The Evanston Public Library strives to provide access to and build knowledge of the many facets of literacy, not least among them is health literacy. EPL has a long history of providing health and wellness programs and services including:
- Free HIV and STI screening in partnership with Howard Brown Health
- Brain health for older adults through our Ageless Grace and Active Healthy Aging programs
- Health and nutrition programs such as the Wellness Wednesday series, this month focusing on healthy eating for high blood pressure control.
The month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so the focus of this post is to bring forward the many opportunities for the community to visit the library, virtually or in person, to explore a variety of programs focused on supporting mental health.
- Entrenamiento Gratuito - Primero Auxilios de Salud Mental de Jóvenes
- Issues in Medical Ethics
- Death Cafe - Monthly program that offers individuals a place to gather together to discuss various topics related to death in a safe environment without an agenda, judgment, or criticism
- Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group - Monthly support group facilitated by Alzheimer Association volunteers
- Impact Behavioral Health - Staff from Impact host a drop-in table on the 3rd floor of the Main library the 2nd Monday of each month, 10am - 12pm
One of the primary ways the EPL works to support community mental health is through our partnership with Turning Point Behavioral Health. Turning Point is, “an outpatient mental health center that exists to provide expert care and relief, no matter who you are or what your situation might be." Part of their core service is the living room. At the Turning Point headquarters location in Skokie, and now at the new Evanston location on the St. Francis Hospital campus, they host walk-in spaces where they, “welcome adults in crisis who seek safety and solutions in a calm and comfortable space. Informed by their own lived experience, our exceptional team of recovery support specialists offer a special kind of compassion, hope, inspiration, and expertise in navigating mental health journeys and providing actionable next steps.”
Starting in December 2024, the team at Turning Point began visiting EPL weekly with their new Mobile Living Room (MLR). The MLR offers all of the same great services as the brick and mortar locations, and provides a way for the two organizations to meet people where they are, specifically, at the library. Through regularly scheduled visits to both the Main library and the Crown Branch library, the MLR provides library visitors who are 18 or older, access to immediate, in-person, mental health support. The program has grown to include twice weekly visits to the Main library from both the MLR team and the Mobile Crisis Response team that hosts a table inside the library and serves patrons of all ages. During the first three months of this partnership, Turning Point staff have had more than 100 encounters with EPL patrons, or those walking down Church Street or visiting Crown who may stop into the MLR.
At Evanston Public Library, we believe that access to mental health resources is a vital part of a thriving, informed, and resilient community. Whether you're seeking support, connection, or simply a space to learn and reflect, the library is here for you—this month and every month.
