The Playful Library: Building Environments for Learning and Creativity

This book demonstrates the ways in which cultivating a sense of play in library work fosters flexibility, creativity, innovation, teamwork, and increased patron and community engagement.

Play is a state of mind, and a means to have fun, explore wild ideas, and get lost in “the flow.” Not only does play make library work more enjoyable and less stressful, it can also help us do our jobs better—while making the library a much more engaging and delightful presence in the community at large. Regardless of your age, background, or comfort level, you can use a playful mindset to jumpstart your organization’s initiatives, programs, and services. As you follow this book’s roadmap, you will

• be introduced to the fundamentals of play, come to see why it remains so important even for adults, and get advice on overcoming some of the common obstacles that organizations face in incorporating play;
• explore your own personal relationships with play, using reflection prompts in each chapter;
• learn about dozens of examples of the many unexpected spaces where play can be found, encompassing public libraries, academic libraries, museums, and other settings;
• understand how playfulness can be harnessed to improve learning, teaching, engagement, and assessment in a variety of different contexts;
• read about the ins and outs of games in libraries, with profiles of several successful programs and game collections that will serve as inspirations for your own library or organization;
• find out why low-risk, high-impact making activities and makerspaces can be powerful initiatives for libraries to expand their reach;
• learn how libraries can work together with their constituents to build healthier and more welcoming communities, using play to reflect culture and history while honoring diversity; and
• gain an appreciation for the power of “playing at work” to feel relaxed, keep flexible, and joyfully collaborate with your colleagues.

Published: Fall 2024

Imprint: ALA Editions

Pages: 2024