The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health’s Libraries Supporting Community Mental Health initiative will provide $598,000 to 13 public libraries in Texas to strengthen the mental health and well-being of their communities by supporting current community partnerships and establishing new connections. Each library will receive $46,000 over a two-year grant term.
“Public libraries are increasingly evolving beyond their traditional role as caretakers and lenders of books,” says Rick Ybarra, senior program officer. “Because they are trusted, low-barrier institutions, many libraries now also serve as community resource centers to offer information, programs, resources, and foster social connections. This exciting project is focused on supporting libraries to build up and build out mental health information, education, resources, and support to improve community mental health and well-being.”
“The Libraries Supporting Mental Health Initiative will unlock new opportunities for local partners to share ownership in strengthening mental health, education, and supports to the communities they serve,” says Vicky Coffee, director of foundation initiatives.
The foundation will also host a learning community for all grantee partners to foster a space where they can share knowledge, learning, strategies, and resources. An independent advisor, Clover Educational Consulting Group, will provide additional technical assistance to help libraries build sustainable evaluation capacity for continuous learning and improvement.
“Overall, this grant initiative aims to foster lifelong learning and strengthen social ties, ultimately enhancing mental health, well-being, and the quality of life within communities across Texas,” says Dr. Octavio N. Martinez, Jr., executive director.
The 13 new grantee partners are:
• Alice Salinas City of Alice Public Library, Alice
• Allan Shivers Library and Museum, Woodville
• Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library, Edinburg
• Comanche Public Library, Comanche
• Dickinson Public Library, Dickinson
• Fort Bend County Libraries, Richmond
• Friends of the Pottsboro Area Library, Pottsboro
• Hewitt Public Library, Hewitt
• Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center, Jarrell
• Montgomery County Memorial Library System Central Branch, Conroe
• Pharr Memorial Library, Pharr
• Sgt. Fernando de la Rosa Memorial Library, Alamo
• Taft Public Library, Taft