Building Joy in Libraries: Small Practices, Big Impact
With all the chaos, uncertainty, and existential dread many of us are facing, it was a refreshing break to attend PLA 2026 and experience a sense of library joy. As my first PLA conference, it brought me happiness in many ways–from connecting with librarians across the country, to gaining inspiration from keynote speakers, to discovering practical ideas in sessions.
One of my favorite sessions was Building Joy-Centric Libraries: An Experiential Approach, led by Rebecca Hass from Anne Arundel (MD) County Public Library. The session explored both the “how” and the “why” of cultivating joy in libraries and even encouraged moments of joy during the presentation. Participants were invited to connect with others in the room through prompts such as “What did you want to be when you grew up?” and “Who inspires your joy at work?”
Hass discussed the difference between passive joy (appreciating things as they are) and active joy (sharing feelings with others and engaging with the environment). Both, she noted, are essential. She also emphasized that the principles of positive psychology are not the same as toxic positivity. Instead, she introduced the idea of “seeds of joy,” small, intentional practices that build resilience and increase overall well-being.
These seeds of joy take time and attention, but they can have a meaningful impact. Sharing small wins, setting aside time for reflection, or even incorporating a brief “joy check-in” at the beginning of a meeting can help build a culture of positivity. A simple starting point is creating a gratitude list (i.e., ten things, people, or experiences that bring a smile).
Importantly, library joy is not effortless. It requires time, energy, and resources. However, it plays a key role in staff retention and morale, encourages innovation, helps prevent burnout, and strengthens connections with the community. Intentional practices can make a difference.
The sense of joy and inspiration from this session carried throughout the conference. I connected with librarians from New Hampshire, Florida, California, and Minnesota, each bringing different experiences, ideas, and perspectives. While our communities may look different, those shared insights can be adapted and shaped to fit local needs.
Library joy is uplifting, but it is also work. As opening speaker Bryan Stevenson noted, “You can’t understand most of the important things from a distance. You have to get close.” The closeness we have with our patrons, colleagues, and communities allows us to serve one another more effectively and to create genuine joy in our work.
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