We’ve created a few ready-to-use guides that you can use on your website or print as handouts. One for helping community members understand addiction, one for people ready to go down the path to recovery, and one specifically for teens. Each section centers the library collection while pointing to help and next steps. Feel free to adapt wording and add your local resources.
In addition, we’ve added tips and links to help you build and maintain your library’s collections, find materials, and examples of other successful library collections.
For the community
For People Ready to Change: Recovery & Self-Directed Help
Just for Teens: Facts, Stories, & Where to Get Help
How to Build and Maintain These Collections
- Scan your community data (county health dashboard; overdose reports; school climate surveys). Align buying with local need.
- Select across pathways (12‑Step, SMART, Recovery Dharma, faith‑based, medication‑assisted, harm reduction). Avoid promoting a single path as the only path.
- Balance genres & voices (memoir, science, policy, practical guides; include women, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, rural/urban perspectives).
- Formats & access: buy print + eBook + audio when possible; create a small no‑return shelf for high‑demand items.
- Weed compassionately: update science titles every 3–5 years; keep classic memoirs.
- Describe clearly: use neutral labels (e.g., Recovery & Wellness rather than Addiction alone); add staff‑written notes in the catalog.
- Measure outcomes: track circulations, shelf use, and short patron surveys; add a quick QR feedback form.
Vendor and Collection Sources
- Trade publishers (health & psychology lists)
- Hazelden Publishing (recovery‑focused)
- Government & NGO pamphlets (SAMHSA, CDC, state health departments)
- Local partners (health department, recovery courts, community coalitions