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…