May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, which has been observed in the US since 1949. Over the last few years, especially as a result of the pandemic, there has been a growing understanding of how mental health impacts everyone's lives, from isolation to stress and depression.
Alameda County Library supports the mental wellness of our members and communities by offering programs, information, and resources focused on mental health — this month and every month.
(If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental crisis, call or text 988 to be connected with free and confidential support and services.)
Upcoming Mental Health Programs
Join AC Library for a series of mental health programs led by Library staff and guest speakers throughout the month of May.
- Monday, May 17, 6:00 PM: Social Work Services for People Experiencing Homelessness at Fremont Main Library. Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless (ACHCH) will be at the Fremont Main Library to provide social work services for anyone experiencing homelessness. Highly skilled Social Worker staff will address a variety of services. Get help with Medications, Doctor or Dentist Appointments, Lost or Stolen ID, Alcohol/Drug Counseling Referral, Mental Health Referral, Food Assistance/Nutrition Education, and Optometry Referral. Talk about: Overdose Prevention, Substance Use Treatment Options & Resources. As much as ACHCH would love to serve the general population, its services are exclusively for people experiencing homelessness. Appointments are not necessary. ACHCH staff will see individuals based on medical and social service triage to determine what is a priority and in which order a person will be seen.
- Saturday, May 20, 10:30 AM: Adult Yoga at San Lorenzo Library. Join us for a FREE 90-minute yoga class at the Library! Dress in comfy clothes and bring an exercise mat. Classes are held every 3rd Saturday of the month. All adults and teens are welcome. Instructor Joe Sapena completed the teaching program at the Yoga Room in Berkeley. The practice of yoga has had a profound influence on his life and he hopes to inspire and guide students in their own journey of discovery.
- Saturday, May 20, 10:30 AM: Yoga for Beginners and Beyond at Castro Valley Library. Join us for a FREE 90-minute yoga class at the Library! Dress in comfy clothes and bring an exercise mat. Classes are held every 3rd Saturday of the month. All adults and teens are welcome. Instructor Joe Sapena completed the teaching program at the Yoga Room in Berkeley. The practice of yoga has had a profound influence on his life and he hopes to inspire and guide students in their own journey of discovery. Joe can be contacted at joesapena@gmail.com.
Check Out Local and National Resources
- Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services
- Crisis Support Services of Alameda County
- Berkeley Food and Housing Project
- NAMI East Bay
- Mental Health Association of Alameda County
- Frontline Workers Counseling Project
- National Institute of Mental Health
- The Trevor Project ( LGBTQ youth support)
- SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
Staff Curated Book Lists
Please check out these book lists of titles created by AC Library staff for both children, teens, and adults.
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