Libraries today are more than just places to borrow books—they’re safe, welcoming spaceswhere families can connect, relax, and feel supported. One simple but meaningful way libraries are making that happen is through calming corners and wellness rooms. These quiet, cozy spots are designed with caregivers and young children in mind—especially infants, toddlers, and preschoolers of all abilities. It’s a calm, welcoming spacefor feeding infants, soothing big emotions during transitions, or simply taking a breathbefore returning to the bustle of play and exploration. We’ve learned that supporting the emotional well-being of families often comes down tointentionality and mindfulness in everyday interactions. By creating environments that aredevelopmentally appropriate and emotionally supportive, libraries can be places whereboth children and caregivers feel seen, safe, and connected. A Wellness Room That’s why we recently repurposed a study room into a Wellness Room, designed to meetthe needs of caregivers and young children who might need a…
Tag: safe spaces
Let’s do better #alacouncil #alamw19
It’s a somber time at council this last day of #alamw19 We have been voting over the last few days to make the work of libraries more supportive for civil rights of diverse genders, disabilities, sustainability, and the social justice of fines at libraries, etc. All huge and giant issues for the library and the issues that we see in our daily lives of work. But, by now you may have heard that there was a violation of the code of conduct at an ALA Council forum on Monday afternoon. If not– check twitter. And this morning– more than 100 people are in this room– sitting in the aftermath of failing a person… and failing ourselves. If we can’t guarantee a safe space to discuss council issues for all people– not just the majority being white persons– I wonder how are we failing in our libraries? This is…