Photo credit: CityNews Toronto
About one of the places a newcomer to Toronto should visit is one of the hundred branches of the Toronto Public Library. There, the visitor would see how libraries are run. Apart from the neatly stacked array of books and magazines – not forgetting the fact that there’s no shortage of computers in the libraries – one can even access library facilities from the comfort of their homes.
In most cases, there are sports facilities either close to or in the libraries. Furthermore, when one goes into the sparkling washrooms, there are facilities for babies, women going through their monthly cycles and so on.
But authorities in the Library are not resting on their oars. They’ve gone to offer services to offer mental health support through numerous initiatives and programs.
Will Scott. CEO of the Toronto Public Library Foundation, said, “In a lonely city, the library is where everyone gets to connect with other people.
“It’s the only public space where you can go- you don’t have to buy anything. You can come, you can read, you can study, you can be with your community members, or you can be alone, around other people. There’s no pressure at a library. there’s no stigma to come to a library and take advantage of the services.”
Toronto Public Library has partnered with the Gerstein Crisis Centre to offer low-barrier social services and programs to city residents. The service is available at the Toronto Reference Library on Yonge Street on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and at Lillian H Smith Branch on College Street on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
And, what’s more, the service is free and on a drop-in basis with no advance booking required.
Social service teams at the library help connect customers with several supports including:
X short-term counselling
X mental health supports
X primary care services
X connecting with housing workers
X addiction resources
X financial and employment supports.
X wellness and recovery programs
Several literacy programs also help support mental health
Scott explained, “We know that literacy is tied to self-esteem and social well-being. So, we offer a lot of literacy resources, particularly for young people. We know that a million children across Canada are below grade level in reading. And so, we offer targeted supports to help them get their literacy skills up to grade level.”
Called, “Leading to Reading” the program is open to children i grades one to six who can communicate in English. An adult literacy program caters to those nineteen and above who speak English and offers one-on-one tutoring in basic reading, writing and math.
Since gainful employment and the ability to support oneself is a key component of mental health for most, the library also offers numerous employment supports including resume optimization with career coaches and job skill training.
For children with sensory processing needs, the S. Walter Stewart branch in East York offers a sensory room designed with them in mind. It is open to all children up to twelve years old and is a child-led interactive space for kids and their caregivers.
For teens, there are Youth Hubs in several branches that offer a place to relax with mindfulness craft or colouring workshops, play video games and connect with each other in a safe environment. Librarians are also available to offer school and homework support and free, nutritious snacks are offered every day.
