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.

Grants and Proposal Writing

Feb 14, 2019 2:00PM - 3:00PM ET

Improving the Health, Safety, and Well-being of LGBT Populations

Mar 26, 2019 1:00PM - 2:00PM CT

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

Still Too Many Highway Deaths Tied to Speeding

THURSDAY, Jan. 17, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Speeding is a factor in nearly one-third of U.S. traffic deaths, but doesn't get enough attention as a traffic safety is...

Opioid Use in Pregnancy Tied to Severe Birth Defects

THURSDAY, Jan. 17, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- More American infants are being born with their intestines outside of their bodies, and the disturbing trend might be l...

Opioid Prescriptions Almost Twice as Likely for Rural vs. Urban Americans

THURSDAY, Jan. 17, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- As the United States battles an epidemic of opioid abuse, people living in rural areas have nearly two times the odds of...

Experimental Drug Could Be New Option for Type 2 Diabetes

THURSDAY, Jan. 17, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- An experimental drug may help people with type 2 diabetes curb their blood sugar without causing it to drop to dangerous...

All News