Adopted by the Board of Trustees: [Date]
- Purpose
[Library Name] recognizes the role of public libraries as inclusive community hubs that support the health and well-being of residents. This policy establishes guidelines for offering and hosting programs that serve individuals in recovery from substance use disorders, mental health challenges, or related life experiences. Programs in the recovery space will align with the Library’s mission and values, while maintaining equity, privacy, neutrality, and safety for all participants.
- Guiding Principles
All library-initiated and partner-led recovery programs will be grounded in the following principles:
Equitable Access – Programs shall be open and accessible regardless of age, gender, faith background, or socioeconomic status. The Library does not endorse specific ideologies, political positions, or faith traditions.
Privacy and Confidentiality – Participant information will not be collected or shared unless explicitly required for program delivery, and only with informed consent.
Trauma-Informed Service – Staff and program partners will strive to create safe, welcoming environments by applying trauma-informed principles: safety; trust and transparency; peer support; collaboration; empowerment; and cultural humility.
Neutrality and Consistency – Meeting room and program policies apply equally to all groups. Sponsorship does not imply library endorsement.
Community Partnership – Programs will be co-developed with qualified partners, including public health agencies, recovery community organizations, and peer specialists.
- Program Types
Programs may include, but are not limited to:
- Peer-led recovery support groups.
- Educational sessions on substance use, harm reduction, or wellness.
- Training opportunities (e.g., naloxone administration, stigma reduction).
- Resource fairs, health screenings, or outreach events.
- Curated collections and resource guides aligned with recovery needs.
- Roles and Responsibilities
- Library Staff: Facilitate scheduling and logistics; Ensure spaces are safe, welcoming, and accessible; Maintain neutrality and uphold privacy.
- Partners/Presenters: Provide content expertise and facilitation; Supply appropriate staffing (e.g., licensed professionals, peer recovery specialists); Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and library policies.
- Safety and Emergency Protocols
- The Library shall maintain a written safety plan for recovery-related programs, including when to contact emergency services.
- If permitted by law and approved by the Board, staff may receive training in administering naloxone as part of overdose response preparedness.
- Any safety or behavioral issues will be managed according to the Library’s Code of Conduct and Incident Response Procedures.
- Evaluation
The Library will work with partners to evaluate programs using non-identifiable data (e.g., attendance ranges, resource uptake, participant feedback). Reports will be shared with the Library Board as part of annual programming reviews.
- References
American Library Association (ALA). Library Bill of Rights; Meeting Rooms: An Interpretation; Privacy Toolkit.
OCLC/WebJunction & Public Library Association. Public Libraries Respond to the Opioid Crisis with Their Communities.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Trauma-Informed Approach; Peer Support Guidance.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Words Matter: Preferred Language for Talking About Addiction.
Approved by the Board of Trustees of [Library Name] on [Date].