Why Reducing Stress Matters

Whether in the library or in our lives, stress often doesn’t come from one big thing. Instead, it comes from lots of little things happening at once, or the cumulative effect of those little things over time. To reduce stress, we need to identify and address those causes. Programming should be exciting, not exhausting. Time spent at the desk should encourage connection, not avoidance. Healthy, balanced staff create better patron experiences. Well-rested staff bring more creativity and enthusiasm. Sustainable systems keep staff and patrons engaged and appreciative. When we can reduce stress, we improve consistency, and everyone wins.

Focus on what matters most.

The first step in reducing stress is identifying your priorities. If you try to do everything, overwhelm is easy. First, focus on your library’s priorities. Consider your strategic plan, community objectives, or identified goals. Then, think about your personal goals. List where you want to grow, new ideas you want to try, or things working well that you want to continue. Finally, note programs with the greatest impact and protect what’s already working well. From there, identify one or two stretch goals where you can improve or expand. Priorities help reduce stress by simplifying your decision-making. Each year, our Programming Manager meets with each programming focus area to identify goals. Then, we develop strategies for program planning and projects from those priorities and create checkpoints to guide work throughout the year. Clear priorities help staff know where to expend energy. When everything is a priority, nothing truly is.

Communicate early and often.

Clearly communicate identified priorities, what progress looks like, and who is responsible for what. First, set clear expectations. Then, use consistent documentation and transparent timelines. Uncertainty often creates more stress than workload alone. Whether it’s covering two desk hours each day or presenting one program a month, staff should know what you expect. From there, they can plan their workload effectively. Shared calendars, planning timelines, and feedback loops help keep everyone on track. Make time to check in and clarify. A Monday.com task tracker outlines responsibilities, timelines, and deliverables in our program scheduling. The Programming Committee has a deadline to schedule programs, while all staff have deadlines for ordering supplies. Knowing who does what and when means you don’t have to worry about something falling through the cracks.

Match workloads to capacity.

Not every project requires the same effort. Every program carries its own hidden workload. Look at preparation time, communication and collaboration, cleanup, and program evaluation, among other factors. Similarly, the emotional work of programming varies. For some, weekly storytimes are rejuvenating. For others, the energy used requires substantial time to recharge. Stress starts when our workload overwhelms our capacity. Equitable distribution of work isn’t just about the number of service areas or programs. As you match workloads and capacity, ensure your conversations give you a full picture of what’s on someone’s plate before adding more. In my library, programming expectations have several options, with different expectations for full-time and part-time staff. Staff choose those options that best align with their interests and capacity while still supporting building needs. Those who are not in programs support service areas. We find a collaborative balance to ensure workload and capacity remain aligned.

Build recovery and flexibility into your programming calendar.

Whether you schedule programs throughout the year or include intentional programming breaks, build both recovery and flexibility into the calendar. Without space to reset, stress multiplies. First, create intentional seasons. Within those seasons, alternate busy and lighter periods. Then, add a balance of passive programming to support staff-led initiatives. Make sure your schedule also makes time for preparation and reset. If you have a major program initiative, offer a light programming schedule ahead of it to give staff time to prepare. Then, look for opportunities to build flexibility into the programs themselves. Can you offer more kit-based programs during a busy season? Does scheduling the same program across multiple buildings reduce planning stress? In my system, we plan three programming seasons. Each includes one signature event and a mix of other programs. We’re busiest around school breaks, which creates natural slower periods to reset for the next initiative.

Picture Book Tie-In: The Rabbit Listened

As we’re reducing stress, it’s important to support staff based on their unique needs. The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld is a great example of supporting others with exactly what they need. When Taylor’s tower doesn’t work out, each animal offers a solution: talking, yelling, and even making someone else feel sad. No one understands what Taylor really needs to feel better until the rabbit shows up. This title works great in storytime or one-on-one and gently reinforces the ideas of listening, supporting others, and not rushing solutions. The simple but expressive illustrations show what it feels like to be unheard and the power of personalized support. As you think about supporting staff, consider the animal each person needs most.

As you work to reduce stress, remember it isn’t always about doing less. It’s about creating sustainable systems that help staff do their best work. By intentionally balancing workloads, communicating clearly, and focusing on our priorities, we build healthier, happier libraries for both staff and patrons. For more inspiration, check out this post on setting realistic expectations for summer programming. Even outside summer, there are some great tips to keep in mind! Stay tuned next month as we spend more time with family and friends by intentionally curating programs for all ages. What will you do to reduce stress this month?

