LITT Feature

A rotating feature story relevant to our library communities to inspire and spark ideas.

Programs to Support Teen Mental Health and Self-Care

The lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, remote schooling, the lack of in person socializing, and missed rites of passage have taken a heavy toll on young people. Teen services librarians are responding with innovative programs, drop-in sessions, and resources to help patrons connect, build coping skills, and get the mental health supports they need.

Below, are a few ideas from librarians across the country to promote teen mental health and wellbeing that can be adapted to fit the needs of your teens. A LITT grant can help with that.

• Partner with staff from a local mental health nonprofit to host an event for teens.
  In Berkeley, California, teen librarians joined forces with mental health advocacy group, SafeSpace, to host Treat Yourself! Make Your Own Self-Care Kit. The participants crafted tools for taking care of themselves physically and emotionally, while also connecting with SafeSpace staff to learn how to get involved in mental health activism in their community.

• Bring an art therapist to the library: host a mandalas and mindfulness workshop
  Many teens love to draw and mandala-making can be a powerful, healing practice. The word, “Mandala” comes from Sanskrit and loosely translated means “sacred circle”. In Richland, South Carolina, certified art therapist, Mary How, led a public library workshop called Mandalas, Mindfulness, and Mental Health for patrons aged 15 to adult. Each participant created a mandala journal, so they could continue their mindfulness practice at home.

• Host a baking workshop while also hearing a story about healing and resilience
  During one of their regular “Let’s Talk” sessions, In Beverly, Massachusetts teens learned to make Oreo truffles with mental health advocate, Dayna Altman, author of the cookbook, Bake it Till you Make it, while also hearing and discussing her story of struggle and healing.

• Make it more comfortable for teens to drop In, hang out, and unplug from social media
  Some librarians prefer building connection and interpersonal skills with weekly, no pressure teen cafes, lounges, hang outs, and discussion groups. LITT can help by boosting your budget for food, snacks, craft supplies, comfy rugs and furniture, and other materials for de-stressing.

• Take part in continuing education and workshops
  In 2021, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) used funds from the federal CARES Act to offer Youth Mental Health First Aid training to library staff. In addition to programs offered by MBLC, ALA, YALSA, and other library organizations, a LITT grant can provide fees to attend in person or online workshops and trainings with vetted organizations so you can bring healing practices such as yoga, tai chi, anxiety-friendly improv (it’s a thing), or art therapy to your teen space.