​​​Survey: Maryland Public Libraries Support Youth Mental Health Efforts

​​​​​​​​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tim Pratt

timothy.pratt@maryland.gov​
443-695-6772

The Maryland State Library Agency gathered information from library systems on programs, collections, services and outreach​​​

(October 10, 2024​) —  A recent survey by the Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA) found that children and teenagers have access to programs that support mental health in every public library system across the state. The MSLA Youth Services Mental Health Survey, conducted in August, also revealed Maryland public libraries prioritize staff training to support youth mental health, engage with youth and connect them with resources, and develop partnerships with agencies and organizations that have similar mental health and youth services goals. Yet, the survey also revealed more youth programs and mental health services are needed, particularly in the state’s rural areas.

“The results of the Youth Services Mental Health Survey demonstrate the critical role Maryland’s public libraries play in the health and well-being of our communities, especially our youth,” said Maryland State Librarian Morgan Lehr Miller. “From offering safe spaces after school to providing mental health-focused services and programs, libraries are powerful community connectors where children, teens, and families can gain access to a multitude of life-changing resources. The Maryland State Library Agency will continue to collaborate with the state's public libraries to advance innovative ways to best serve Marylanders of all ages, including our youth.”​

The survey was conducted as part of an MSLA initiative to gather new data and information about youth programs, collections, services and outreach in Maryland’s public libraries. It’s part of a concerted effort to collect information from Maryland libraries that will help MSLA develop the most informed, data-driven solutions moving forward. 

Among the survey results:

​​All 24 of Maryland’s public library systems reported consistent youth programming;

Library systems reported more than 2,000 programs specifically directed toward youth mental health over the past year;

Twenty-eight percent of library systems reported programming for Teen Mental Health Month in March while others reported programming that addresses teen mental health throughout the year;

Seventy-nine percent of library systems reported staff training on de-escalation or trauma-informed response; and

Eighty-three percent of library systems offer youth programming in all of their branches.

One in six U.S. youth experience a mental health disorder each year, including 57,000 Marylanders aged 12-17 who suffer from depression, according to a 2021 report published by the nonprofit National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Nearly half (45%) of those Maryland youth didn’t receive mental health treatment in the previous year, the NAMI report stated, and high school students with depression are more than twice as likely to drop out as their peers.

The MSLA Youth Services Mental Health Survey shed light on strategic efforts by Maryland public libraries to create healthy, positive engagement opportunities with youth and families. Library systems offered staff training to support youth mental health and noted that mental health is a top priority for programming and outreach staff working with youth and families. 

Libraries reported offering programs, services or resources that address youth bullying, relationships, gender identity, anti-racism, LGBTQIA+/Pride, divorce, incarcerated family members, unemployment, food and housing insecurity, suicide, drug/substance abuse, death and grief, and military-connected topics. Programs included therapy dogs, guest speakers, grief support groups, creative expression activities like journaling and art, self-care, yoga, quiet corners, aromatherapy, stress balls and more. Library systems also described forming strong partnerships with county mental health agencies, hospices, meditation and yoga centers, and other organizations. 

Some libraries have developed unique ways to support youth mental health, like sensitive-topic bookmarks, access to private spaces, check-ins, hygiene resource centers and feedback boards. Many Maryland libraries also offer or partner with community organizations on food insecurity and summer meal programs so youth don’t go hungry. Still, some rural library systems noted youth programs and services that focus on mental health could be improved within libraries and the counties they serve, with one stating “not enough” is being done to support youth mental health locally and another stating there is a “severe shortage” of professional mental health services for children and teens.

With a variety of programs, services and resources available throughout the state, MSLA works closely with Maryland library systems and a host of partner agencies to support youth mental health efforts. A long-standing partnership between MSLA, the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, and the Maryland Department of Health’s Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans has resulted in an innovative training program that prepares librarians to best serve service members, veterans and military families, including youth. A joint event to build on that program is planned in November.

A summary of the MSLA Youth Services Mental Health Survey can be found here​. An analysis of the survey results will be completed soon.​

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