Beth Wahler Consulting

10/01/2026

My favorite souvenir from the Australian Library and Information Association conference earlier this year- this shirt! Although it's cut off in the photo, the bottom says "Brought to you by public libraries."

Libraries have long stood for access to information, ideas, and stories, and for the freedom of people to decide for themselves what they want to read and explore. These days, that commitment is increasingly putting libraries and library workers in the line of fire as they navigate challenges to books, collections, programs, and the very idea of intellectual freedom.

Protecting the freedom to read isn’t always easy or comfortable. But creating space for curiosity, discovery, learning, and perspectives beyond our own is fundamental to what public libraries do. I’m grateful for the library workers who continue to uphold this commitment every day, even when doing so is difficult.

09/29/2026

Are you feeling the strain of serving patrons with complex needs? Is your library seeing increased behavioral problems or mental health concerns?

Join me on October 14th at 2pm Eastern for a webinar I’m hosting with Niche Academy 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.

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

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

09/23/2026

I love visiting local libraries when I travel. Libraries tell you something about that community, not just through their collections, but also through their buildings, spaces, history, and sometimes the completely unexpected things you find inside. Case in point- the Provincetown Public Library (MA), where there’s a half-scale model of a schooner inside the library! Definitely not something you see every day.

It got me wondering…what’s the most unusual, surprising, or memorable thing you’ve ever seen inside a library? I’d love to hear about it, and maybe add a few more libraries to my future travel list!

09/21/2026

I'm excited to be a keynote speaker at the upcoming SpringyCamp for Public Libraries, hosted by Springshare, on October 1st at 12pm ET.

Public libraries are increasingly serving as trusted community anchors, responding to a growing range of patron needs and behaviors while supporting staff in an increasingly complex service environment. During my presentation, Building Resilient Libraries: Responding to Changing Patron Needs through People, Programs, and Partnerships, I’ll share evidence-based strategies for effectively improving outcomes for patrons while fostering healthier, more resilient library workplaces.

SpringyCamp is virtual and registration is free! Register https://springycamp.springshare.com/register

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