Mission
- To readily connect our patrons and staff to information (both physical and digital) to educate and inform their optimal mental health.
- To reduce stigma often associated with mental health issues so that our patrons and staff feel empowered to seek whatever help they need.
- To be a bridge of information to our community partners, who can further assist with their expertise.
Vision
- A community that feels more at ease discussing mental health as a part of their overall health, and has greatly freed itself of the stigma that surrounds mental health topics so that they feel ready to reach out for help and know that they are not alone.
Values
- Diversity: We honor that everyone has their own story, and that one person’s mental health needs will be different from those of another. We strive to work across age groups, ethnicities, disability and socioeconomic status by working with affinity teams and service levels to best meet the needs of each group.
- Inclusion: We include all in our mission to optimize mental health in our community.
- Education: We strive to continue educating ourselves with the goal to connect patrons to mental health education and support.
- Community: We are welcoming, open, and ready to connect our patrons with the information they need to maintain good mental health.
Mission
- To readily connect our patrons and staff to information (both physical and digital) to educate and inform their optimal mental health.
- To reduce stigma often associated with mental health issues so that our patrons and staff feel empowered to seek whatever help they need.
- To be a bridge of information to our community partners, who can further assist with their expertise.
Vision
- A community that feels more at ease discussing mental health as a part of their overall health, and has greatly freed itself of the stigma that surrounds mental health topics so that they feel ready to reach out for help and know that they are not alone.
Values
- Diversity: We honor that everyone has their own story, and that one person’s mental health needs will be different from those of another. We strive to work across age groups, ethnicities, disability and socioeconomic status by working with affinity teams and service levels to best meet the needs of each group.
- Inclusion: We include all in our mission to optimize mental health in our community.
- Education: We strive to continue educating ourselves with the goal to connect patrons to mental health education and support.
- Community: We are welcoming, open, and ready to connect our patrons with the information they need to maintain good mental health.
Synapse Picks
Synapse Team supports the community in mental wellness
Oct 26, 2022
PCPL has launched its newest affinity team. Synapse aims to create a community that feels at ease discussing mental health without stigma.
Healing is possible
The Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorder offers free peer support services to anyone struggling with an eating disorder.
Bibliotherapy for Kids: Finding Hope in Death, Loss & Grief
Below are the recommended titles covering topics of death, loss, and grief for kids.
Mental Health & Wellness: New Books for Children
Please always seek care from a mental health professional to find out how this topic may or may not apply to your unique situation.
A Neurodivergent/Mental Health Romance List)
The request: books with neurodiverse & mental health disorder representation but no sexual assault or domestic violence. Here's the list!
Bibliotherapy for Kids: Coping with Anxiety
The fiction books on this list cover themes of anxiety and worry for children.
Bibliotherapy for Muslim Children - Picture Books & Readers
These books can be a source of representation and reflection for younger kids experiencing mental health stressors like xenophobia.
Bibliotherapy for Muslim Children, Middle Grade Picks
These books can be a source of representation and reflection for kids experiencing mental health stressors like xenophobia.
Practice mindfulness meditation on your own
Enjoy these free guided meditations—available in multiple languages—from UCLA Health.
The Anxiety of Healing
Knowing that anxiety is often part of recovery can help patients and families navigate the healing journey.
How Routines Help Kids’ Mental Health
Adding routines to your life doesn’t have to be complex. You can start today and build on them over time.
Healthy Body, Healthy Mind: Exploring Somatic Therapy
Learn more about this therapeutic approach and the mind-body connection via the books on this list.
Imposter Syndrome, Begone!
Imposter Syndrome can be cruel. These books could help empower you and aid in your efforts to silence self-doubt.
Synapse Picks: Large Print Edition
From fiction to memoirs to self-help: Synapse picks in a larger format for ease of reading.
Girl, so confusing
These novels feature young women with lived experience with mental health and wellness challenges; no matter who you are, you are not alone.
Ten factors to consider
Searching for a gender-competent therapist for your child? Check out this guide!
The Library's Synapse Team