New Durham Public Library

The New Durham Public Library (NDPL) recently conducted a survey that highlighted a desire for greater focus on resources for teens and non-fiction materials. In response to this feedback, NDPL is excited to initiate the concept of a “Healing Library.” The Healing Library aims to address mental health challenges specifically affecting youth aged 12-18. Each take-home kit will revolve around a particular theme—such as depression, anxiety, self-esteem, or eating disorders—and will include a selection of non-fiction books tailored for young readers on these topics, alongside fiction titles that feature protagonists navigating similar struggles. Additionally, the kits will contain pamphlets that list local mental health resources available to families. Each kit will have a checkout period of four months, allowing teens ample time to engage with the materials at home. Moreover, we recognize the importance of supporting parents in their journey to help their teenagers. To this end, we plan to add adult-focused books on these same subjects to our library’s non-fiction section. Initially, this project will be highlighted in a dedicated display for a few months, showcasing the available resources. To further enrich our offerings, we will host a program featuring local therapist Morgan Maddox, who will lead a discussion on anxiety in teenagers. Mrs. Maddox is well-acquainted with our community and has observed a significant increase in anxiety among young people. This program will provide valuable insights for parents, equipping them with strategies to support their teens facing mental health challenges. Attendees will also receive copies of The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, a title that has been frequently requested by our patrons. Included with this book, attendees will also receive the pamphlets and brochures that will be located in the wellness kits, allowing us to create a mini kit that highlights the resources available to our community. Additionally, we plan to organize a book club focused on this title at a later date to foster ongoing discussion. Finally, we aim to subscribe to several magazines centered on teen mental health to further support our initiatives. We will also acquire 16 copies of The Anxious Generation. One copy will be catalogued into the library collection, the other 15 will be used for attendees to the program with Mrs. Maddox.