The MLD/PLDA Diversity Committee, in partnership with the Stony Brook School of Social Welfare Practicum Department Presents:
Creating and Sustaining Psychological Safety in Public Libraries
Oct 28, 2026, 10:00 to 11 AM Online via Zoom
Program Description:
Psychological safety in the workplace is foundational for any workplace and is particularly important for public libraries, where library staff navigate complex issues and experience burnout and compassion fatigue. Psychological safety fosters empowerment for staff and creates an environment of inclusion and teamwork.
The program will answer the following questions:
What is psychological safety?
What factors are needed to create & sustain psychological safety?
Why is psychological safety important in public libraries?
How can libraries create psychological safety?
About the Presenter:
Dr. Leah Topek-Walker has been a social worker for 20 years. Leah began working in a community-based mental health clinic, and was privileged to work with individuals living with HIV/ AIDS, those involved in the carceral and immigration systems, and people experiencing economic and social marginalization. She currently serves as a Clinical Associate Professor in the Stony Brook School of Social Welfare Practicum Department and supervises the library social work program. This program is committed to providing micro and mezzo interventions to address equity and access to care and to concurrently providing social work students with dynamic learning opportunities. It is the largest library internship program in the United States and reaches vulnerable communities across Long Island while offering internships to over 20 social students each year. Leah is dedicated to working on issues of liberation and social justice and creating systemic change to empower communities.
Audience:
Library directors, assistant directors, and department managers.
Click the link to register in advance for this program:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/NensTJcBS-qdnQZqHr5eBQ
After you register, you will receive a confirmation email with information on how to join the Zoom.