the end, the journey out of the cave isn’t about having all the answers, it's about moving forward and embracing the change. It’s about knowing you can keep seeking and maybe, just maybe it's about turning around and offering your hand to someone else who’s still hanging in the shadows.

Thank you for joining me on this journey through the Consciousness Archives. I'll be back next week to offer more thought provoking ideas on the interconnectedness and mutual interdependence of all things in the universe and of course that includes my favorite place, the library!

Here's to seeing the light,

the Compassionate Librarian

Welcome to The Consciousness Archives

 

                    The Consciousness Archives:

A cosmic exploration of spirit, storytelling, and the soul of librarianship

I am putting this new blog series out into the universe. The focus is somewhere between the nature of consciousness and the chaos of the returns desk, between ancient myths and modern burnout, between sacred scrolls and staff meetings. That's a lot of wide open space to cover and a lot of cosmic energy to summon, and yet that's exactly where this new blog series belongs. 

Let's dig deep into the depths of our library souls and focus on:

Why we do what we do
Who we are beneath the badge, the title, and the book bag

Libraries are in a state of emergency

Emotionally - Spiritually - Existentially

We are underfunded, undervalued, and overextended. Or as George Washington in Hamilton would say, "We are outgunned, outmanned, outnumbered, and outplanned."

Here's an idea: Let's weaponize our compassion. Let's set our energy together, collectively.
Think about this too. 

Why do we stay? 

We do we keep showing up?

This is why: We fan the flames of truth and information, we share the stories, and we are the protectors of the library.

My plan for this blog is big. I want it to be a space to remember what’s been lost, and to never doubt that there is still so much hope and possibility for libraries still. 

What this series is about:

• A reflective, sometimes playful, always meaningful exploration of the deeper dimensions of library work.

• A fusion of myth, metaphor, philosophy, psychology, and good library spirit.

• A personal archive of insights drawn from my experiences as a library manager, educator, mentor, and survivor of more than one epic workplace plot twist.

What It Is Not About:

It’s not about fixing the system it’s about reclaiming what's been hollowed out within it.

What You’ll Find In The Consciousness Archives:

• Musings about the shadow side of librarianship.

• Reflections on burnout, resilience, leadership, and many stories.

• Thoughtful experiments 

• Invitations to explore your own personal myth or bag o’ burdens (yes, you’re allowed to unpack it here).

• Consciousness-raising activities and journal prompts to reconnect with your inner library spirit.

This is the series I wish had existed when I was burning out in silence.
This is for the library worker crying in the breakroom.
This is for the library student unsure if they made the right choice.
This is for the library staff that want to change careers

This is for you if you're reading this. 
Because maybe, just maybe, it's not about archiving files and books right now.
Maybe it's about archiving the human experience.

Let’s get cosmic

Let’s get conscious

Let’s remember who we are

The Consciousness Archives begins now.

Stay strong,

the Compassionate Librarian

Dark Times For Libraries: Keeping the Lights On Together

This is my twentieth year working in a library. I've worked in public and school libraries, and in that time, I’ve seen libraries evolve, adapt, and rise to meet the needs of their communities over and over again. I’ve seen how libraries transform lives, provide safety nets, and bring people together in ways that are quite profound.

🕯️I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a darker time for libraries than right now🕯️

Between budget cuts, the changes with IMLS, and the growing uncertainty about our future, many of us are feeling the weight of it all. It’s a lot to carry and if you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed about it, you’re not alone.

Libraries are often seen as the hub of the community. Did you know that libraries can:

• Offer a safe place for unhoused individuals to rest, recharge, and feel human

• Provide free internet, printing, and access to technology many can’t afford at home

• Help with job applications, resumes, and unemployment benefits

• Guide people through complicated forms, housing applications, and social services

• Answer reference questions, from simple curiosities to urgent health or legal concerns

• Share accurate, reliable information in an age of misinformation

• Offer programs that support early literacy, workforce development, mental health, and more

• Welcome families, teens, seniors, and everyone in between—no questions asked

• Connect people to the world of books, imagination, learning, and lifelong curiosity

The Lake Oswego Library in Oregon helped people get their books by creating their "Librarian is IN" service in the parking lot during the pandemic. Photo courtesy of City of Lake Oswego. 

During the pandemic, many of us were frontline workers. We served our communities at our front doors, sometimes in parking lots like the Lake Oswego Library, and sometimes virtually from our living rooms. Some of us volunteered as disaster workers, answered phones in call centers, distributed supplies, and provided free printing and hotspots for vulnerable populations to help them stay connected. We chatted on the phone with people who just needed a human voice. One woman called simply to hear what was in the collection because she was lonely and missed the sound of someone speaking to her.

My point is that we've never stopped helping and we made it through a very challenging time. We adapted, we pivoted, and we found new ways to serve the public. Because that's what library workers do.

What gives me hope are the people who love and care about libraries. The librarians, the library staff, the volunteers, the patrons, the advocates, the neighbors, our partners, and more. 

I know one thing. Library workers are resilient. When things get hard, we show up and we just keep going. We will figure this out one step at a time.

