Health Happens in Libraries
Health Happens in Libraries is a program that magnifies the role of public libraries as key contributors to community health. By supporting public library staff with resources to respond confidently to patron requests for health information, and tools to form intentional partnerships with local community health experts, Health Happens in Libraries enhances public library capacity to advance health and wellness priorities in the communities they serve. The formal program ended in June 2016, but the resources and materials continue to be available for anyone to use.
Libraries have a long history of meeting public demand for consumer health information. A recent IMLS study showed that an estimated 37 percent of library computer users (28 million people) use library computers and seek assistance from librarians for health and wellness issues, including learning about medical conditions, finding health care providers, and assessing health insurance options. Health Happens in Libraries acknowledges the growing intersection of digital technologies and individual health management, and the opportunities for libraries to provide both physical and digital access to meaningful health education in their communities.
This program was run in partnership with ZeroDivide and was funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Freely available resources include:
- A growing repository of health information resources, including examples of related work undertaken by state and public libraries nationwide.
- Information on upcoming and recorded webinars, where libraries and other community-based health and wellness representatives can share their knowledge and experience.
- Access project news, including profiles of libraries working to address community health needs and announcements regarding new resource or partnership opportunities.
Most Recently Added
CANCELLED: Suicide Prevention for Veterans, Service Members, Families and Communities
Publish Date: Webinar / 12 August 2022
Due to unforeseen circumstances, this webinar has been cancelled. We will update as the presenters look to reschedule for a future date.
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention for Veterans, Service Members, and Their Families
Publish Date: News / 21 June 2022
WebJunction is collaborating with the Veterans Health Administration and Legal Services Corporation to promote free and reliable services, information, and resources on suicide prevention.
Closing Equity Gaps with Community Partnerships: Key Resources from WebJunction
Publish Date: News / 17 May 2022
At the Public Library Association’s 2022 conference, Dr. Audrey Barbakoff gave a talk on "Digital equity through community partnerships," in which she discussed how community partnerships can be building blocks for sustainable digital inclu...
Socially Connected Communities: Solutions for Social Isolation
Publish Date: News / 22 February 2022
A new report on Socially Connected Communities: Solutions for Social Isolation published by Healthy Places by Design highlights how librarians and other leaders can work together to address this issue. The report was developed based on a series of co...
Pandemic Perspectives: Navigating Changes and Connections at the Connecticut Library Consortium
Publish Date: News / 21 December 2021
Amanda Stern is the events and special projects manager at the Connecticut Library Consortium, a statewide membership collaborative serving all types of Connecticut libraries by helping them strengthen their ability to serve their users. Amanda has a...