Health, Wellness & Safety

People seek out the library for many reasons related to health, wellness and safety. In addition to reference and other types of educational materials, libraries provide a range of programs and services – often in partnership with other community organizations – to help people manage medical issues, and advance healthy lifestyles, including the preventive activities that ensure people’s and community well-being.

This category recognizes innovations in partnering with health and wellness providers, providing resources for underserved populations, engaging health and wellness programs for target populations as well as public safety initiatives.

Health, Wellness and Safety

Building a Teen Nutrition Program

The San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) and the San Antonio Food Bank (SAFB) have partnered together for seven years. By participating in both its Summer Lunch Program and Kids’ Café Program, SAPL received the guidance and resources to develop a nutrition program for teens within the Library itself. Read More ›

Health, Wellness and Safety

Pink Parties

Mid-Continent Public Library’s desire to add a community aspect to its support of those affected by breast cancer resulted in the development of Pink Parties. These parties brought together the elements of education, community, and support to cultivate life-changing experiences. Read More ›

Health, Wellness and Safety

March Against Bullying

Orange County Library System expanded the goal of library programming beyond information or entertainment, and engaged in an organized effort to better its local community. Bullying is interfering with the health, wellness and safety of our children and teens. The Orange County Library System (OCLS) partnered with area health and wellness providers to offer resources and public safety initiatives to help victims of bullying. OCLS aimed to put the brakes on bullying by providing information and expert advice to victims and bullies themselves as well as parents and educators. Read More ›

Public Health Nurse in the Library ›
Pima County Public Library, AZ

Building a Teen Nutrition Program ›
San Antonio Public Library, TX

Improving Our Library Environment ›
Salt Lake City Public Library, UT

Pink Parties ›
Mid-Continent Public Library, MO

County Library and County Hospital Partnership ›
Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH

Cooking It Up: Hartford, Health and History ›
Hartford Public Library, CT

Healthy Partnerships ›
Ottawa Public Library, AL

Queens ConnectCare ›
Queens library, NY

March Against Bullying ›
Orange County Library System, FL

The Public Library and Medical School: Teaming Up to Support Family Literacy ›
Jacksonville Public Library, FL

Holistic Health for Seniors ›
Free Library of Philadelphia, PA

Widening Our Reach: Employment Assistance for Non-English Speakers ›
King County Library System, WA