A library in Chicago’s West Garfield Park neighborhood is now offering mental health services in an effort to serve a community that has suffered from disinvestment and high crime rates. The Henry E. Legler Library, which opened in 1920, is opening its doors to provide assistance and support for residents in the area.
Jordan Henderson, a licensed counselor with the Chicago Department of Public Health, meets with West Garfield Park residents once a week in the library’s study room. Henderson offers counseling services at the library each Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., accepting both walk-ins and referrals from others in the community.
“People don’t expect to see mental health services at a library, so what a great opportunity for us to be right here in the community,” Henderson said. Henderson has been working at Legler Library for nearly a month, and is one of three clinicians currently working at Chicago public libraries.
The access to mental health services at the local library is seen by some experts as vital to addressing the cycle of violence in the community. “Being able to go to a local library, meet with someone in your community… not have to make an appointment… just show up, talk to someone and get connected to services. I think it will meet a lot of the needs in the communities we serve,” said Kelly Carroll of the Institute for Non-Violence Chicago.
The Department of Public Health is currently exploring other possible co-locations as part of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s mental health expansion strategy. The initiative aims to provide accessible mental health services to underserved communities and address the trauma and needs of residents in West Garfield Park.