The Henry E. Legler Library in Chicago’s West Garfield Park neighborhood is opening its doors to offer mental health services to a community that has been impacted by disinvestment and high crime rates. Originally opened in 1920, the library is now serving as a place where residents can seek help and feel heard.
Licensed counselor Jordan Henderson from the Chicago Department of Public Health meets with West Garfield Park residents weekly in the library’s study room. Henderson believes that providing mental health services in a library setting is a unique opportunity to reach the community in a familiar and accessible location. He offers counseling services every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., accepting both walk-ins and referrals from others.
Since starting at Legler Library nearly a month ago, Henderson has seen about two dozen people. He believes that the number of individuals seeking help would increase if he were present more often, indicating a significant need for mental health services in the community. This innovative approach to providing mental health services in a local library eliminates barriers that individuals may face in seeking help.
Experts view the access to mental health services at a local library as crucial in breaking the cycle of violence in communities like West Garfield Park. Kelly Carroll of the Institute for Non-Violence Chicago emphasizes the importance of being able to easily connect with mental health support within the community without the need for appointments or extensive planning.
As part of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s mental health expansion strategy, the Department of Public Health is exploring potential co-locations in other libraries to further increase access to vital mental health services in underserved communities. This initiative aims to address the mental health needs of residents who have faced the challenges of disinvestment and high crime rates.