Reading, MA—The Reading Public Library has launched a new initiative to offer more accessible health information to the public. By providing reliable, authoritative, and current information on topics of health and wellness, the library strives to become a learning resource contributing to the well-being of the community.
Located in a turret near the Research and Reader Services Desk, the Health Nook is a space apart from the general collection which includes the recently launched Healing Library, a series of kits customized with books and resources to help a person, group or family navigate areas of trauma and personalize the healing process. The Healing Library kits were developed with the support and guidance of the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support, Reading Public School’s Behavioral Health Department, and RESPOND, Inc. The Health Nook has a variety of state and local health resources, an easy-to-read medical reference collection, and quick access to library health and wellness databases on dedicated kiosks.
To support this initiative, a familiar face on staff, Susan Beauregard, has recently taken on the role of Community Health Librarian, focusing on creating programs and managing collections related to public health topics. Susan ensures the Health Nook’s information is refreshed and is available to assist visitors in locating specific health and wellness information in the library’s collections and online.
You are invited to stop by the library on Tuesday, October 24 from 1130am – 1200pm for a brief introduction to the Health Nook and showcase of the Healing Library Collection.
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The Reading Public Library is committed to evolving together to strengthen communication, equity, collaboration, and learning in our community. Our mission is to be a center and resource for learning and civic engagement. We provide a place and platform of, by, and for the people who can benefit as individuals as well as contribute to the well-being of the community. We work to achieve these goals and commitments by focusing on education, equity, accountability, and access.
