Bibliotherapy in Libraries

Community trauma can present itself in many ways, such as natural disasters, pandemics, and violent protests. Research has shown that ignoring the effects of trauma on children and youth can negatively impact their development. This paper aims to demonstrate how bibliotherapy practices can be used by public librarians in the library setting to help children and youth cope with community trauma and increase their self-esteem. A review of the literature on bibliotherapy practices used by librarians, mostly in library settings, was conducted. An analysis of the literature shows that strategies such as keeping bibliotherapy groups small and including culturally relevant materials are most beneficial. Public librarians should consider incorporating developmental bibliotherapy practices in the services they provide to children and youth.