Submission: St. Kate’s Library Cares: Mental Health and Wellness Support at the Library

By Katie Vering

St. Kate’s Library is the perfect place to find refuge in the late winter and early spring months. Particularly after the holiday season has ended, between planning and achieving your New Year’s resolutions, you should take advantage of all that the library offers. This includes free tickets to a show at the O’Shaughnessy, CDs hidden in the back of the stacks, a quiet place to browse new books and the opportunity to check out the Libby app for eBooks and audiobooks. You can also try out a new recipe with a cookbook, or read a magazine you’ve always been curious about. 

Looking for textbooks for the spring semester? Check out our textbook collection, updated each semester with your course materials to save money. Need tech help? The library has you covered with a quick visit to the Tech Hub. Assistance with a research project? Ask your subject librarian to meet virtually or in person. Feel free to drop by and visit a research assistant located at the circulation desk. 

The winter months can be difficult for various reasons, but the library is happy to help. According to the National Library of Medicine, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects approximately 5% of the United States population and is more prevalent in northern latitudes. Women are more likely to experience SAD than men, at about a 4:1 ratio. The library has three light therapy lamps available for use within the library, which can bring a little more warmth and the feeling of sunlight to your day. 

Light therapy is proven to increase energy, improve memory, reduce anxiety, and help with productivity. You can start to feel benefits after only 30 minutes of use. Available until spring break, consider trying light therapy as you study, read, or relax in the library. Check out our Light Therapy Wellness Guide or email library@stkate.edu for more information. The library also has “Let’s Talk!” which provides drop-in consultation hours with St. Kate’s Counseling Center counseling staff. This informal one-on-one service is confidential and available Monday through Friday, 1:00-2:00 pm in room 127D. If you prefer, you can also join a virtual session during the specified hours. Friday's “Let’s Talk” provides support from a BIPOC counselor and a therapy dog. If you’re a parent in need of services, meet with Access and Success to find support for you and your family’s needs. We’re here to help and connect you to resources, so stop by, ask us any questions you might have, or simply relax and enjoy spending time in a quiet space.