Bridging the Divide: A Panel Discussion on Library Workers Loneliness

Join us for our 5th and final Mental Health & Wellness panel, Bridging the Divide: A Panel Discussion on Library Workers Loneliness, on Wednesday December 18 at 1 PM MT.

Registration is required.

The consequences of loneliness among library workers extend beyond individual well-being to organizational effectiveness. Research has shown that lonely employees are less engaged, less productive, and more likely to leave their jobs. In the context of libraries, where staffing shortages and budget constraints are already significant challenges, addressing loneliness is not just a matter of employee satisfaction but also of organizational sustainability. Recent studies have shed light on the alarming prevalence of loneliness in the workplace, affecting up to 70% of employees globally. Within library settings, this issue poses unique challenges, as staff often grapple with a sense of isolation both professionally and personally.

This panel discussion delves into the root causes and far-reaching consequences of loneliness among library workers. By examining strategies to foster inclusivity and support within library environments, attendees will gain practical insights to cultivate a more connected and resilient workforce.

Additional Panel Sessions

• Breaking the Silence: Exploring Mental Health Challenges Among BIPOC Library Workers – View the archive
• Pride In Practice: LGBTQ+ Library Workers Perspectives on Mental Health – View the archive
• Balancing Act: Navigating Mental Health as Parental Caregivers in the Library Profession – October 16, 2024 at 1 PM MT
• Leading from Within: Cultivating Managerial Self-Care for Resilient Organizations – November 20, 2024 at 1 PM MT

About the panelists

Marie Bayer/she/her is currently the Adult Services Librarian for the Lakewood location of the Jefferson County Public Library. Although, I assist patrons of all ages on a daily basis, my focus is to support library associates with all things related to serving adults in our library: assisting patron in technology and other information needs, planning and facilitating programs for adults of all ages (my passion being older adults). In my roles at CAL, I am co-chair of the CAL Adult Services Interest Group and a member of the Intellectual Freedom Committee.

Claudeth Castellanos is the Spanish Services Librarian at the Loveland Public Library since March, 2017.  She provides a variety of programs including Baby and Bilingual Storytime for children 0-5 years old. She also has the opportunity to do library outreach to meet informational and recreational needs and interests for adults and youth of all ages. When she is not working, she enjoys reading, running, and traveling with her family.

Rachel Hanson (she/her) is the Human Resources Director at Mesa County Libraries in Grand Junction. During her twenty-five years at MCL she has worked in a wide variety of positions and departments. Her passion for effective and healthy communication, organizational culture, and professional development eventually led her to human resources. Regardless of her current title, she will always be a librarian.

Kara Lucas Is an Outreach Librarian at Front Range Community College – Westminster. She realizes the importance of programs and events as a way of facilitating student engagement. She especially enjoys the research and teaching aspects of librarianship. Kara formerly worked in a public library system and has experience serving patrons from different demographics. She also has an advanced degree in philosophy.

Beth Garboczi (she/her), is the Library Customer Service/Circulation Supervisor at Aurora Central Library in Aurora, CO. Before transitioning to Aurora, Beth was a Librarian with Douglas County Libraries for four years (specializing in working with older adults and teaching basic technology to patrons). She has held many part-time and volunteer positions at public libraries both in Colorado and Maryland from the age of twelve. Beth is passionate about Intellectual Freedom, access, and supporting mental health in library staff.

Alejandro Marquez (he/him), is a Science and Engineering Librarian at University of Denver Libraries. He also served in the Peace Corps in El Salvador where he worked as a Municipal Development volunteer. His research interests include library employee mental health and well-being.