A second US study by The Institute of Museum and Library Services highlighted the presence and usage of public libraries directly affected levels of social and community well-being. The data obtained was used in a series of case studies which confirmed that the more libraries were present in their communities, the higher the levels of public well-being and health.

But how are the libraries keeping community health and spirits up? At D-Tech we wondered the same thing and delved into the world of library healthcare to bring the three most innovative and effective ways libraries are improving community health.

Did you know that 20%-30% of libraries in the US offer movement-based programming and activities for people of all ages and abilities? Yoga is one of the most common classes held in urban and suburban areas, with outdoor movement classes being more common in rural areas.

The National library fitness challenge, StoryWalk, which mounts pages of popular children’s books on signs, is one of the most popular outdoor activities, with it appearing in more than 300 libraries in the States.

Some libraries have adopted a new focus on getting active and have reinvented their own lending processes as part of ‘The Libraries of Things’. Lorain Public Library in Ohio has a full catalogue of unconventional things able to be checked out at the library, including adult bicycles and helmets that will get patrons up and moving. Wilkinson Public Library in Colorado has snow poles, hiking boots and tennis rackets for checkout – a great idea!

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Many libraries are improving the healthcare systems by adopting healthy eating lifestyles through food-focused events and programs. Brooklyn Public Library is one of the first to host a nutrition and cooking class for patrons who want to educate themselves on healthy eating and how they can improve their diet and beat unhealthy eating habits.

Other libraries offer programs that help people who are experiencing financial or food insecurity. St Louis Public Library is one of many libraries that have opted into the ‘Free Summer Meals’ program, an organisation that aims to keep children fed over the summer break. Food banks also frequently partner with libraries, for example, the Madison Public Library has a long partnership with the Madison Food Center which includes food drives and library staff teaching nutrition classes at the Food Center.

Libraries serve as safe havens for those experiencing mental health issues, homelessness, and financial worry. When at their public library people can meet many needs that directly impact their mental health. Everyday things such as studying, looking for a job, researching healthcare providers and connecting with people can all have a positive effect on mental health, and libraries are now recognising it as something that needs to be regularly addressed in order to drive social change and improve community health and quality of life.

Pima County Libraries, a network of 27 public libraries has taken mental health matters a step further. Through a partnership with the Pima County Health Department, mental and public health nurses rotate through the library branches all year round, with additional nurses working at a handful of libraries on a permanent basis.

While libraries are constantly evolving and a vital resource for community health, their services and outreach can be amplified through collaborations and partnerships. In the Pennsylvania Library Survey, over 50% of respondents said they were unsure of how to tend to patrons’ mental health, physical health and social-related needs.

Partnering with health organisations, food banks and government-led schemes that have shared goals can propel libraries into making communities healthier, and by default more connected.

If you want to learn more about how you can upgrade your library and offer the best patron experience, contact us for innovative technology to unite your community.