The Library 2.0 Mental Health and Wellness Program

OVERVIEW:

This is a professional development series supporting inclusive, resilient, and thriving library environments.

As demands on library staff grow—from digital overload to complex community needs—well-being is no longer a perk. It is essential to productivity, retention, and service excellence. This next-level wellness series builds on foundational practices by introducing forward-thinking strategies tailored for modern library environments.

Each session offers tools that foster focus, resilience, and authentic connection—helping both staff and administrators transform wellness into a shared cultural value.

WHY THIS SERIES MATTERS FOR LIBRARY WORKERS:

• Wellness must be inclusive to be effective.
  Library workers bring diverse identities, neurotypes, and cultural experiences. When wellness efforts recognize these differences, they foster a deeper sense of belonging, psychological safety, and full participation across the team. (Class 1)
• Empathy and connection are essential to service excellence.
  Transformational service cultures center emotional safety, collaboration, and human connection—within teams and with patrons. This series helps staff strengthen relationships in a digitally demanding and socially fragmented world. (Class 2)
• Resilience is a shared responsibility—before, during, and after crisis.
  Library staff often face high-stress moments with limited support. Building emotional readiness, trauma-aware communication, and thoughtful recovery protocols helps teams feel safer, stronger, and more confident in the face of uncertainty. (Class 3)
• Joy is a strategic tool for retention, renewal, and engagement. When joy, gratitude, and collective celebration are woven into daily routines, library teams feel energized, connected, and committed to their work. This session invites staff to co-create a workplace culture that uplifts and sustains. (Class 4)

OUTCOMES:

• Combat Burnout: Increased productivity through stronger focus and reduced burnout.Learn tools to manage emotional demands and stay energized.
• Support Everyone: Gain inclusive wellness strategies for diverse staff needs. Alignment with accessibility and community-building priorities.
• Find Balance: Reduce digital overload and reconnect with purpose. Greater staff satisfaction and retention.
• Work with Joy: Build a positive, connected team that delivers great service. Stronger service outcomes through emotionally and culturally equipped staff.

BENEFITS FOR LIBRARY AND STAFF MEMBERS:

• Practical tools to manage digital fatigue, emotional load, and crisis recovery.
• A deeper sense of inclusion, belonging, and connection with colleagues and patrons.
• Opportunities to co-create a joyful and meaningful workplace.

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Session 1 Theme: Creating a workplace where everyone can thrive

Focus Areas:

• Beyond One-Size-Fits-All: Recognizing diverse wellness needs across race, culture, disability, gender, and neurodiversity
• Universal Design for well-being: from sensory needs to religious observances
• Strategies to create psychological safety and identity-affirming environments

Why It Matters:

• Inclusive wellness practices reduce chronic stress, increase belonging, and allow every staff member to fully contribute.

Deliverable:

• Inclusion in Action Toolkit – Equity-minded wellness checklists, conversation starters, and design prompts for inclusive spaces

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Maryland State Library Agency.