This post addresses ALSC Core Competency #3: Programming Skills and ALSC Core Competency #6: Administrative and Management Skills. Featured image created by Jaime Eastman, ALSC member.

Jaime Eastman is a senior Public Services Librarian and Early Learning Coordinator at the Harrington Library, one of the Plano (Texas) Public Library locations. Jaime is also working on at least two ambitious cross-stitch projects, dreaming of future travel plans, and reading far too many books. As a child, she wanted to grow up to be an author. Writing for the blog and publishing with Children and Libraries feels like a good start, and she regrets nothing about her adult decision to be a librarian doing storytimes, who didn’t have to grow up too much.

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 Here’s what you will need:

1. Collection receptacle– large box, bin, or other container so donated costumes can be dropped off together. Make sure you put a sign on it to indicate what items should be included. We set it out at least two weeks before the swap to take advantage of people sorting through their Halloween items. It is left out until October 31st.
2. Clothing rack– If possible borrow one from staff or community. It is easy to purchase a foldable one online. These costumes are not heavy so you do not need a heavy duty rack and regular ones are usually not too expensive. Remember, this rack will last for multiple years if stored properly. It will be an initial expense, but not a repeat purchase. Make sure there is enough space around the rack so the costumes can be easily seen and that it is in view of library staff for monitoring.
3. Plastic bins or smaller containers for costume accessories- make it easier to contain various smaller pieces.  
4. Hangers– ask for donations from the community or check in local Buy Nothing Groups. Hangers seem to be a popular give away item. We purchased hangers and request that patrons just take the costumes and leave the hangers so we have them for next year. We box them up with the rack and they are stored until the next swap.
5. Signs to indicate sizes. We tend to group them by age such as, Baby and Toddler, Small: Sizes 4-5 and so on. We made our signs using a Cricut plus the pen to write on them and then laminated them for stability. If you prefer you can purchase pre-made and pre-sized signs. We keep the signs with the rack and hangers and reuse them.

We ask that costumes and their accessories be in good usable condition. Sometimes we will have to dispose of items that are too damaged. Pro tip: always say thank you and do not dispose of anything until the person has left the premises. We usually sort through the costumes as they are donated. It just makes it easier and faster when we set up the swap itself. In my library we encourage, but don’t strictly enforce the swap aspect. In many cases we have families who are donating because they no longer have younger children or other family members to whom they can pass down costumes so they are just happy to see them being used. We do ask that people not take more than they need.

The rack is placed directly across from the Children’s Desk so it can be easily monitored. The rack is assembled and the costumes are hung a day or so before we put them out for the swap. We do ask that adults be the ones to take things off the rack for everyone’s safety. We allow try-ons using the library restrooms. The rack and remaining costumes are left up an extra day or so after Halloween so everyone can take full advantage of the offerings. Whatever is left over is then donated on and the cycle will begin again next year.

(All photos courtesy of Monica Williams)

Today’s guest contributor is Monica Williams. Monica is a Children’s librarian at the Port Jefferson Free Library located in Port Jefferson, NY Long Island. She received both her BA and MA in Art History from SUNY Stony Brook.  She has been working as a librarian for over 17 years. She loves being creative and crafty and sharing those skills with others through her library programming.

Please note that as a guest post, the views expressed here do not represent the official position of ALA or ALSC.

If you are interested in submitting a guest post, please read and fill out our Guest Blogging Interest Form. We would love to hear from you!

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Conference Schedule Highlights

Going through the schedule, it was hard to choose which panels I would attend because every hour there were 2-3 that I wanted to see. Luckily many of the panels will be recorded and slides will be available after the conference. Keeping that in mind, I honed in on topics that varied but would help me on my journey navigating a drop in literacy skills in my community. Some panels I am excited to see are Jessie Hudson’s A Case for Dismantling Dewey to Bring Back the Magic in Elementary Non-fiction and Brooke Gross’s Information Literacy Through Children’s Literature. Both sound like they are speaking to the moment and might have great advice.

Our opening keynote is going to be with Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give, the Nic Blake series, and On the Come Up, among other novels. I have read all of her books, and not to be biased, but On the Come Up is my favorite. I remember getting it from my local bookstore on the day it came out, got home from class, and read it one night. I cried, I laughed, and I was amazed by the lyricism of Thomas’s writing. I am so excited to hear her speak!

Closing Session

Our closing session is with Derek Ivie Reed, Rhode Montijo, Kari Lavelle, and Deborah Marcero, and they will be discussing how to incorporate play into picture books. What a great way to close out a conference with the statement: reading is important, and it is supposed to be fun.

