The role of libraries in reducing loneliness

An Open Table community lunch at Bargoonga Nganjin North Fitzroy Library prepared by Matt Preston and a team of volunteers.

The quality of our social connections and relationships are a critical part of our health and wellbeing. According to research from 2017, being lonely and socially isolated can pose a bigger risk for premature death than smoking.

Public libraries play a vital role in reducing loneliness and promoting social connection in communities. There a number of really simple but effective services they provide that are unlike any other institution. They are:

• A welcoming and inclusive space

This can be especially important for those who may feel isolated or lonely due to various reasons, such as living alone, being new to an area, or having limited mobility. Libraries can reach out to new residents through their council’s property services department, or partner with local real estate agents who will know when new residents enter the area.

• Opportunities for social interaction

These can include book clubs, discussion groups, community lunches and workshops, but can also be incidental, e.g. browsing in the same area or waiting in queue to use the photocopier. Chatty Cafes are another way of providing opportunities for the community to socialise, and some libraries in Victoria are already hosting them in their spaces.

• Access to resources and technology