The cure for loneliness might be at your local library
SocialRx program offers an antidote for isolation
Connection and belonging are essential for individual well-being and the health of our communities. But in recent years, loneliness, disconnection, and isolation have swept through the country. According to the US Surgeon General’s recent report on loneliness and isolation, up to 50 percent of Americans have reported feelings of loneliness. There won’t be just one cure for this epidemic, but libraries can be part of the solution by offering spaces and programs that encourage connection.
In Texas, Amarillo Public Library is reaching out to community members experiencing social isolation and social anxiety through their SocialRx programs. SocialRx is designed to help community members make new connections and introduce them to engaging opportunities available in the community. We interviewed program specialist Cynthia Hunt to learn more about this impactful program.
WebJunction: What is SocialRx?
Cynthia Hunt: Each month, we have a SocialRx event. At it, I talk about why people need to be aware of and combat social isolation and loneliness (including physical health risks, emotional/mental health risks), how to determine whether you or a loved one is at risk for social isolation, and talk about a specific communication or social skill as a “refresher.” Then, I introduce one of the day’s guest presenters, who talks about their non-profit, club, special interest group, and the social opportunities (volunteer needs, classes, fellowship, etc.) they offer. This is followed by a few minutes of Q&A; then I introduce the next presenter and we do the same thing. I’m not limiting this to non-profits, but I’m definitely including them.
Can you tell us more about some of the SocialRx events you’ve held?
We’ve had a great variety of speakers! At one event, the Amarillo Little Theater came to talk about their fall adult classes and their volunteer opportunities, and another guest spoke about the FEMA-originated CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) adult volunteer program and all it entails. By the end of the meeting, three people signed up to volunteer for Amarillo Little Theater and one signed up for the CERT team.
Other guest presenters were from the League of Women Voters, the ACTS Community Resource Center, and Amarillo Department of Animal Management and Welfare. The ACTS Community Resource Center has a senior center, an after school program, food program, anti-human trafficking program and a laundry program for the underprivileged, and are starting up a new digital training program for seniors through a partnership with us. The Amarillo Department of Animal Management and Welfare is looking for volunteers to help socialize animals and help them find forever homes.
We have also had lots of arts and culture presenters, including Arts in the Sunset (they offer art classes), the Golden Spread Chorus (includes both men and women), the Palo Duro Metro Chorus (women’s singing group), the Amarillo Genealogical Society, and Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum.
What has the community response been like?
The groups we’ve asked to present have been very enthusiastic, and many of the presenters have mentioned after their event that they had no idea what all the library now offers—quite a few get library cards on their way out. We’re also slowly building up our monthly attendance, with more people returning each month, and many have gone out of their way to thank us for helping them find ways to connect. One woman had been recently and unexpectedly widowed and came because she desperately needed to get out of her house and be around people. One of the presenters took her under her wing right then and there.
SocialRx is benefitting the library not only by helping patrons who are socially isolated become more engaged in the community, but also by introducing the library to many organizations and clubs who are now prospective program partners (one singing group, the Palo Duro Metro Chorus, performed carols at our Memory Café in December). Some presenters, hearing other group’s presentations, have established connections with each other as well, and are making plans to help each other. It’s enormously rewarding, sometimes in ways we had never anticipated.
Is there anything else that would be helpful for others to know?
According to articles I’ve read on social isolation, doing the necessary research when you’re trying to find your niche in a community is one of the hardest parts about becoming socially engaged, especially if you aren’t used to interacting with others. SocialRx does that for you, and eliminates any pressure to join or commit.
What advice do you have for libraries that want to create a similar program?
One of the things you need to be prepared for is to promote this series heavily, and on an ongoing basis. Many people became accustomed to staying home during the pandemic, so getting them to reengage will take time and effort. About a week before your event, encourage presenters to promote their presentations on their groups’ social media ahead of their presentation, detailing when and where. Try to take promotional posters/flyers listing the groups that will be presenting to area community centers, independent living communities, coffee houses, etc.
Have guidelines set up in advance to determine the types of presenters your library is comfortable hosting before you start scheduling presenters. For instance, will commercial businesses be allowed to present, or not? As soon as people hear about this series, they will be asking if their group can present, so having guidelines decided ahead of time will prove helpful.
Where can we learn more about SocialRx?
We launched a SocialRx playlist on our Amarillo Public Library YouTube channel, and have obtained permission to purchase a teleprompter for it and to create other YouTube videos for the channel.
The first video, "What is SocialRx?" was posted a few days before the August SocialRx event and covered the same information that I did in my portion of the program. Topics include types of social support, where to meet new friends, and social isolation versus loneliness.
Wrapping up: Belonging in our communities
As community gathering spaces, public libraries can play an important role in rebuilding connection and belonging in our communities. Programs like SocialRx are doing just that, by offering spaces for shared learning and interaction.
Has your library created a programming or resources to address loneliness and isolation? We’d love to hear more about it! You can reach us at via [email protected] or find us on Facebook.