I encourage folks to stay for the closing session because it’s always nice to grab people’s business cards, exchange emails, and laugh together one more time before departing. The ALSC Conference is a place where we come for magic, to laugh, to cry…I’m just kidding. But it is a place that inspires all of us to try different things, validate each other’s experiences, and remember that our work is hard but necessary.

Author’s Note

This post was written pre-conference in September. So hopefully I will have seen you all there!

Olivia McElwain is the Head of Public Services at Reading Public Library in Reading MA. She is currently Co-Chair of the 2026-2027 ALSC Membership Committee. She will be presenting at the ALSC National Conference in Buffalo, NY.

The post ALSC Conference 2026 – Here We Go! appeared first on ALSC Blog.

1. First Name: Max
2. Pronouns: He/Him
3. Professional Role: Librarian in Youth Outreach Services
4. Location: Buffalo and Erie County
5. Newbie or returning attendee: Newbie
6. How did you pick the outfit you’re wearing today: Because it’s October and I love Halloween!
7. Takeaway from today: The ALSC Institute offers opportunities for collaboration. It’s amazing. It’s great to speak to librarians outside of your library, your little bubble. Take the opportunity to attend because it’s just wonderful. You get so many fresh perspectives and ideas.
8. Favorite book recently read: Fruitcake by Rex Ogle. It’s a graphic novel about being a gay teen. I enjoyed seeing an autobiographical account. I’m always on the lookout for queer kids since they are being so targeted and they need representation.
9. Favorite snack to read with books: Cheez-Its.

My goal in this series of “Attendee Highlights” is to interview random ALSC Institute attendees and get their take on conference tips and tricks, including their takeaway from the day. But also, I’m hoping to share other little tid-bits of random answers pertaining to librarianship. My hope is to highlight members who are attending the conference and get their feedback.

(Feature image at top of page is courtesy of guest blogger, Jen Woo.)

Today’s Conference Blogger is Jen Woo (she/her/hers). Jen is the Family Engagement Coordinator at San Francisco Public Library (the unceded Ancestral homeland of the Ramaytush Ohlone peoples). With ten years of youth services librarianship, she is most looking forward to the Bill Morris Seminar, meeting folks, sharing ideas and later – making ideas happen at the Library. As a child, she wanted to be a veterinarian and a fire fighter. Alas, she is neither but does own a cat named Bird and is an avid birdwatcher. You can find her drinking coffee, tea and trying to stay warm and cozy at the Institute.

Please note that as a guest post, the views expressed here do not represent the official position of ALA or ALSC.

If you are interested in submitting a guest post, please read and fill out our Guest Blogging Interest Form. We would love to hear from you!

The post #alsc26 Attendee Highlight: Q&A with Max appeared first on ALSC Blog.

The furry and feathered friends from the PAWS FOR LOVE therapy pet visitation program travel all across Erie County (NY), bringing their special brand of comfort and delight to assisted living facilities, courts, group homes, children’s facilities, and other locations where they are needed. And, these pet volunteers aren’t just of the canine variety. Dedicated pet owners also volunteer their cats and unique pets like a cockatoo, guinea pig, and, DOGGONE IT, even a duck!

Meet Rosebud!

Some blog readers may already be familiar with her from Judy Ehrenstein’s post. Little Rosebud truly was as sweet and beautiful as a budding rose. When I stopped by to say goodbye to her on Saturday, she lay stretched out in an attendee’s lap, fast asleep. Both Rosebud and her human Barcalounger looked to be perfectly at peace! It was a lovely sight to behold!

Violet the Pilot!

Violet was anything but SHRINKING! She was a Labrador Retriever with an outgoing personality and yet a calm demeanor. She made no BONES about planting a faceful of sloppy kisses on me at our first meeting. Her owner shared samples of Violet’s trading cards for both younger and more mature audiences.

I’m very thankful to Rosebud and Violet (and their owners!) for giving me (and many other Institute attendees) a bit of respite during a busy few days. I’m MUTTS about both these girls!

Photos 1 and 3-6 by Laura Schulte-Cooper

Laura Schulte-Cooper (she/her) is senior program officer for communications in the ALSC office. She started her ALA life in 1989 as an administrative assistant in the Office for Research. She loves reading despite the anxiety (visceral terror, really!) and flunking grades spawned by the McCall-Crabbs reading lessons of 1970-71! If she could read one book again for the first time, it would be Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury. Pure magic!

