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
August 6, Opportunity Out of Adversity: Digital Access in Rural and Small Libraries
Publish Date: News / 6 August 2020
If we are intentional, we can use these circumstances to grow our organizations and to address the digital access disparities in small and rural communities. A webinar hosted in collaboration with ARSL.
Think Outside the Library with a Sidewalk Obstacle Course
Publish Date: News / 11 June 2020
Noah Lenstra (Let's Move in Libraries) looks at how libraries can engage communities safely by taking programs and services outside, including creating obstacle courses.
In just one month, this idea of a sidewalk obstacle course has s....
Social Work Students and Public Library Partnerships
Publish Date: Webinar / 29 April 2020
This webinar will provide information on how libraries can collaborate with social work interns and programs, to provide critical services to community members and training and support for library staff.
OCLC Virtual Town Hall: Libraries and the COVID-19 Crisis
Publish Date: Webinar / 13 April 2020
A 90-minute virtual town hall exploring how libraries of all types are managing the impact of the COVID-19 crisis.
Call to Action: Public Libraries and the Opioid Crisis
Publish Date: Webinar / 31 March 2020
This webinar will present a newly published call to action, offering strategies for public libraries to consider as they determine a local response to the nationwide opioid crisis.
