Subaward Project

Collection Equity: New Haven Free Public Library


The New Haven Public Library (Library) recognizes its role as a contributor to community health. The Collection Equity Award would allow the Library to increase access to health, medical, and wellness resources and materials that serve a diverse and multilingual urban population. We strive to eliminate common barriers to health equity and health literacy by offering a range of fitness, nutrition, and life-cycle educational programs.

The Library's "On Death and Dying" series was well-attended (approximately 50 participants) and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the local community. The 4-program series included discussions led by death doulas about grieving the loss of a loved one and other experts about options for burial.

We have offered access to an array of free outdoor fitness classes, including Zumba, High- Intensity Interval Training, yoga, and our very popular POUND Fitness.

During the winter, the Library introduced a Basic Nutrition class—attended by 19 participants and viewed an additional 256 times since—the first in an ongoing series for which we plan to build a full curriculum. Supporting collection titles would go a long way in helping patrons fully understand and create lifelong healthy eating habits.

Awardee

Project Lead: New Haven Free Public Library, Ives Main Library
Project Lead: Rory Martorana

Demographics

Age Group: Adults (19-64 yrs.), Seniors (65+ yrs.)
Sexual & Gender Minorities: Women
Geographic Type: International, Medically Underserved Areas/Populations, Urban
Issues & Interests: Behavioral/Social Determinants of Health, Maternal Health, Opioids
Race & Ethnicity: American Indians, Asians/Asian Americans, Blacks/African Americans, Hispanics/Latin Americans, Other Pacific Islanders
Roles of Participants Project is Intended to Serve: General Public, Library or Information Professional, Organization Staff - Community Based

Award Details

Funding Source: Region 7
Project Category: Outreach
Period of Performance: Jan 24, 2022 - Apr 30, 2022
Project Status: Completed

Project Funding

Federal Fiscal Year 2021: $2,000