 

Show Your Support

Here are a few simple ways you can help:

• Write a note to your local representatives about why libraries matter

• Post a memory or message on social media using #LibrariesTransform

• Submit a letter to the editor of your local paper

• Tell a friend, neighbor, or coworker how the library has impacted your life

How Are You Feeling? Don’t Forget to Practice Self-Care

If all of this feels really heavy, just remember that you’re not alone and you don’t have to carry it alone. When we’re under a lot of stress, taking care of ourselves is very important.

Make sure to find time for rest. Try to reach out for support. Do something kind for yourself today.

If you’re looking for guidance, inspiration, or gentle ways to support your own wellbeing, my self-paced course Self-Care for Library Workers will be launching through the American Library Association's eLearning platform. Stay tuned, it should be coming out very soon!

Want to Talk or Share A Story?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed because of the changes that libraries are facing I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to leave a comment or reach out to me directly at teachingmydream@gmail.com.

We can get through this together, 

the Compassionate Librarian 💛

The Healing Power of Music: A Soundtrack for Self-Care

There’s something magical about music. A single song can shift your mood, ground your thoughts, or lift your spirits in just a few notes. For me, music has always been one of the simplest—and most powerful—forms of self-care. Whether I’m winding down after a long day, needing a confidence boost, or just looking for something to make me smile, I turn to my personal soundtrack.

Music as a Self-Care Tool

Did you know that listening to music can be a self-care tool? Yes! It can be an awesome self-care tool. You don’t need a fancy playlist (though curating one is part of the fun). All you need is a few songs that really speak to you.

Here are some of the ways music supports emotional and mental well-being:

Calming Songs for Stress Relief

Soft, slow melodies can help lower your heart rate and bring your nervous system back to baseline. Perfect for anxious moments or quiet time. I call this my "Breathe & Reset" playlist.

Power Ballads & Anthems for Strength
Need a pick-me-up before a big presentation or tough conversation? Cue the empowering songs. The ones that make you stand taller, sing louder, and feel unstoppable. My "You’ve Got This" soundtrack is full of them.

Feel-Good Songs for Joy
These are the songs that make you dance in the kitchen, sing in the car, or just smile out of nowhere. I keep a playlist I call "Instant Joy" for those exact moments.

Music simply meets you where you are—and that’s the essence of self-care.

Why Music Works as Self-Care

• Music reduces stress. Listening to music has been shown to decrease the stress hormone cortisol. According to an article in Harmony & Healing, a study was conducted by the British Academy of Sound that found 74% of participants reported that calming music helped them to reduce anxiety and improve their state of rest, a marker of stress resilience.

• It boosts your mood. Music activates the brain's reward center, releasing dopamine—the “feel good” chemical. This is especially true for songs that evoke strong emotional memories or have a beat we love.

• It improves focus and sleep. Certain types of music can improve concentration and even help you fall asleep faster. Research from the National Sleep Foundation found that people who listened to music before bed reported better sleep quality.

• It connects us to others. Shared playlists, concerts, or even hearing a familiar song in a public place can create a sense of community and belonging—which is a powerful form of emotional support.

• It encourages movement. Upbeat songs naturally make us want to move, which helps release endorphins and boost our energy levels—even if we’re just dancing around the kitchen.

According to an article by the American Psychological Association, music has played a large part of helping COVID patients with delirium recover. Music's power over our brains is quite phenomenal.

Your Personal Soundtrack = Your Self-Care Toolkit

One of my favorite ways to use music as self-care is to create playlists based on my needs. I went through a long period of distress after having a catastrophic surgery that left me wondering my place in the world. I don't know how I found it or maybe it found me, but the music of German DJ and record producer TheFatRat changed my life. I listened to the soundtrack for in 2021 for at least a year. It got me through my transition in life, through writing my first book, which was laborious and intense. It got me through so much and I will never forget how it makes me feel. I'll share the songs below and what they mean to me and why I love them so much. I realize that TheFatRat may not be your cup of tea, but for me it is a shining light that got me through my darkest days. 

TheFatRat with Anna Yvette & Laura Brehm - Chosen - There's just something special about this song. If you’ve ever needed a reminder that you are stronger than you think—that your voice matters and your path is yours to walk—“Chosen” is that reminder wrapped in music.

TheFatRat feat. Laura Brehm - Mayday - captures the feeling of being on the edge—calling out for help when everything feels like it’s crashing down. It’s a raw and vulnerable track, yet there’s strength woven into every note.

TheFatRat - No No No - are you trying to practice putting up boundaries in your life? This song will help you say no no no. Whether you’re saying no to overworking, toxic relationships, unrealistic expectations, or anything that drains your energy, this track gives you permission to hold your ground.

TheFatRat - Infinite Power - Need a burst of motivation to get you moving, focused, or just fired up to tackle the day? This song is pure energy in audio form.

I could keep going, but these are probably my top favorites.

Different Themes for Musical Self-Care

Breathe & Reset – My go-to for stress, anxiety, or when I just need to calm my nervous system.

You’ve Got This – Powerful songs and energizing anthems that help me show up with confidence and courage.

Instant Joy – The feel-good songs that never fail to lift my spirits and make me smile (or dance in the living room!).

What’s on Your Playlist?

Drop a comment or message me with your favorite self-care songs—and let’s co-create a playlist filled with hope, healing, and harmony, the total self-care package!

Because sometimes, the best way to care for yourself…
is to hit play. 

Wishing you joyful moments and music that moves you!

the Compassionate Librarian

The Future of Libraries: Breaking Away From Our Restraints

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