OK, it is probably very out-dated to refer to ‘quiet’ in the context of a modern library, but in all fairness, it is pretty quiet in there. Volume aside though, the reason I’m talking about the Library is because they are great at wellbeing!
When I use the term ‘wellbeing’ in the context of a university, I’m going to guess that most people think about health counselling and disability services, wellbeing programs and centres (like Oasis) and perhaps the gym (maybe the tav?).
But there’s another space on campus (more correctly multiple campuses) quietly doing outstanding wellbeing work every single day: The Flinders University Library.
At BetterU, we see the Library as one of our key partners. Their core mission may be learning and knowledge, but the way they go about it (and their extra-curricular adventures) all have genuine positive wellbeing impacts.
I had the chance to catch up with Caitlin and Towsif recently, to discuss how BetterU can highlight some of the great things they are doing.
One of the first things we decided on was this post. And then over the course of the year, I’ll endeavour to shine the spotlight on them, anytime they are doing something rad in the wellbeing universe (yes, I said ‘rad’, apologies).
A welcoming space for all
The Library team puts real effort into creating spaces that feel safe, inclusive and inviting. There are displays celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and they’ve created dedicated sensory spaces at Bedford, Sturt and the City Campus to support students who benefit from quieter, lower-stimulation environments.
A standout example of cultural inclusion is the Ngutungka (“place of knowledge”) artwork created in partnership with local Indigenous artist Lawson Dodd. You’ll see this artwork across their branches, on their pins and lanyards, and now on t‑shirts, socks, and notebooks as well – all made in collaboration with Ochre Dawn. You can learn more about the work and the drivers behind it here.
Small, meaningful wellbeing touches
One of the main reasons that I made contact with the Caitlin and Towsif this year (to learn more about what they’re doing) is because in the past the Library has run a bunch of cool things that I didn’t get around to promoting.
Stuff like exam prep support, brain breaks during busy periods, wellbeing dogs (arguably all dogs are wellbeing dogs), leisure reading options and different workshops, seminars, book clubs, the whole deal!
A particular shoutout to their leisure reading collection. Book reading might seem a little quaint in the age of non-stop media barrages. But it remains the case that reading for pleasure is a wellbeing enhancing activity. It is a pleasure that can be lost when the reading we do is either for assignments or doomscrolling.
Follow them. Seriously.
To be clear, that means I really recommend that you follow them, as opposed to following them in a stern manner.
Caitlin let me know that they’ve recently launched an Instagram account and are focused on making a go-to information source about their events and workshops, new resources, study tips and snapshots of the many faces of the Library.
If Instagram is your jam (supposedly it is for 3 billion people), I recommend following them. It’s one of the easier ways to stay connected to what they’re up to.
If you are old and crusty like me, perhaps their blog is more to your liking.
Library as a Wellbeing Intervention
At BetterU, we talk a lot about healthy habits, practices and supports.
But environments matter too.
In fact, just yesterday I was speaking to a student who said the best thing they did for their productivity the previous year, was to leave home each day, find a nice spot in the library and work from 9-5 like a job. The location (library) became a clear cue for separating their work and personal lives. And it made a huge difference to both their output and also their mood.
Now I am biased because my nervous system genuinely enjoys a quiet library, but I think for many people, a library is a positive space for them to be in. And the Flinders Library crew work had to make their spaces welcoming, inclusive, quiet, joyful, and supporting of deep and reflective work.
So please consider how the library might play a role in your life, not just as a place to get information, but as a wellbeing intervention.
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Editor’s note: We’ll be making more effort this year to amplify the Library’s work through BetterU.
And if I am honest, I’ll probably try to escape to the library a few times this year to get some quiet work done, so if you see me loitering, there is a good reason.