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The wonderful thing about being an ALA member is that there are so many opportunities for professional development, including several amazing conferences. I am very fortunate to have been able to do a grand tour of ALA, PLA, and ALSC Institute this year, so I feel very qualified to say that Institute might be the best option for anyone who works with children and teens. If you are someone who has been wondering if Institute could be right for you, here are a few reasons why you should go!

1. There is not a lot of walking involved! This year’s Institute took place at two different hotels, which were basically across the street from each other. For many sessions, I was able to stay in the same room back-to-back. 
2. The schedule allowed for a break between sessions. At larger conferences, I sometimes feel like I am running from one side of the convention center to the other during a 5-minute break between sessions. However, there was ample time (typically 15-30 minutes) between sessions, making transitioning much easier. There were also scheduled lunch breaks, and we were fed a delicious dinner at the opening reception!
3. The whole conference has a community feel. It was fun seeing the same people over and over in sessions. It allowed us to build stronger connections throughout the weekend and allowed for really easy networking. I cannot think of a time when I was waiting in line or sat down to take a break where I wasn’t greeted by a friendly face who said, “Hello!”
4. Every session applies to your work. Every session that I was in was presented by people who get it. Whether they were a Youth Services Manager or a Children’s or Teen Librarian, the presenters know what it’s like to work with the age ranges that we do in the settings that we do. They all made it very easy to think, “I can do that!”
5. It was fun! Between the book giveaways, entertaining speakers, and free cupcakes, I had a lot of fun. I felt so much joy throughout the conference, and genuinely felt like others did, too! 

Coming home and reflecting on this experience just makes me excited for the next edition of Institute. See you in Chicago in 2028!

Feature image courtesy of blogger.

Annaliese Melvin (she/they) is a children’s librarian at a neighborhood library in Washington, D.C. Originally from Pennsylvania, she moved to the DC-area in 2020 to become a special education teacher after graduating with her bachelor’s from Arcadia University. In 2023, she graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a master’s degree in Library and Information Science and transitioned into the library field. Annaliese currently works to bring more inclusive programming to DC Public Libraries for children of all ages. She is passionate about equity, inclusion, reading, and Philadelphia sports.

The post Reflecting on #alsc26 appeared first on ALSC Blog.

Lesa Cline-Ransome joined in the conversation stating that these books “should make clear what is unclear.”

The stories they tell are not just about the past, but about the connections and echoes around us today, added Candace Fleming (winner of the Sibert in 2021, in addition to three Sibert honors in other years).

At Saturday’s Big Ideas session, we had the enormous pleasure of listening to these three authors, who are each so gifted in making nonfiction topics come to life for children of all ages, as they discussed their research and writing of both past and forthcoming books. Their passion for their subjects was matched by their respect for their young audiences. One of the points that struck me the most was when Candace Fleming asserted that if a nonfiction book is “only about what it appears to be about,” it has failed. What makes it most important, she continued, is the way it connects to the lived experiences of the child who is reading it now. Her emphasis on the need for “connections, hooks, and echoes” to today is not only a criterion for excellence in children’s nonfiction, but it is also a reminder of why we need to be putting these books in the hands of our young patrons and using them in our own programming.

Benefits of Excellent Nonfiction

So what else can children gain from excellent nonfiction?

• Finding out how cool things are that they didn’t even know they were interested in
• Stories that incorporate multiple perspectives and open up the world beyond easy certitudes
• Stories that give children the tools to understand the news more critically
• Learning how good history, science, biography, and all nonfiction depends on choosing and using good sources
• And so much more

Candace Fleming, Marc Aronson, and Lesa Cline-Ransome talked about scooping rhino poop while researching rhinoceros poachers, explorers going into terrifying caves searching for ancient bones, and stories of Ida B. Wells that made me wish she was alive and reporting the news today. They talked about soldiers, teachers, medics, and journalists. They talked about fear, bravery, and humanity. Most importantly, they made us care about all of it.

There is so much excellence in our nonfiction collection, just waiting for our curious kids! Happy 25^th anniversary, Sibert!!

The Conference Blogger for this piece is Catherine Ash (she/her/hers). Catherine is a Youth Services Librarian for the Clinton Macomb Public Library in Clinton Township, Michigan. Catherine couldn’t wait to play at the Strong National Museum of Play and to hear Angie Thomas speak – what a way to begin the conference! Catherine is also looking forward to lots of learning from and connecting with youth services professionals from around the country.  As a child, Catherine wanted to be an archaeologist to uncover stories from the past; while that never happened, she continues to be fascinated by stories and histories of all kinds.

Please note that as a guest post, the views expressed here do not represent the official position of ALA or ALSC.

