What Makes a Library, and How Does It Feel?
As someone who started a library in Kenya without formal training as a librarian, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to attend the PLA 2026 Conference through a scholarship from the Public Library Association. The conference offered a wide range of sessions relevant to library professionals across the globe. More importantly, it gave me practical ideas for building a sustainable community library and inspired me to grow what began as a small idea into a nonprofit with the potential for broader impact.
Choosing which sessions to attend was no easy task. As a first-time attendee, I wanted to start with something grounded in positivity, so I chose Building Joy-Centric Libraries: An Experiential Approach, presented by Rebecca Hass. With a background in education, I have often created joy-centered spaces both inside and outside the classroom, but this session still felt impossible to pass up. Unsurprisingly, it became the one I referenced most in conversations throughout the conference.
Starting a library in Kenya has led me to a fundamental question: What makes a library? Where does your mind go when you think of one? While librarians may envision dynamic, community-centered spaces, many in Kenya associate libraries with quiet rooms and bookshelves. While that brings joy to some, we know one size does not fit all. During my first visits to Majimoto Primary School, I facilitated workshops that invited laughter through storytelling and created excitement through a “book flood” activity. Instead of explaining what a library is, I needed to show how a library feels. That is exactly what Rebecca accomplished in her session. She made us feel joy.
Led by Rebecca Hass, author of 101 Seeds for Library Joy and founder of Joy Work, LLC, the workshop encouraged me to simplify how I connect with the Kenyan community. I especially appreciated the interactive nature of the session, which made the ideas feel immediately applicable. As someone who coaches speakers in TEDx, I value experiences that offer practical takeaways I can implement right away. Even simple practices, such as writing a daily gratitude list, can meaningfully shift how we approach challenges.
One of my biggest challenges in building a library abroad is understanding whether that sense of joy continues in my absence. In a rural setting with limited connectivity and cultural differences, how can I measure something so intangible without placing pressure on the community? Rebecca offered a simple but powerful question: “What are your small wins?”
After the conference, I asked Mr. Martin, chairman of Majimoto Primary School, this very question. His response was immediate: the children are checking out books every day.
This is not just a small win, but a significant one, especially considering how many libraries risk becoming underused or reduced to short-term solutions. What surprised me most was how much joy I experienced from asking such a simple question. From approximately 7,350 miles away, I was able to make a meaningful connection and celebrate their work.
Tags: pla2026scholarship
