Washington library hosting mental health program

WASHINGTON — Washington Public Library staff are planning “Mental Health Mondays” for kids in grades 7-12 from Jan. 9 to Feb. 13. Youth Services Librarian Jenisa Harris said the hourlong weekly class would teach participants important strategies to use in their lives.

“It’s really to learn about healthy mindfulness tools and activities and resources to support their individual mental health and well-being,” she said. “I thought it would be a perfect thing to start the new year. It will teach kids how to handle stress and anxiety and just have a more mindful way of thinking going into this new year.”

Harris was trained for the program through the Iowa State Extension office, which provided lesson outlines and a curriculum. She said there were several reasons to bring the affair to the library.

One of those reasons is personal: a minor in the community who died from suicide last year was close with many at the Washington library.

Another was the rapidly changing world confronting today’s young adults.

“I have seen the need for more mindfulness techniques,” Harris said. “I feel like (with) social media and the internet, our kids are in everything. Their world becomes very chaotic, and so just having them learn tools of how to do some deep breathing, some mindfulness techniques … the younger you learn it, the better.”

Harris said she felt equipped to work with the kids involved in the lessons, which can host up to 15 participants.

“I feel I have made really strong relationships with the teens I work with in the community,” she said. “To teach this, I feel like it should be by a trusted adult. I feel like the kids will be more willing to come and do this with me if they trust me, versus a stranger … and I feel like the library’s a safe spot for people to feel welcome and safe, so that’s another great reason to have it here.”

The program will run on Mondays at the library from 4-5 p.m. from Jan. 9 to Feb. 13. Harris said those interested could register by calling, or using the library website.

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