Self-Care for Library Workers

Working in a library can be both rewarding and demanding, often taking a toll on our well-being. Library workers are constantly pulled in many different directions while managing the demands of public service, handling side jobs to make ends meet, and trying to figure out how to care for ourselves without feeling guilty.

This uniquely designed self-paced course explores practical ways to integrate self-care into our lives without guilt or the pressure to always be the superhero. We’ll take an honest look at the emotional toll of library work and highlight the importance of making time for our own self-care.

Join this course to discover strategies for building resilience, techniques for supporting your own well-being, and ideas to foster a culture of self-care. Now is the time to prioritize yourself. This is the start of your self-care journey. Go at your own pace, explore what speaks to you, and build social connections along the way.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify common stressors and challenges unique to library staff.
  • Recognize the importance of self-compassion and self-support.
  • Explore practical strategies for managing emotional overload and preventing burnout.
  • Learn methods to promote personal well-being.
  • Understand how to foster a culture of self-care within library environments.

About the Instructor

Kimberli S. Buckley has over fifteen years of experience in the library field working with teens and adults. She is currently the library manager at Concord Library in Contra Costa County, California. Kimberli has a passion for teaching classes on life skills for emerging adults. She teaches at San Jose State University’s School of Information and also teaches an online class called Growing Up Is Hard. She loves to be creative when it comes to library programming, and she has been known to tap into her inner unicorn to bring all her ideas to life. Kimberli has an MLIS degree from San Jose State University and an MA in consciousness studies from John F. Kennedy University.

If you have questions or requests regarding accessibility, contact us at ce@ala.org or at 312-280-5100.