We often talk about how to create inclusive environments for our library Storytimes. However, the conversation tends to focus on children. What about the grown-ups?
Tag: Welcoming Spaces
Creating Calm Spaces
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…
Creating Welcoming Spaces at #alaac23
Immigrant and refugee communities are a large portion of our communities and our libraries. But are we doing everything we can to make our libraries a welcoming environment for those families? Sarah Polen and Jacquie Kociubuk outlined actionable strategies for libraries in their session Welcoming Spaces: Creating Welcoming Environments for Immigrant and Refugee Families.