A new chapter for mental health

Leveraging libraries for community well-being

Each morning on my drive to drop my oldest daughter at school, we go by our local public library. It’s nestled in the heart of downtown, with a beautiful book themed water feature out front. Like many public libraries, it has massive glass windows allowing you a peek at all the stacks of books inside. I grew up going to this library, know it well, and have fond memories of checking out books that I still remember to this day.

While the library was a destination for me as a young reader, it’s now a destination for many in my community looking for shelter from the elements or assistance with complex social and health related issues. We usually drive by the library a few minutes before it opens, and I always see a line of people waiting outside for the doors to open. After seeing this scene several times, I put two and two together and realized that these were not overzealous readers wanting to get in for the latest book release; no, these were individuals, mostly unhoused, waiting to come inside. Sadly, scenes like this are all too common throughout the country as libraries have evolved to be a front door for those in our community looking for respite or help.

There are approximately 120,000 libraries in the United States. Of these about 9,000 are public libraries and somewhere around 105,000 are in schools. These places of knowledge, nestled within communities large and small, urban and rural, serve as a backbone for education, enlightenment, and empowerment. Yet, beyond their conventional roles as guardians of literature and providers of internet access, public libraries possess an even greater potential — the power to transform lives by becoming another frontline worker in the battle for mental health.

In the United States, public libraries have started prioritizing patrons' mental health and well-being, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. While some libraries offer mental health resources and training for their staff, few provide direct services, and research on the acceptability and efficacy of these services in libraries, particularly for adolescents, is still up and coming. The rise of public libraries as mental health resources raises questions about resource trustworthiness, the role of library workers, and integrating mental health initiatives into library settings. Said differently, it’s an amazingly novel platform for meeting people where they are at for those who are willing and able to embrace it but we still have some work to do.

One group of researchers looked at the prevalence of alcohol and drug use within public libraries and the response to on-site substance use in five states. The study revealed that a significant proportion of public libraries reported occurrences of drug or alcohol use on their premises, with 45 percent reporting such incidents in the past month, and 12 percent reporting on-site drug overdoses in the previous year. Sadly, the uptake of naloxone, a life-saving medication for opioid overdoses, was relatively low among these libraries.

This study also highlighted the interest among librarians in receiving additional training to address substance use issues, suggesting a recognition of the potential for libraries to assist individuals struggling with addiction. The findings emphasize the need for greater collaboration between public libraries and local public health practitioners to address substance use and addiction effectively, including increasing naloxone distribution and developing policies to support individuals using drugs within library facilities.

It feels like there’s a lot we could be doing to leverage our libraries and what they do for mental health.

Bring more care onsite: Already you can find libraries where they have legal services and mental health services onsite. As I have written about extensively, bringing care to where people are should be the standard of care, especially for mental health. Bringing mental health and addiction services onsite at libraries is not just a convenience; it's another example of revolutionizing accessible care. For too long, stigma and other logistical barriers have kept those in need from seeking help. Libraries, with their tranquil atmospheres and trusted community presence, can break down the walls that separate those who suffer and the support they desperately require.

Become a go to community resource hub for mental health and addiction: Libraries can also establish dedicated sections or resource centers with a comprehensive collection of materials related to mental health and addiction. This collection should be easy to access, including books, brochures, online resources, and information about local mental health services, support groups, and treatment facilities. This is one way to help ensure that individuals seeking help or information can easily find the valuable resources within the library.

Equip library staff with skills and tools: While I am sensitive to asking our librarians to do more - it does feel like this is a moment where equipping our frontline workforce, in this case, librarians, with tools to help could be transformative for many in the community looking for help. Libraries can provide training to their staff on recognizing the signs of mental health issues and addiction, as well as how to respond to individuals in crisis, especially those who may be overdosing on site. Give them the tools and watch them go!

Partner with local health and social services: Libraries can work with other organizations to host informational sessions, workshops, or support groups within the library. They can also invite mental health professionals and counselors to hold office hours or provide consultations on-site. These partnerships ensure that individuals in need receive the necessary care and assistance they need for that moment.

In a world where public libraries have evolved into sanctuaries for many in our communities, providing shelter from the elements and assistance with complex social and health-related issues, it's time to realize the untapped potential these libraries hold to become a frontline force in the battle for mental health. Whether it be offering onsite care, access to resources, and equipping their dedicated staff, libraries can be a really unique place to transform lives.