Social context for health literacy: Public libraries as health hubs

Objectives

Public libraries are a vital source of health information in their communities. The study expands on social context literature to include public libraries as integral to communities' health literacy development. To support public libraries as community health hubs, the NNLM All of Us Program Center (NAPC) funded projects to strengthen public libraries’ capacity to provide accurate and timely health literacy resources and training.

Study design

Document analysis of grant application and activity report submissions from NAPC-funded organizations.

Methods

The study focused on projects that were led by or involved public libraries to understand libraries’ role in social contexts for health literacy. The applications and reports were analyzed for health literacy components and intended demographics.

Results

Findings show diverse strategies implemented by funded libraries and community organizations to strengthen their communities’ health literacy, both at the individual and organizational level. Strategies included supporting capacity building and library infrastructure through professional development and purchase of technology, increasing free health activities relevant to community needs, and hosting health fairs that bring community healthcare partners together for library users.

Conclusion

Overall, the study highlights the potential transformative role of public libraries in closing health literacy gaps within communities. It provides evidence that libraries are part of the social context that develops health literacy education and that libraries can serve as vital public health allies by utilizing institutional resources, professional training, and strategic partnerships.