Overcoming challenges together

Library plays a role in mental health advocacy

By Sarah Barr

Staff Writer

As the 1969 song by Three Dog Night goes, “One is the Loneliest Number.”

Recent studies indicate that loneliness is now a health epidemic. The lack of social connection is considered an illness that medical professionals say is more dangerous than smoking 15 cigarettes a day and deadlier than obesity.

One might not think of librarians as serving on the front lines of mental health advocacy, but they are. The Lucy Robbins Welles Library is offering a series of social activities to bring people together.

They talk, create, play games, you name it. This demonstrates how libraries are writing a new chapter in their evolution.

Newington residents take part in the Let’s Talk with Nature program.

These grant-funded programs through the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation, previously known as the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, are sponsored by the public library. Its facility was built on the site where the Welles Homestead burned in 1855 while containing a case of books called the Newington Social Library.

Michelle Royer is the head of community services. Born and raised in Newington, she has worked at the library for 25 years and has seen her hometown change. She believes the library is a natural place to embrace that change.

Royer and Library Director Lisa Masten wrote two grant proposals so that their friends and neighbors, as well as their parents, could have a familiar face with which to connect.

“Our town has gotten more diverse and our friends and neighbors have gotten older,” Royer said.

They are more isolated, too, even post-pandemic. Whether that’s because of language barriers, physical challenges, or transportation issues, more people live by themselves, rely on technology, or simply outlive their peers

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Welcome to this new world of networking. These social events are bonding sessions and their themes are connectors to conversations and lasting relationships.

“Soap making, candle making, social coloring,” Royer said. “People who would like to improve their English or talk about their favorite TV show all take part. We want to make everyone feel included.”

And less lonely.

Some programs are held at the library. Others are outreach efforts at senior centers and assisted living facilities. Scrabble is a favorite pastime and so is reading a good book; extra-large print and audio books are available.

Residents converse with volunteers and it becomes a two-way street. Learning curves are less of an obstacle course, especially for English language learners.

“It helps their English to play Scrabble,” Royer said. “It’s bringing people together to spend quality time.”

Approximately 20 people attend each social. But the impact is even greater with the mobile visits.

“There are five [senior] facilities with a minimum of 80 people. Some others are homebound so we deliver to them [about 70],” she said.

Game night at Meadowview Independent Living Apartments breaks barriers and it’s fun.

These casual conversations are revealing. Royer said that people need other services, too. As a notary public, she can help them with paperwork.

Perhaps they miss their favorite foods from home.  A grocery store list of ethnic foods is available.

Don’t think for a moment that the beneficiaries of this programming are “of a certain age.” Children perhaps get the most out of this, well beyond summer reading programs.

Painting helps people communicate, whether they speak different languages or are dealing with feelings of isolation.

If this sounds like a lot, it is, and only a handful of people pull off this effort. Royer said that she, one part-timer at the library and about six volunteers reach hundreds of people each year. NL

For more information call the library at 860-665-8700.