The Vital Role Libraries Play in the Community
Libraries can serve as a crucial resource to support communities. Many libraries serve as warming centers in colder months, offer free youth and adult programming, and provide a place for people to access a computer. Unfortunately, many libraries have needed to respond to an increase in overdoses on their premises by reducing hours or closing. More often, people are asked to do more with less, but librarians are not typically trained and credentialed to provide all of the needs of those whom they come across. With an increase in overdoses, we all could play a larger role in our community’s response to substance use. Below are examples of ideas in which the library could play an active role and a reading list appropriate by age groups.
Ways to Engage:
- Normalize Conversations around substance use, reduce stigma, and centralize resources.
- Secure Funding for naloxone inclusion in first aid kits, with staff training and post-administration support.
- Engage Parents through prevention education, offer teen-friendly hours, and create safe spaces for youth.
- Host Events and discussions on substance and mental health recovery with local authors.
- Collaborate with community partners for overdose reversal and mental health training, including police, schools, and non-profits.
- Provide Space for peer recovery specialists, recovery meetings, and parental education on safe storage and disposal.
- Establish harm reduction initiatives like vending machines and participate in local stakeholder groups.
- Implement a compassionate approach to individuals using drugs on library property, and connect to health department resources online.
- Share Resources with businesses, schools, libraries, and prisons, fostering community connections
Libraries are Essential
Libraries are essential pillars of public service, offering a warm welcome to all and providing valuable assistance. They also can play a vital role in providing free or discounted naloxone, empowering organizations to effectively reach and support at-risk populations affected by the opioid crisis.
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