Public Library Health

Public libraries are critical to our nation’s health.

All Americans need access to current, reliable health information, especially as we navigate complex issues like health care, insurance and aging. Public libraries are a go-to resource throughout this journey.

This website, a project of the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM) and the Public Library Association (PLA), brings together a host of resources to help public libraries better serve their patrons’ health needs.

Latest Resources

Tools, program ideas and primers to help public libraries get the information and inspiration they need.

Libraries are Champions of Health Communities (Facebook Group)

ALA Libraries Transform Health Literacy Toolkit

Insurance Jargon

All Resources

Latest Trainings

The National Network of Libraries of Medicine and its Regional Medical Libraries offer live and online educational experiences for health professionals, medical librarians, public librarians and others. The courses below are those most relevant to public librarians.

Will Duct Tape Cure My Warts? Examining Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Oct 15,2018 to Nov 26, 2018

LinkOut for Libraries

Nov 1, 2018 2:00PM - 3:00PM ET

Food for Thought: Exploring Nutrition Information Resources

Nov 5, 2018 to Nov 30, 2018

All Trainings

The Get Covered Connector is a nationwide online scheduling tool that allows consumers to search for free, local enrollment assistance. Consumers that receive in-person assistance are nearly 60% more likely to enroll.

News Feed

Overweight in Pregnancy? Here's How to Keep Excess Pounds at Bay

TUESDAY, Sept. 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Heather Kinion never spent much time thinking about her weight. But when she got pregnant, that changed.

"My si...

Number of Infants Born With Syphilis Reaches 20-Year High: CDC

TUESDAY, Sept. 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- The number of newborns suffering from syphilis has nearly tripled in recent years, U.S. health officials reported Tuesda...

Health Insurance Companies Are Prime Targets for Hackers

TUESDAY, Sept. 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Hackers are targeting medical record data more than ever, and their most rewarding prey appears to be health insurance c...

Breast Cancer Treatment Adherence Rates Vary by Race

TUESDAY, Sept. 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Black women are more likely than white women to skip important hormonal breast cancer treatments, new research indicates...

All News