Wellness Resources at Calgary Public Library

Providing mental health support to those who need it

Hundreds of Calgarians looked to Calgary Public Library for mental health support in 2024. Together, we can make a difference in mental wellness.

Whether it’s by connecting Calgarians to the mental health solutions they need most, or by providing books, movies, and music to use to unwind, there’s no shortage of wellness resources available with your free Library membership. Explore the resources here, and please consider a gift in support of Library wellness initiatives. Thank you.

Donor impact in 2024:

  • Wellness Desk: This program doubled its hours of availability from 24 hours per week to 48, and provided 649 hours of mental health services thanks to donor support. The Wellness Desk is operated in partnership with Wood’s Homes and generously supported by BMO Financial Group, Boone-Poole Family Foundation, the City of Calgary, and donors of the Calgary Public Library Foundation.
  • Proactive Engagement with Library patrons: A pilot initiative saw counsellors and peer mentors maintain an approachable, roving presence in high-traffic public areas at Central and Forest Lawn libraries, building familiarity, relationships, and trust among younger Library patrons.
  • Staff Training: Library staff engaged in workshops in 2024 which focused on supporting those working with vulnerable youth in navigating adversity, gaining knowledge and skills required to prevent crises by understanding how interactions with young people can alter the trajectory of a difficult situation.

 

Wellness Desk Impact

Ashley's Story

“What I’ve appreciated most about staffing the Wellness Desk is how accessible it makes mental health support. Libraries are safe places people go to learn and I feel fortunate to be able to help them as they learn more about how they can take care of their own mental health”. –Ashley D, Wellness Desk Team

Thank you to our generous Wellness Desk donors and supporters

This initiative is generously supported by BMO Financial Group, Boone-Poole Family Foundation, the City of Calgary, Totem Charitable Foundation and donors of the Calgary Public Library Foundation. In partnership with Wood's Homes.