The Loneliness Epidemic: Your Libraries Role in Socialization

To register for this webinar please follow this link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/9517399197978/WN_RTkOZhXVSFinsFZWrCQI0g. Sessions are free and available only to members of the Michigan library community. Registrants will receive instructions and a link to attend the session directly from PCI after they register.

Loneliness has been deemed a public health crisis, and libraries might be poised to help resolve it. Libraries are generally recognized as places where we can gain knowledge and better ourselves. Can that include libraries playing a role in decreasing loneliness and improving our health through socialization?

As pillars of the community, libraries help build community, which supports our health and well-being.

Loneliness has been linked to an increased risk for heart disease, dementia, anxiety, obesity, and addiction at the personal level. At the community level, social isolation can lead to polarization and less cooperation.

This program will discuss the heath detriments of loneliness and ways libraries are already viewed as resources that can combat this.

As a result of this program attendees will:

• Name 5 possible health detriments linked to loneliness
• Explain how libraries can foster community engagement and lessen social isolation

Instructor: Laura Greco, RN, MEd is a certified wellness coach and speaker who facilitates learning and changing habits. She helps professionals eliminate burnout, manage stress, create life balance, and rekindle their sense of purpose and joy. Self-care (body, mind, and spirit) is the basis for well-being and we all have the capacity to make positive lifestyle changes are 2 of her foundational beliefs. She is the author of Wellness Made Simple. For more information, please visit her website www.YouBloomWellness.com.

PCI Webinars are recorded and available to members of the Michigan library community in the Library of Michigan's Niche Staff Skills Academy about a week after they air. New webinars will be in the New category for several weeks. You do not need to register for a webinar in order to view it later in the Staff Skills Academy.

This project is made possible by grant funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administered by the State of Michigan through the Library of Michigan.