Opioid Crisis Responses from Public Libraries
As staff, trustees and volunteers of public libraries around the country are being confronted by the opioid crisis, news stories, events and resources have surfaced which highlight how libraries are addressing these emerging needs. From administering the overdose drug naloxone directly to individuals, to organizing community conversations, public libraries are engaged at all levels of this crisis. This collection of resources shows the breadth of the services and responses from public libraries, and can help inform local decisions in other communities.
A similar patron-focused collection, “Opioid Addiction Resources for Patrons,” is also available to help library staff connect patrons to the information they need to support themselves or a loved one. It may also be helpful to check with your local and state health departments to discover what resources they may be able to share to support your efforts.
Most of the resources shared here were collected in the Facebook group, Libraries and the Opioid Crisis. The group is open to new members and is a great place for libraries to stay connected to the issues stemming from opioid misuse.
Library-specific publications - information from the field.
- Preventing Overdoses in the Library
Public Libraries Online, Mark Troknya, May 4, 2017 - Saving Lives in the Stacks
American Libraries, Anne Ford, June 21, 2017
- Other Duties as Assigned – Public Librarians in the Heart of the Opioid Epidemic
Public Libraries Online, Karen Pundsack, September 11, 2017 - Educating Tweens/Teens about Substance Use
Public Libraries Online, Lydia N. Collins, June 14, 2018
News - stories and features in the news and online media about public library activities.
- Toronto Public Library to Offer Staff Naloxone training for Overdoses in Branches
The Star, Gilberto Ngabo, September 19, 2017 - Everyone’s Problem: Libraries Confront the Opioid Crisis
School Library Journal, Linda Jacobson and Megan Cottrell, November 1, 2017 - How the Everett Public Library Is ‘Not Turning A Blind Eye’ To The Opioid Crisis
knkx.org, Jennifer Wing, February 10, 2018 - By the Books: How Libraries are Dealing with the Opioid Crisis
Boston 25News, Jason Law, February 21, 2018 - Once it Was Overdue Books. Now Librarians Fight Overdoses
The New York Times, Annie Correal, February 28, 2018 - Librarians Learn How to Save Those Overdosing on Opioids
CBS New York, Andrea Grymes, March 1, 2018 - Brockton Public Library Making Changes to Cope with Opioid Crisis
Boston 25News, Jason Law, March 1, 2018 - Northeast Ohio Libraries Feel Impact of Opioid Epidemic
ideastream, David C. Barnett and Dave DeOreo, April 4, 2018 - Being a Librarian Now Means Also Being at Least a Part-time Social Worker
12BOY, Marisa Matyola, April 5, 2018 - How librarians Are Rising to the Next Challenge: The Opioid Crisis
The Star (Toronto), May Warren, April 16, 2018 - County Libraries to Distribute Opioid Overdose Drug Naloxone
KUER (Utah), Erik Neumann, May 21, 2018
- In Philadelphia and Around the Country, Overdoses at Public Libraries are a Daunting Reality
The Inquirer (Philadelphia), May 25, 2018 - Librarians Emerge as Unlikely Players in Battle Against Opioid Epidemic
The Oregonion, June 1, 2018
- Pikes Peak Library District Arms Itself Against Overdoses
Colorado Springs Independent, Faith Miller, June 6, 2018 - Beyond Books: How Libraries Are the Latest Front in the Opioid Fight
Governing, J. Brian Charles, June 12, 2018
Events - hosting public forums, discussions or training is another way that libraries are supporting the community around the opioid addiction. Many of these events have passed, but are included to provide examples of the types of programs being offered.
- Opioid Crisis Town Hall: Library Needs and Responses
National webinar, free
Event was offered by WebJunction and PLA in September 12, 2017, and a recording is available. - Forbes Library in Northampton hold film screening and forum on efforts to fight the opioid crisis Event was in January 2018
- Albert Wisner Public Library to host two community conversations about the opioid crisis
Albert Wisner Public Library (New York)
Events were held in February and March 2018 - Opioid Symposium: Education, Strategies and Best Practices for Public Libraries
Columbus, Ohio
In-person event was offered in April 2018 - Opioids in Communities – Libraries in Response
Ohio (statewide)
In-person events were offered in August 2018
- Naloxone Training
Enoch Pratt Free Library (Maryland)
In-person event was offered in August 2018 - International Overdose Awareness Day
King County Library System, Event on August 31, 2018, in collaboration with community partners - Addiction is a world of contradictions where nothing is black and white. Signature Author Series: David Sheff, author of Beautiful Boy
High Plains Library District (Colorado)
Event is November 4, 2018
Miscellaneous Resources
- Publib Discussion
click "Next" By Topic to read through the posts - The critical role librarians paly in the opioid crisis
Ted Talk, Chera Kowalski - Librarians and Libraries Respond to Disasters: Bibliography on Library Roles in Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery
U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Opioid Epidemic Resources
Maryland State Library Resource Center - Public Libraries as Partners for Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Whiteman ED, Dupuis R, Morgan AU, D’Alonzo B, Epstein C, Klusaritz H, et al., May 24, 2018
Image credits:
Top: Pill bottle image by nosheep is licensed under CC0
Bottom: Workshop logo on Dealing with Substance Abuse in the Library is copyright of the American Library Association