![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/St-Davids-1024x245.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThrough a partnership with the St. David\u2019s Foundation\u2019s Libraries for Health<\/em><\/a> initiative, the library now offers free mental health support services, both one-on-one and in group settings. This includes programs addressing anxiety, depression, divorce, and single parenting\u2014all from the welcoming, trusted, and accessible environment of the local library.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Melinda Hodges first began exploring the role libraries could play in public health during the early days of the pandemic. While completing a Certified Public Manager program for public sector professionals\u2014she focused her capstone project on the potential for libraries to improve community health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe reports on mental health in America are scary,\u201d Hodges said. \u201cPeople are more isolated than ever. I wanted to understand how libraries\u2014trusted and accessible spaces\u2014could help change that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shortly after completing her research, the St. David\u2019s Foundation reached out. Buda was one of several libraries in Central Texas identified for the pilot phase of Libraries for Health<\/em>, an initiative developed in partnership with the RAND Corporation to bring mental health support to rural and underserved communities. There are eight libraries across Central Texas participating in St. David’s Foundation’s Libraries for Health initiative; Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center, Taylor Public Library, Elgin Public Library, Del Valle Library, Smithville Public Library, San Marcos Public Library, and Martindale Public Library. <\/p>\n\n\n There are two main components to the initiative: funding to support library programming and staff capacity, as well as on-site peer support specialists who offer services to the public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These peer support specialists\u2014like George Barrera and Victoria Alaniz\u2014have personal experience navigating mental health challenges and undergo certification through VIA Hope, the program\u2019s training partner. They lead support groups and are available for private appointments each week.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019ve dealt with depression and anxiety myself,\u201d Barrera said. \u201cNow I use what I\u2019ve learned to help others. People can come here without the fear of judgment or a big price tag.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the library, Barrera facilitates group sessions and can see up to five individuals a day in one-on-one meetings. Alaniz brings her own lived experience and also meets individually with community members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Support groups and lecture series currently include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Individual sessions can also be scheduled through the library\u2019s online calendar<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The program doesn\u2019t stop at direct peer support. With the help of grant funding, the Buda Public Library has hosted a variety of mental wellness-related events and programs. One standout was the Hobby Fair<\/em> in January, designed to encourage social connection\u2014a key factor in long-term mental health. The event exceeded expectations, drawing almost 300 attendees and offering hands-on activities, raffles, and resource booths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next up: a \u201cThrive Together\u201d Mental Health and Self-Care Fair on May 10, featuring a convention-style layout with local organizations, breakout sessions, and even an evening concert. You can find full details and sign up here: Buda Library Event Calendar<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Staff participation is another core element of the program. Through the Libraries for Health<\/em> initiative, Hodges and her team have taken part in trainings on trauma-informed care, mental health first aid, de-escalation techniques, and WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plans)<\/a>. These professional development opportunities empower staff to better support patrons and manage challenges sensitively and effectively \u2014skills that extend far beyond the mental health program itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Still, there are limitations. The program is currently funded through December 2025, and while Hodges has presented to city leadership about the importance of continuing the services, long-term sustainability remains uncertain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hodges understands that some might question why libraries are involved in mental health at all. But such services are scarce, especially in rural communities, and often have unnecessary stigmas associated with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn a small town, people might hesitate to park outside a mental health clinic,\u201d she said. \u201cBut the library is a neutral, welcoming space. Just walking in doesn\u2019t mean anything specific\u2014and that makes it easier to ask for help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She advises other libraries considering similar programs to start by evaluating capacity\u2014not just physical space, but staff bandwidth and emotional labor. \u201cYou have to be honest about what you can take on,\u201d she said. \u201cBut libraries are often the only place left that\u2019s open to everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow It Started<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Libraries-for-Health-923x1024.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhat the Program Offers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/George-Barrera.png\")
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<\/li>\n\n\n\nCreative Approaches to Connection<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Patrons](\"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/IMG_0894-1024x575.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Buda-hobby-Fair-1012x1024.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nTraining for Library Staff<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A Bigger Conversation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n