Libraries as wellness centres

My last post looked at libraries as community hubs.  This goes one step further.

In Arizona, U.S.A, some libraries have responded to a need that is not being met anywhere else in the community.

Health

A nurse takes a library visitor’s blood pressure

Community health nurses are now employed in 6 on the library branches in Pima County.  With a lot of people homeless, unemployed or without health insurance, the nurses provide a vital service to the community.    “Placing nurses in six branches is a nod to the widely accepted transition of public libraries into de facto community centers.” (Eun Kyung Kim, 28.3.13.)

A typical day for a library nurse would include blood pressure monitoring, examining the swollen limbs of diabetics, handing out condoms, arranging referrals to medical services,  and dressing superficial cuts and sprains. The nurses also play a role in community health education.  By example, a nurse might join children’s storytime or give parents advice about the care and feeding of their baby.

Another important role that the nurses play is that of a social worker.  They are able to direct people to the relevant organisations or authorities to help them.  For example, a nurse might refer a homeless person to shelters or a jobseeker to the relevant authority.

A nurse gives a customer information on emergency housing.

While much noise is being made about libraries moving forward in terms of technology, its gratifying to realise that they can move forward in another direction, community service.