Centering Joy in Academic Libraries

Posted on April 8, 2025 in Blog Posts

Higher education is under scrutiny, with some government entities questioning its value. This type of skepticism has brought with it stress to students, faculty, and staff. In the midst of this pressure, centering joy can serve as an act of resistance and renewal. By intentionally fostering moments of joy, we can create spaces that nurture well-being, curiosity, and meaningful connection. Justin Fuhr encourages librarians to identify and intentionally nurture the parts of their work that bring them joy and purpose. Doing so ultimately reminds us to consider the impact—”the dent,” as Fuhr calls it—we make in the world through our work and to use both reflection and assessment to stay connected to that purpose.

Library workers can redefine their spaces, not just as sites of information retrieval, but as hubs of joy, affirmation, and belonging. This shift is not just a necessary adaptation; it is a reclamation of the essential role libraries play in fostering and centering joy in the academy. In this blog post, I will explore the concept of joy and share stories of how academic libraries have done this because now is the time to center joy in our spaces.

Joy in Academic Libraries

One of the definitions for “joy” found in the Merriam-Webster dictionary is “a source or cause of delight.” How can academic libraries foster this? For marginalized communities in academia, joy is not a luxury; it is a necessity for survival. We cultivate joy as resistance, healing, and affirmation of our right to belong. Yet, expressing that joy often provokes those who believe we have no place in these spaces. Academic libraries have an opportunity to respond to this reality by intentionally creating spaces where marginalized students feel seen, valued, and included. In doing so, the library can become a place of belonging and joy, showing students that they are welcome and that they matter.

Academic libraries can be both quiet spaces for serious study and spaces that center joy through programming, community-building, and affirmations. Joy is not a passive concept; it must be intentionally cultivated. Whether through Black History Month events that celebrate cultural achievements or by crafting workshops that bring students and faculty together, joy manifests in a myriad of ways.

For library staff, creating these moments of joy fosters community. In an era when book bans and budget cuts threaten our work, prioritizing joy reminds us why we chose this field in the first place. Engaging in activities like student-led book clubs, social gatherings, and professional development rooted in community care allows us to find fulfillment amid the pressures of the academy.

Making It Fun

Library work can be joyful and affirming when staff feel empowered to create, connect, and innovate. Fun can be a meaningful way to sustain our work. Hosting a “Librarians’ Night In” with food and music, participating in friendly challenges like book-themed escape rooms, or even starting a library TikTok can all contribute to cultivating a culture of joy.

One example is the rise of social media engagement within academic libraries. Librarians have used TikTok to showcase collections and interact with students in ways that are engaging and culturally relevant. When library workers bring their full selves to work including their humor, creativity, and cultural knowledge. They make the academic library more dynamic and welcoming.

Below are some ideas that you can think about implementing at your library.

• Dr. Alexia Hudson-Ward spoke about having a flamenco dancer at the library. This centers the joy in movement and introduces people to a cultural experience.
• Introducing therapy dogs, which are helpful for relieving stress among students and staff.
• Showcasing the work of a community artist in the library creates a meaningful opportunity for students and faculty to connect with a local creator. This initiative highlights the many ways we can engage with one another, fostering collaboration, creativity, and a sense of community both inside and outside the campus.

Moving Forward

At a time when academia is being questioned and undervalued by many, academic libraries continue to play a vital role. By centering joy, academic libraries can acknowledge that this is a stressful time for many and show their commitment to helping people thrive rather than simply survive. Libraries can become spaces where students, faculty, and staff feel supported, inspired, and empowered to grow. In this way, they foster a sense of belonging and possibility for everyone who walks through their doors. This work requires intentionality, collaboration, and a commitment to fostering spaces that celebrate diverse experiences. With this aim in mind, I would also recommend reading Joy-Centered Pedagogy In Higher Education (2025), edited by Eileen Kogl Camfield, as a helpful resource for academic library workers.

Library workers, let us embrace the fun, lean into the joy, and remind the world why academic libraries matter. Our work is radical, necessary, and, above all, deeply human.

About the author:

Jamia Williams (she/her) is a health sciences librarian. She is also the co-creator and co-host of the podcast LibVoices and the founder of The Diversity Fellow’s blog.

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Header image is a detail of This is Harlem by Jacob Lawrence. Courtesy of Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. © 2021 The Jacob and Gwendolyn Knight Lawrence Foundation, Seattle / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. For more information, click here.

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