The Henry E. Legler Library in Chicago’s West Garfield Park neighborhood is now providing mental health services to address the needs of a community affected by disinvestment and high crime rates. Licensed counselor Jordan Henderson, from the Chicago Department of Public Health, meets with residents once a week at the library to offer counseling services on Tuesdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., open to both walk-ins and referrals from others.
Henderson has been working at Legler Library for nearly a month and is among three clinicians working at Chicago public libraries. By being present at the library, he hopes to remove barriers that prevent people from seeking mental health services. Henderson has already seen about two dozen individuals and believes the number could increase with more consistent presence.
Experts emphasize the importance of offering mental health services at local libraries as they provide a familiar environment where community members can access services without needing appointments. This can make a significant difference for those who may not have had access to these resources before. The Department of Public Health is exploring additional co-locations as part of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s mental health expansion strategy, recognizing that breaking the cycle of violence requires addressing the root causes and providing support to those in need.