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The Champlain Library is proud to join the Canadian Mental Health Association in celebrating Mental Health Week from May 1 to May 7, 2023. According to the CMHA, mental illness or mental health issues impact 1 in 5 Canadians annually. This year’s theme, “My Story,” is especially relevant to the library and emphasizes the importance of sharing personal experiences to promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma.

The library understands the power of stories and has fiction, memoirs and self-help books that can help you feel less alone, find comfort and strength, and maybe even inspire you to share your own story. While the stigma around mental illness has improved we realize that it is very real to those struggling with it and also offer ebooks that can be accessed anonymously through the Libby app. All that’s needed is a free library card.

In addition to books, the library also offers programs and resources. Our new Mindful Drawing classes and Seed Library aim to promote relaxation. Knitting and Astronomy clubs provide a sense of community. For parents, we have Story Time and EarlyOn.

We hope these help you in your mental health journey and would like to remind everyone that the library is a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

To share your story, or for more information on Mental Health Week, visit the CMHA website at mentalhealthweek.ca.