A Librarian in Sweden

I have lived in Stockholm, Sweden for more than 6 months and my librarian brain is always on when I visit libraries, public spaces and schools. You know you're a librarian when you catch yourself saying “That would be a great service/program that our library should implement!”. Since I am currently not working at a library, I thought I would share with you all my observations of Swedish life and how librarians can take some of these ideas and develop them in their own public library.

Libraries in Malls

When you visit a mall in Stockholm, it is likely that you will find drug stores, grocery stores and libraries in these shopping centers. Libraries must go where the people go! We have seen some libraries in the United States create small branches in shopping centers and park districts, but the libraries in Sweden are full-blown libraries with programs, services and a great selection of materials. It is very convenient for families to go to the mall to pick up their holds, go grocery shopping and buy school clothes for their children. Next time your library is opening a branch, consider busy shopping centers as an option. 

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Preschool Visits Before Opening Hours

Typical open hours in Stockholm libraries are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. If we look at regular preschool schedules, children arrive as early as 7 or 8 a.m. Librarians invite preschools to come visit their space and storytime during closed hours so kids can be more comfortable since there are no patrons during that time. The library doesn’t need to have check-out staff in the building since preschoolers don’t need to check out materials. This is a great service to offer preschools in the area, especially those that are within walking distance. 

Open Preschool

Swedish parents stay home with their children for a full year before they qualify for childcare. Parents have the option of attending Open Preschool (öppna förskola). Children (0-5 years old) and their parents can attend these centers where an activity, such as storytime or singing time is offered. The center typically opens 2 to 3 hours a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Along with the storytime, children can play while parents are encouraged to mingle and meet other parents. There is typically an area for eating where kids can have a snack and and parents can have fika (a break from activity during which people drink coffee, eat cakes or other light snacks, and relax with others). The center also has books and toys for kids! Offering designated spaces and programs for parents to connect is something libraries are already doing. Instead of cutting storytime short, you can extend it with playtime. This can even be before the program has started. Libraries can offer this extended program a couple of times a week for parents in order to gain consistent attendance. 

Outdoor Programs

Preschool children in Sweden spend 1.5 hours or more outside every day, even in bad weather. It is typical to hear Swedes say that “there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes”. There are many benefits for being outside, such as improvement on our physical and mental health. Hosting library programs outside will not only help kids get outside more, but the library is able to use spaces outside of their 4 walls. This will foster creativity in programmers and will encourage them to think outside of the box as far as library programs. Hosting outside programs will also help reach patrons that might find the library inaccessible. You can bring programs to apartment developments, parks and even trails. 

My librarian brain will continue to look for program ideas or services in Sweden. I don’t think I can turn that off! Librarians in other countries - what other services/programs have you seen that I should share with everyone? Submit your idea! I am always delighted by how librarians are always willing to share program ideas and services.