National School Library Day!

By: Molly Mazur

Libraries are a beacon of hope for not just those that love to read, but all local community members. In times of distress, escaping to the world of reading is highly beneficial for the mind. In fact, reading is proven to increase your physical and mental health, and teaches social-emotional skills like empathy. Best of all…libraries make it free and easy to explore all of their amazing local perks. 

Access to books is just the tip of the iceberg (or first page of the novel!), when it comes to local Oregon libraries. They’re an incredible resource for classes, access to materials and goods, community events, and other spaces you would not expect to be library-adjacent with the swipe of a library card. 

At their heart, libraries are more than just rooms full of books; they’re the ultimate “hangout with a purpose” for any neighborhood. They’re one of the last places on earth where you can just exist without having to spend a dime. Whether it’s a spot for a kid to discover a new hobby, a place for neighbors to meet up, or a hub where local history and different cultures are kept alive, libraries act like the glue that holds a community together. They remind us that we’re all part of something bigger and that having a shared space to learn and chill is what actually makes a city feel like a home.This in turn has substantial mental health benefits. When libraries promote social and communal engagement without barriers, it has a substantial effect on mental wellness by minimizing social isolation and presenting opportunities of meaning, learning, and creativity. 

Check out these amazing things happening at libraries near you!

PDX: Multnomah County Libraries 

Live in an old house?: At your local library, you can track down architectural and social history of your home. In addition, you’ll find archives of local newspapers and other resources dating back to the 1800’s!

Free tickets: The Multnomah County Libraries offer My Discovery Passes that give you access to free tickets to tons of museums, cultural attractions, and live performances. Use your library card to explore the best parts of the Portland area, all for free!

For Children and Teens: At the Rockwood location, children and teens have access to the Makerspace, that’s just for them. In this learning environment, they can access laptops with creative software, sewing machines, 3D printers, and craft supplies.

Cultural Events: Your local libraries have tons of free cultural events. From Mexican bingo to Somali music and poetry for women, it’s a wonderful way to get to know your community and all its amazing culture it has to offer. Check out their April events calendar here.

EUG: Eugene Public Library

Crochet, Philosophy, Concerts and More!: The Eugene public library hosts a wide range of community events including classes, philosophy circles, concerts, and how-to nights, like voter registration. Check out their April events calendar here! 

CultureGrams: Love to learn about different countries and their culture and customs? Free with your library card is an explorative platform just for this. 

Lifelong Learners: Through Brainfuse, the Eugene library offers live online tutoring and homework help, help writing resumes and cover letters, and test prep for the GED, high school equivalency, and U.S. citizenship tests.

References 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11303134/

https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf

https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf