New book filled with tips for creating joy in libraries

CHICAGO — Feeling burned out, dispirited, or just plain blah? Then it’s time to plant some joy! Library joy is more than a feeling; it is a choice and call to everyday practices of connection, empowerment, and well-being. And it isn’t a heavy lift—in fact, it can all start with a few tiny seeds. “101 Seeds for Library Joy,” published by ALA Editions, brims with dozens of joy-centering approaches and activities. Rebecca Hass offers fun and inventive ideas ready to draw on whenever your day could use a boost. The book also makes a perfect gift and is sure to bring smiles to your fellow library workers, trusted volunteers, board members, and all the book lovers in your life.

Hass (she/her/hers) is the programming and outreach manager for Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL). Prior to AACPL, she served in librarianship and management with the Enoch Pratt Free Library and Ramsey County Public Library. Rebecca integrates positive psychology practices with diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging approaches in libraries, community engagement, coaching, and consulting in her business, Joy Work, LLC.

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