By: Hanna White, Public Services Librarian, FVR Libraries
Welcome to March!
Wherever you are, I hope you’re getting the chance to enjoy the first signs of spring this month. I live in the Pacific Northwest, where we were lucky enough to avoid major snow this year, but are likely to keep getting rained on for another few months. Still, I always appreciate seeing the first few flowers pop up and seeing a few rays of sunshine at the end of a closing shift.
Like many public librarians and library workers, I was excited last month to see the online premiere of the PBS documentary The Librarians. This timely film, available to stream through May 9th, tells the story of library staff around the U.S. fighting censorship in their local communities. My local library has been impacted by campaigns opposing intellectual freedom in the last few months, which have had a profound impact on staff morale in an already challenging year.
If you want to get involved in anti-censorship efforts, make sure to check out ALA’s resource kit. In addition to providing tools for reporting book challenges to the Office for Intellectual Freedom, it includes practical tips for dealing with patron interactions, working with the media and local community leaders, and more. You can also apply to host a screening of The Librarians in your own library or school on the film’s website.
While these issues affect everyone, new members of the profession may find themselves particularly impacted as we wonder about the future of our lives and careers in uncertain times. Here are some recommendations you can try if you’re struggling with anxiety or burnout.
- Find out if your workplace has an employee assistance program (EAP). EAPs provide free and confidential assessments, short-term counselling, referrals, and more to employees experiencing work and life-related problems.
- Join a forum on ALA Connect to talk with librarians across the country who are experiencing similar issues and develop coping strategies.
- Apply for NMRT’s mentoring program. Hearing from a seasoned librarian about their experiences in the profession can provide a necessary perspective when facing today’s challenges.
Grants
With ALA Annual approaching in June, March is a good time to start working on an application for the NMRT Annual Conference Professional Development Attendance Award. Applications are due in late April.
Looking for other grant opportunities? ALA has a grant finder tool! Check it out to see if there are any grants available that might help you make a dream come true for you or your local library.
Reminder
Speaking of other awards, here is a reminder that the Student Chapter of the Year Award application closes on March 6th, 2026!
The Award is presented in recognition of a chapter’s outstanding contributions to the American Library Association, their library school, and the profession. All interested applicants must be accredited ALA Student Chapters.
The Student Chapter winner will receive $1,000.00 to help defray travel expenses to ALA Annual; the winning chapter and the runner up will each receive a certificate.
The winners and runner-up will be recognized at the NMRT Student Reception at the 2026 ALA Annual Conference in Chicago, IL.