Wellness Strategies: Dealing with Anxiety and Incivility During a Time of Uncertainty
ALA ThinkTank: Presented by the American Library Association and San José State University School of Information
Wellness Strategies: Dealing with Anxiety and Incivility During a Time of Uncertainty
The ALA ThinkTank: Wellness Strategies: Dealing with Anxiety and Incivility During a Time of Uncertainty is a crucial virtual event presented by the American Library Association (ALA) and the San José State University School of Information (SJSU SOI), designed to provide a space to meet and identify practical tools for managing stress, anxiety, and workplace incivility while building resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges. Librarians and library staff are under significant strain, facing heightened levels of stress, burnout, and even direct attacks on themselves. From increasing workplace incivility to navigating the complexities of controversial issues, the emotional toll on library workers has never been more pronounced.
Through keynote addresses and case studies, attendees will explore solutions and strategies to help cultivate calm, encourage peace, and foster serenity amidst stressful and uncertain situations. The event will focus on how libraries can prioritize staff wellness, offering actionable strategies for self-care and emotional well-being that enhance professional effectiveness. Panelists from leading libraries will share examples of wellness initiatives that are addressing the well-being of library workers.
The ThinkTank emphasizes that wellness is not simply a luxury but an essential leadership strategy, enabling library professionals to thrive in their roles and continue their important work. By addressing the unique challenges faced by library workers, this event aims to equip attendees with tools to support the mental and emotional health of their teams, creating a more sustainable, supportive, and healthy workplace culture. Join us for this vital conversation to learn how libraries can create environments where their staff can thrive despite the increasing demands and pressures of our world.
Agenda
10 a.m. – Welcome
- Dr. Anthony Chow, Director, San Jose Staté University School of Information
- Loida Garcia-Febo (LGF), Health and Wellness Ambassador, SJSU School of Information
10:10 - 11:00a.m. Keynote Panel moderated by LGF
- Chris Brown, Director Chicago Public Library
- Anita Cellucci, Library Teacher, AASL Emerging Leader Member Guide 2025
- Robin Kear, Liaison Librarian and President of the University Senate at the University of Pittsburgh
- Michael Threets, Librarian/Information Ambassador
11:00am Breakout rooms
- Dialogue with attendees about wellness needs of library workers, needs of communities served by libraries, best practices and recommendations.
11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Examples from the Field, Tools and Strategies
- Billy Treece, Director of Finance & Human Resources, Oak Park Public Library, Illinois
- Beckett (Bec) Czarnecki (they/them), EDI Policy & Advocacy Manager, Denver Public Library: Central Library, Colorado
- David Perez, MSW, BBA, Bilingual Social Work & Diversity Services Manager, Long Branch Free Public Library, New Jersey
12:45 p.m. Closing Session
- Loida Garcia-Febo, Health and Wellness Ambassador, SJSU School of Information - Compilation of best practices and recommendations from the event’s speakers and libraries.
- Dr. Anthony Chow, Director, San Jose Staté University School of Information
1:00 p.m. End of event
If you have questions or requests regarding accessibility, contact us at ce@ala.org or at 312-280-5100.
This event will be hosted in Zoom. Automatic captions will be enabled for this event. This event, except for the breakout rooms, will be recorded, and registrants will receive access to the recording within 3-5 business days after the event ends.
Please note that this event has no connection to the Library ThinkTank Facebook group or any other social media group. This is an independent event planned through a partnership between ALA and the San Jose State University iSchool, and the content and speakers have no connection to any other group with a similar name.