A library in Chicago's West Garfield Park neighborhood is beginning to offer mental health services, aiming to serve a community that has suffered from disinvestment and high crime rates.
The Henry E. Legler Library, which originally opened in 1920, is now opening its doors as a place where area residents can get help and feel heard.
Jordan Henderson, a licensed counselor with the Chicago Department of Public Health, meets with West Garfield Park residents once a week in the library's study room.
“People don’t expect to see mental health services at a library, so what a great opportunity for us to be right here in the community,” Henderson said.
Henderson offers counseling services at the library each Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., accepting both walk-ins and referrals from others.
“We know this community has a lot of trauma and we are able to help process,” Henderson said.
Henderson has been working at Legler Library for nearly a month, and is one of three clinicians currently working at Chicago public libraries.
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“By being here, you remove a lot of the barriers to going and getting service,” he said.
Henderson estimates he’s seen about two dozen people since he started.
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“I have to imagine that number would go up if I was here more …we have seen a really big demonstrated need," Henderson said.
The access of services at a local library is seen by some experts as vital to addressing the cycle of violence.
“Being able to go to a local library, meet with someone in your community ... not have to make an appointment …just show up, talk to someone and get connected to services. I think it will meet a lot of the needs in the communities we serve,” Kelly Carroll of the Institute for Non-Violence Chicago said.
The Department of Public Health is currently exploring other possible co-locations as part of the Mayor Brandon Johnson’s mental health expansion strategy.
