May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Wake County Public Libraries is rolling out a robust lineup of programs and launching a resource to help young children build essential emotional skills.
“Libraries play a powerful role in supporting the well-being of our community,” said Wake County Commissioner Cheryl Stallings. “By offering programs and resources that help residents of all ages understand emotions and build resilience, our libraries are creating spaces where mental health is supported and strengthened.”
Mental Health Awareness Month programs
Local libraries will host a variety of programs throughout May to support mindfulness, emotional health and community connection. All events are free, but some require registration. See the full list here.
Stress Less Party for Teens
Tuesday, May 5 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Oberlin Regional Library
Join us and wind down with oversized coloring sheets, have a story read to you and make a piece of “chewelry.”The Art of Connecting Through Meditation
Tuesday, May 5 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Virtual
Join Dr. Richard Seader, longtime meditator and national speaker, for a deep and engaging meditation workshop.Grief Recovery: Loss of a Spouse
Saturday, May 9 | 2–3 p.m.
North Regional Library
Hear from Duke Hospice Bereavement Services on different aspects unique to grieving the loss of a spouse and learn ways of coping as you continue to mourn.Mindfulness with Tai Chi
Monday, May 11 | 10–11 a.m.
Green Road Community Library
Enjoy a Tai Chi lesson with Ling! Yoga mats will be provided for attendees who don’t have their own.Intro to Zentangle
Saturday, May 16 | 2–3:30 p.m.
Zebulon Community Library
Create a Zentangle tile with certified Zentangle instructor Sarah Harris. This beginner’s course will teach the meditative art designed to lower stress, reduce anxiety and improve focus. All materials provided.Finding Direction: Breath & Meditation for Decision-Making with Hyun Pak
Sunday, May 31 | 2–3 p.m.
Oberlin Regional Library
Learn simple breath and meditation practices that support balance in the mind and allow a sense of direction to emerge when decisions feel stuck or unclear.
Librarians have also curated special booklists to explore during Mental Health Awareness Month. Print books are available here and downloadable books can be found here.
Social-Emotional Learning Kits now available
Created for kids in pre-K through second grade, Social Emotional Learning Kits are designed to help children develop essential life skills including self-awareness, self-management, empathy and responsible decision-making.
These interactive kits support reading and literacy using books, activities and simple crafts. Caregivers and children can spend time together in a meaningful way, talk about feelings and learn more about emotional topics.
Themes include:
MindfulnessManaging Big EmotionsMaking and Keeping FriendsProblem SolvingGrief
Kits are available for three-week loan periods and may be browsed online at guides.wake.gov/SEL.
Learn more about Wake County Public Libraries at wake.gov/Libraries.