Beth Wahler Consulting

09/02/2026

There are only four weeks left to register for the second annual Library Social Work Conference, or until registration is full (spots are limited and filling fast)! The conference will have opportunities to network and connect with peers in similar roles around the country, the planned agenda includes presentations and interactive discussions on the following topics:
-Setting compassionate boundaries
-Applying a social work lens to library safety and security
-Models of library social work
-Self-care and sustainability in the role
-Group programming ideas
-Effective partnerships
And more!

Register to join us in Kansas City at https://www.librarysocialworkconference.com/

*Because of limited space, please note that this conference is only open to people employed in library social work or similar social service roles.

08/11/2026

I'm excited to be hosting a free webinar through Niche Academy on October 14th at 2pm Eastern called "Creating a Person-Centered Library: Supporting High-Needs Patrons While Caring For Staff." I’ll be sharing an overview of best practices for how libraries can support both high-needs patrons and simultaneously support their staff.

Can't make it live? Register anyway to receive the recording.

Register here: https://www.nicheacademy.com/webinar-creating-a-person-centered-library-supporting-high-needs-patrons-while-caring-for-staff

07/10/2026

I'm excited to share that I've added two new tutorials to the Niche Academy marketplace, available for subscribing libraries! In my work with libraries across the world, I've heard the same themes come up repeatedly- how to manage chronic stress, navigate emotionally demanding situations, and find practical ways to stay grounded during difficult interactions. I wanted to create resources that address those needs and include practical strategies that staff can use right away.

These tutorials join the other 8 existing trainings on topics such as boundaries, preventing/reducing escalation, self and collective care, and trauma-informed library practices already available in the Niche Academy Marketplace. If your group subscribes to my library of Niche Academy tutorials, these trainings are already available to your staff. If you don't already subscribe but are interested in purchasing access for your group, please send me a message! Pricing is based on size of your group/library and the number of tutorials purchased.

I'm also working on additional tutorials that will be released later this year. If there's a topic you'd like to see covered in the future, I'd love to hear your suggestions!

06/26/2026

For any library social workers, this is just a reminder that the 2nd Annual Library Social Work Conference early bird registration deadline is coming in a few weeks (July 15th)! The conference will be held November 5-6 in Kansas City, MO. We're looking forward to two full days of networking, learning, and collaboratively working to shape the future of library social work. Space is limited, so the conference is only open to individuals currently working as social workers (or similar social service-related roles) in libraries. Go to librarysocialworkconference.com to register. I hope to see many of you there!

06/01/2026

Fall registration is now open for Library Journal's Frontline Safety Training.

If you missed the first session, now is your chance! This on-demand course for library workers focuses on trauma-informed practices for engaging with safety concerns, methods for recognizing and responding to escalating behavior, and strategies for protecting your own well-being through boundaries and self-care.

I developed Module 4: Boundaries & Self Care, which focuses specifically on strategies you can use to protect and care for your own wellbeing in and after crisis situations.

On-demand materials available starting October 22 and registration is open now (link in bio).

05/30/2026

Looking forward to facilitating this training Tuesday!

Join Dr. Beth Wahler at Glenview Public Library for a 3-hour interactive workshop that gives library staff the tools to manage stress, set boundaries, and navigate challenging interactions with confidence.

You’ll walk away with tools to reduce stress and support sustainable, day-to-day resilience.

Real-World Resilience
️🗓️ Tuesday, June 2
🕤 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
👉 librarylearning.org/event/2026-06-02/real-world-resilience-tools-navigating-stress-conflict-and-emotional-labor-library

05/20/2026

Don’t forget that registration is open for the 2nd Annual Library Social Work Conference, taking place November 5–6 in Kansas City, MO! Early bird registration is open through July 15, with the final registration deadline of September 30.

This year’s conference will bring together library social workers and library-based social services professionals from across North America for two full days of connection, learning, and collaboration. Whether you’re developing a new program or advancing an established model, this will be a space to share ideas, explore best practices, and build your professional network.

More information, the registration link, and the call for proposals can be found at https://www.librarysocialworkconference.com/

If you're a library social worker (or similar library-based social services position), we hope to see you there!

05/14/2026

I'm excited to be part of Library Journal’s course Why Your Best People Leave (And How to Make Them Stay)! This course helps managers spot the patterns that quietly push good people out, so they can address burnout, workload, and trust before retention problems turn into resignations.

I developed Module 1: Burnout and Trust-Building: How to Encourage Retention, which takes a deep dive into burnout, focusing on proactive approaches to stop it before it starts.

Registration is open now (link in bio)!

05/08/2026

I'm a little over halfway through my trip in Australia and it's been wonderful! I've gotten to work with groups in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland focused on trauma-informed library management strategies and skills, ways to reduce staff stress and trauma, strategies for managing difficult situations while preventing escalation, and skills to help staff care for themselves and one another in this work. I've also gotten to take walks along the beach, eat at some delicious restaurants, see some fabulous wildlife, and chat with some of the locals. I feel so grateful for the job I have and the fantastic people I get to meet in this work!

Thank you to CAVAL, State Library Victoria, Public Libraries Victoria, Queensland Public Libraries Association, Townsville City Council Libraries, and the Australian Library and Information Association for hosting me! After being in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Townsville, I'm at the airport heading to Sydney/Parramatta for the last leg of my trip and the national ALIA conference.

05/06/2026

The Planning Committee invites proposals for the 2026 Library Social Work Conference now through May 31, 2026.

We’re looking for sessions presented by current library social workers that highlight innovative practices, lessons learned, and emerging ideas across a range of topics—from community partnerships and group programming to library staff support, wellness practices, sustainability, and more.

Presentations from current library social workers are highly encouraged and will be prioritized.

More information, the registration link, and the call for proposals can be found at https://www.librarysocialworkconference.com/