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Libraries as Safe Spaces: A Trauma-Informed Model

  • Writer: Gabriele Carmelo Rosato
    Gabriele Carmelo Rosato
  • Jun 6
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jun 19

On June 13, 2025, I took part in the 25th Workshop organised by “Teca del Mediterraneo”, a renowned annual event hosted by the Regional Council Library of Apulia. This year’s theme, “Libraries and Well-being: New Perspectives with the Health Humanities for Health and Community”, focused on the role of libraries in promoting public health and emotional well-being. I spoke during the afternoon session, presenting a talk titled:

“Trauma-Informed Libraries: Libraries as Safe Spaces.”



Beyond Knowledge Access: Libraries as Spaces of Care

Today, libraries are no longer just repositories of books—they are public spaces of inclusion, encounter, and community care, especially for those navigating marginalisation or trauma. In this context, the concept of the Trauma-Informed Library emerges as a response to the growing awareness that trauma is a widespread experience that can profoundly shape how people interact with public and cultural spaces.


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What does “trauma-informed” mean in a library?

A trauma-informed library:

  • Acknowledges the impact of trauma on memory, attention, behaviour, and emotional regulation;

  • Creates physically and emotionally safe environments, designed to avoid re-traumatisation;

  • Trains staff to recognise signs of distress, respond with empathy, and prevent harm or abuse;

  • Supports the well-being of library workers, reducing burnout and promoting emotional resilience;

  • Selects appropriate bibliographic resources, offering representation, support, and pathways to healing.




Libraries as Cultural and Healing Spaces

My talk will reflect on how public libraries can become spaces of healing, prevention, and care, with a focus on community well-being—starting from early childhood. In a world increasingly affected by long-term trauma, rethinking libraries as safe and culturally sensitive environmentsis more than a service enhancement: it is a social, political, and ethical commitment.


Slides can be downloaded here


 
 
 

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