WEMTA 2025 - Ignite and Inspire: Impacting Learning Together

Many of us believe our libraries are “safe” or perhaps “brave” spaces. But how do we make these spaces safe? Who feels safest? Are ground rules at odds with free speech? What happens when someone causes harm with their words or actions? Do safe spaces even exist?

Sarah Beth shares her research on brave spaces along with lessons learned from open mic shows and storytelling workshops. We will plan strategies for creating and holding brave library spaces such as: including participants in creating rules of engagement, setting participant expectations around being brave, articulating consequences of transgression, and following through on consequences. There isn’t one “right” way to create a brave space so workshop participants will use this time to consider which brave space practices will work best with their libraries.