If you are interested in submitting a guest post, please read and fill out our Guest Blogging Interest Form. We would love to hear from you!

The post Celebrating 25 years of the Sibert Award at #alsc26 appeared first on ALSC Blog.

Here’s her take on 10 rapid fire questions.

1. First Name: Kari
2. Pronouns: She/Her
3. Professional Role: Author
4. Location: Austin, Texas
5. Newbie or returning attendee: I am new this year. This is my first time. I’ve been to ALA but not ALSC, until today.
6. How did you pick the outfit you’re wearing today: I just got this shirt last week and I thought it was fun. I tried to bring my most fun things to wear. And it just felt like me.
7. Tips and tricks for authors at a conference: It’s about making connections with people. I love seeing people at conferences. Some of my favorite people I see repeatedly at conferences.
8. Takeaway from today: Play! Playing is important and we should be asking ourselves – How did I play today?
9. Favorite book recently read: Queer Ducks (and Other Animals): The Natural World of Animal Sexuality by Eliot Schrefer. That was a really fun read, for me … The Edge of Forever. It’s a middle grade book by Meghan Browne. It just came out. It’s about a special friendship,..with the voice of a new character. I just loved every bit of it.
10. Favorite snack to read with books: Chocolate. I don’t eat chocolate every time I read. But yes, my favorite snack is chocolate.

My goal in this series of “Attendee Highlights” is to interview random ALSC Institute attendees and get their take on conference tips and tricks, including their takeaway from the day. But also, I’m hoping to share other little tid-bits of random answers pertaining to librarianship. My hope is to highlight members who are attending the conference and get their feedback.

Thank you for reading this series!

(Feature image at top of page is courtesy of guest blogger, Jen Woo.)

Today’s Conference Blogger is Jen Woo (she/her/hers). Jen is the Family Engagement Coordinator at San Francisco Public Library (the unceded Ancestral homeland of the Ramaytush Ohlone peoples). With ten years of youth services librarianship, she is most looking forward to the Bill Morris Seminar, meeting folks, sharing ideas and later – making ideas happen at the Library. As a child, she wanted to be a veterinarian and a fire fighter. Alas, she is neither but does own a cat named Bird and is an avid birdwatcher. You can find her drinking coffee, tea and trying to stay warm and cozy at the Institute.

Please note that as a guest post, the views expressed here do not represent the official position of ALA or ALSC.

If you are interested in submitting a guest post, please read and fill out our Guest Blogging Interest Form. We would love to hear from you!

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Sarah Polen and her team from ALA/ALSC greeted everyone and everything with huge smiles, often a hug, and the unflappable confidence that all will be fine. They were always right there when you needed them. Many, many thanks from all of us who attended and presented sessions. 

And now to thank the National Institute Planning Task Force, headed by Dave Saia. His team organized all the details, large and small. My non-education session highlights: the Friday night reception at the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library and, of course, the therapy dogs that came each day for us to adore and pet. They did things we didn’t see to make the conference run smoothly for everyone. You did a fabulous job and should take pride in how well the Institute went. And a shout out from me to Sue, who gave me an amazing croissant following my session on Saturday morning. Here they are, wrangled into one space, looking a little weary but very happy.

Today’s conference blogger is Judy Ehrenstein (she/her). Judy is a seasoned children’s librarian with Montgomery County (MD) Public Libraries but this is her very first National Institute. She is looking forward to seeing friends, hearing inspiring talks and sharing some good laughs. Outside of work she is an avid baker, British cozy mystery watcher, and petter of all dogs that come her way. She will likely be found drinking too much coffee and probably eating Dot’s seasoned pretzels.

Please note that as a guest post, the views expressed here do not represent the official position of ALA or ALSC.

If you are interested in submitting a guest post, please read and fill out our Guest Blogging Interest Form. We would love to hear from you!

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Our guest contributor today is Erica Siskind. Erica loves her job at the Oakland Public Library, in Oakland, California, and recently celebrated 30 years as a Children’s Librarian at the Rockridge Branch. Erica is most excited about making time and space for kids to write, illustrate, and perform their own stories – encouraging them to finish projects and share them with others, which she knows is the hard part! She’s looking forward to picking up tips about conducting joyful learning programs through play. Sketching helps her focus – so if you see her with her sketchbook and you want to be included, act natural, but hold still for just a minute.

Please note that as a guest post, the views expressed here do not represent the official position of ALA or ALSC.

If you are interested in submitting a guest post, please read and fill out our Guest Blogging Interest Form. We would love to hear from you!

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