Last year IFLA Section published a collection of articles about sports in libraries. On a wider perspective, access to information, suitable reading material and all the activities (public) libraries provide can have a big impact on children and young adult physical, mental and social wellbeing. The range and depth of services vary, from displaying relevant material to helping the teenager find the right novel to relate to or some fresh online information about a specific theme. At deepest libraries can offer or collaborate in bibliotherapy sessions. Cooperation and collaborating is important in order to provide a professional approach.

Libraries provide for example

  • accurate and free material and information
  • programmes and promotions
  • social activities
  • volunteering possibilities
  • space for social meetings

Issues that can be covered, for example

  • physical health: sexual identity, diseases, handicaps…
  • mental health: depression, anxiety…
  • identity, growing up, loneliness, relationships, bullying, different cultures/life choices
  • social issues

What kind of work your library does to promote young patrons’ wellbeing? Send the Info Corodinator (ulla.potsonen [at] gmail.com) your proposal of an online article with a few lines about the content, resources and possible partners latest on December 8th. The editorial board will get back to the chosen proposals before Dec 15 with the deadline for ready articles plus practical information.

We’re looking forward to hear about your innovative actions and programmes!