Menu
Search

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

Tuzzy Consortium Library, Iḷisaġvik College

Publish Date: News / 24 September 2024

Crisis management and planning have become an increasing focus for the staff of libraries, archives, and museums. This illustrative example demonstrates how a remote Alaska library consortium balances connecting the community to information and resou...

Food for thought: Library kitchens and cooking programs

Publish Date: News / 10 September 2024

As community hubs, libraries can play an important role in promoting public health and wellness initiatives, including food and cooking literacy programs. But eating well involves more than just quality ingredients and culinary chops—joy, creativity,...

Libraries get moving!

Publish Date: News / 15 May 2024

May is National Bike Month, and libraries across the country are helping their community members hop onto two wheels to celebrate. Cycling programs are just one of many ways that libraries are helping community members stay active. As local hubs, lib...