For my staff newsletter this week I tried something different. In addition to the usual updates about system-wide projects and County Commission items, I included a short piece on kindness. The feedback was strong, so I thought it would be worthwhile to share it here.

In this day and age, it seems like our society is more politically divided than ever. Thankfully, libraries remain one of the few non-partisan institutions supported across our communities. I believe part of that reason is that we are an organization built on kindness. This kindness is expressed by our willingness to help anyone who walks in our doors and by providing our residents with books and other items for their educational and entertainment needs. While we demonstrate kindness every day to our members, it is equally important to share this kindness with our colleagues. Kindness is free to give and its benefits outlast the moment in which it happens.

Yet, as we move through our day, kindness can seem elusive. When things go wrong, it is easy to point fingers and criticize others. In times when our emotions are raw, the temptation to say or write hurtful things can be tempting. In those times it is important to press pause and take a breath. If we remember that our colleagues are human and trying their best, our response can be more measured. At that point we can offer a helping hand and an encouraging word instead. Our strength comes from the bonds of teamwork and trust. Kindness is the glue that holds all this together.

So I invite you to spend a few moments writing a kudos to your colleagues. Thank them for their hard work and support. You may even want to nominate someone or a team for an ERA to recognize their outstanding work. Small moments of kindness create peak experiences that truly make someone’s day.

To that end, I thank you all for the work you do every day to connect communities, inspire thought, and enrich lives. Your combined efforts help make our library system the best place to work.