Healthy eating classes, yoga, journaling and even babysitting for special events could be coming to the Taylor Public Library soon.
At the Jan. 26 meeting of the Taylor City Council, city leaders approved receiving a two-year grant immediately for $25,000 each year from the St. David’s Foundation, the charitable arm of the hospital, to fund mental health initiatives through the library.
“Given the fact that we have all survived COVID in one way or another, the St. David’s Foundation created this initiative because they saw that there are lots of folks that could probably find some aid and assistance at their local library,” said Library Director Karen Ellis at the meeting. “(It is believed that) 60.7 percent of individuals with mental illness goes untreated, from the Mental Health America’s “State of Mental Health in America” report.”
Ellis said the foundation has already awarded these grants to numerous libraries throughout Central Texas, which have used them for a wide range of mental health efforts, including funding for books, materials, a staff member, budgeting classes, referral to resources and more.
“(Another library) paid babysitters to be at the back of the room, so mom and dad can be at a program,” Ellis said.
District 4 Councilman Robert Garcia said he appreciates how flexible the funding will be.
“I do like the fact that you can hire someone to watch the kids,” Garcia said. “Single parents need five minutes of peace and quiet,” he said.
“We are not doing date night!” Ellis said with a laugh.
Ellis said she will soon begin orientation with the foundation for more specific information, but based on her discussions with area libraries, the possibilities are wide-ranging and important for helping community members deal with anxiety, stress and other mental health problems.
“It’s kind of timely,” Ellis said. “We are getting through COVID, maybe, hopefully, but that fear remains from the effects of lockdowns in terms of not being with other people and schools being closed, or others who had a family member who passed away due to COVID.”
Ellis revealed her own uncle had passed away from the illness, and she is hoping to use this initiative to bolster other people during these difficult times.
“I am not a miracle worker,” she said. “But I would like to find some tools to share.”
