By Amber Elder on behalf of KDL's EDI Workgroup
October 10 is World Mental Health Day, and its objective, according to the World Health Organization, “is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health” (Source). One way to help support your mental health is through community, and the library is one place where you can find that.
The Events page on our website has a tag for all programs designed to help foster connection between community members. You can find all our current programs with the Community Builders tag here. While some specific programs may come and go, we always like to offer programs focusing on helping members of different age groups connect with each other. This includes programs such as the following:
- Mama Bear & Baby Cubs Support Group, which allows moms to connect with each other while their kids enjoy a play time;
- Movie Zone, which invites all members of the community to enjoy a movie together;
- Awesome Adults, which brings together adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their care partners to spend time getting to know other people in their situation; and
- Teen Zone, which offers teens a time to hang out while enjoying on a craft, game or some other project together.
Beyond these programs, the library also offers space to work or read while being around others, chances to discuss books and opportunities to learn and explore new topics together. Your local library branch can help you find the community you’re looking for or further deepen the community you have.
Being part of a strong community involving family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and more can be an important part of supporting mental health. However, sometimes people need a lifeline that is directed straight toward their mental health. If that’s you or someone you know, Kent District Library has pulled together Community Resources related to mental health, which you can find here.
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