The play scholar Stuart Brown defines play as a state of mind. He describes it as an absorbing, apparently purposeless, activity that provides enjoyment and the suspension of self-consciousness and time. It is also self-motivating; when we play, we want to keep playing or play again (Brown, 2009)

Play involves critical thinking, evaluation, reflection, and trying something new. It also requires that we know how and when to re-direct and change plans. Play encourages us to think, ask questions, and seek answers. Although play appears to have no purpose or obvious benefits, it does have an impact on how we feel, act, and function (Koeners and Francis 2020).

In June of 2025 I circulated roughly 100 play permits at the American Library Association Annual Conference in Philadelphia, PA. I see these permits as a somewhat metaphorical low-cost high-impact gift. I hope that the individual will wear the button and use the permit as an opportunity to give themselves “permission” to play. If they themselves are someone who regularly engages play I encourage them to give the gift to someone who needs it.

Brown, Stuart., and Christopher. Vaughan. 2009. Play : How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul. East Rutherford: Penguin Publishing Group.

Koeners, Maarten P., and Joseph Francis. “The Physiology of Play: Potential Relevance for Higher Education.” International Journal of Play 9, no. 1 (January 2, 2020): 143–59.