Libraries are in a unique position to serve as a forum for community engagement on important and sometimes controversial issues. Partnering with the Opiate Addiction Task Force gave us the opportunity to bring content and to invite discussion on a topic that we knew affected the lives of many people. Librarians see first-hand how heroin and opioids affect communities, but we see few opportunities for learning and discussion how individuals and communities can recover.

This series overtly addressed something that many people are still deeply uncomfortable talking about—and discussions were in a non-judgmental, problem-solving framework. We marketed the series to many civic leaders in government and nonprofit service-based organizations—demonstrating for them the potential for community engagement in libraries. The partnership also brought to light for members of the task force the high visibility and relevance of this issue in public libraries and our commitment to continued partnering.

A total of 115 people attended the series—between eight and 26 at each session. People attending gained invaluable information about recovery and coping strategies and many shared their personal struggles. Because many people carry the burden of opiate addiction (for themselves or loved ones) as a secret shame, some seemed relieved to be able to share their stories in a nonjudgmental forum. KCLS developed an important new partnership with the task force.