“I encourage you to be the glitter of the Library” — Beck Messick, Learning and Development Manager, Tacoma Public Library
The roar of cheering echoed through the halls of the Minneapolis Convention Center at #PLA2026. Two competitors stood locked in an epic, high-stakes showdown of rock, paper, scissors. Round after round, the tension built. Spectators leaned in. Gasps, laughter, dramatic pauses… and then, victory!
It might sound silly, but that moment was magic. Around 150 adults gathered, fully invested in a schoolyard game, and for a few minutes, we were all connected. Strangers became a community through shared laughter and anticipation. That’s the power of play. It breaks down barriers, builds trust, and reminds us how good it feels to be part of something together. And that’s exactly the kind of connection we need more of on our library teams.
We already know that play supports learning in children. In fact, play is learning. But here’s the part we don’t talk about enough: adults need play, too. Play isn’t just a break from the “real work”; it is part of the work. It keeps us flexible, creative, and open. It helps us take risks, connect with others, and approach challenges with curiosity instead of stress.
Play is like a muscle and the more we use it, the stronger it gets. When we keep that muscle active, we show up with more empathy, more resilience, and a greater ability to collaborate. We laugh more easily. We think more freely. We remember that it’s okay not to have all the answers. And celebrating the wins and successes of the team becomes natural. Just like cheering for our teammates was natural during the game of rock, paper, scissors, maybe cheering for our teammates when they turn in that report or finish that program starts to become natural too.
So what does that look like in the workplace? Maybe it’s a jar of fidgets on a shared table. Maybe it’s a two-minute game to kick off a meeting. If we integrate these moments as routine, our mindsets shift to being more open, more inventive, and more able to problem-solve together. So let’s not wait for a conference moment to remind us what’s possible. Let’s build it into our everyday work. Let’s be the ones who start the game, invite the laughter, and make space for a little joy.
Because when we choose play, we’re not stepping away from the work, we’re strengthening it. We’re building teams that trust each other, support each other, and show up ready to try, to fail, and to try again.
Be the one who brings the energy. Be the one who starts the cheer. Spread it everywhere. Be the glitter.
Alison Loewen (she/her/hers) is a Youth Services Librarian at Mead Public Library in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, who proudly geeks out about early literacy and can happily talk picture books all day with fellow enthusiasts. She often jokes that she reads hundreds of books each month—picture books, of course! At PLA, Alison is excited to gather fresh programming ideas and wander the exhibit hall in search of new treasures for her library’s play area and activity room. She previously served on the CLEL Bell Picture Book Award Committee and has been honored as a PBS KIDS Early Learning Champion and the Wisconsin Library Association’s 2025 Librarian of the Year.
Please note that as a guest post, the views expressed here do not represent the official position of ALA or ALSC.
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