Libraries are welcoming places. They are designed to be places for people from all walks of life to come and find a safe space. But sometimes members of the community come to the Library in search of services that library staff are not equipped to handle.
In an effort to provide services to people where they are, the Library and Contra Costa County Behavioral Health partnered together to address community needs in libraries that have seen an uptick of patrons experiencing trauma, mental illness, substance abuse and other issues that are beyond the service abilities of library staff.
The new partnership places a clinical social worker and a community support worker in three libraries. The newly formed Library Wellness Team will spend Mondays and Tuesdays at the Concord Library, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the San Pablo Library and Fridays at the Antioch Library.
“The Wellness Team allows us to address a variety of social issues directly within the Library, creating a more supportive and responsive community space," said Deputy County Librarian Lynne Noone.
Patrons can find the Wellness Team stationed at a well-marked table during open hours at the scheduled Library. The team provides education, resources and referrals as needed and has recently started offering meditation and art sessions.
“Partnering with the Library has been incredibly rewarding for our program,” said Mental Health Program Supervisor Hazel Lee. “This collaboration allows us to reach individuals in a trusted, accessible setting, fostering a sense of connection and belonging that is truly invaluable."
The Contra Costa County Behavioral Health Transition Team can also be reached by calling (925) 313-1151.
