The Kind Librarian: Cultivating a Culture of Kindness and Wellbeing in Libraries

In this work on kindness and well-being in libraries, former library administrator Rimmer (founder, The Kind Brave Leader; The Kindness Journey) considers the framework, implementation, and benefits of integrating kindness into the daily organizational fiber of workplace cultures. The text highlights the theoretical, practical, and administrative aspects associated with well-being, concluding with a vision of reimagined library landscapes. Throughout, Rimmer emphasizes how the transformative power of kindness is a positive, productive, and human-centered journey of empathy and support. Rimmer supports her argument by incorporating over 30 case studies to substantiate the reviewed principles and impact. The work includes numerous opportunities to engage with the text, such as activities, individual and team exercises, checklists, and reflection prompts. The insertion of so many enrichment tools occasionally makes the work feel choppy, even though it does encourage reader engagement. Considering the stressful situations that librarians often confront, this critical book will benefit many and should have a place on library shelves.