Libraries Are Awesome
Photo credit: Sheppard Memorial Library
Happy fall, everyone! September is an exciting month, not only because of the autumnal equinox and all the gorgeous colors, crisp air, and yummy treats it ushers in — it’s also Library Card Sign-up Month!
Libraries can be incredible tools for promoting mental health but are often unsung heroes. This Bibliotherapy Thursday is dedicated to our amazing libraries and the contributions of the librarians, staff, and volunteers who work hard to create safe and educational public spaces. Here are a few reasons why you might consider signing up for or dusting off your own library card:
Libraries are clean, temperature-controlled places to spend time out of the house. If you struggle with depression, the very prospect of leaving the house can feel overwhelming and exhausting. Libraries are quiet places with a gentle atmosphere and don’t require you to spend money or navigate conversation. They can be a wonderful early step to lifting yourself out of a physical and emotional rut, especially since afterwards you can curl up back at home with a good new book!
Many organizations host meet-ups at libraries. Often libraries have rooms to book and groups dedicated to interests like literature, gaming, art, crafting, and social action will use them on a regular basis. Though due to COVID many study rooms are not currently available, the clubs have found creative ways to keep meeting. Many of us are missing social connection right now. Ask your librarian what groups are available to join!
Books can offer information and guidance about mental health. This is the whole idea behind bibliotherapy! Whether they’re fiction, nonfiction, poetry, children’s books, comics, workbooks — books are an accessible and nonthreatening way to better understand ourselves and each other. Protip: Nonfiction mental health-related books can be found at the section starting 616 in libraries that use the Dewey Decimal System.
Reading can be a healthy distraction in challenging times. A key part of good mental health is finding healthy and effective ways to address negative thinking patterns or physical symptoms. Yet sometimes, even if we have done everything we can in the moment to effectively address an issue, we can still find ourselves worrying about or dwelling on it. This is a good time for a mindful and purposeful distraction. Check in with yourself, recognize that these worries exist, and let them be while you find another activity that brings you comfort. Reading can be an immersive experience where you get to lay down the difficulties of your own life for a spell and dive into a completely different world. It’s also a great activity to do in addition to something else you find soothing. A nostalgic-smelling library book, a soft blanket, and a warm cup of tea are a perfect trio. An audiobook through the Libby app and a stroll with your dog are a great pair. Take a mental break. When you come back, you may find that the worries you left behind aren’t quite as intense.
Check back with us next week to see what book we checked out from the library for Bibliotherapy Thursday!
Morning Light doesn’t receive compensation for sharing book recommendations, nor do we receive a commission if you choose to buy the book. We just love them and think some of our clients may find them useful!