This article will explore the value of libraries to the public in terms of helping our readers identify and access materials to improve mental health. But first—some history.

The earliest known libraries were collections of documents written on clay tablets, written in the earliest form of script called “cuneiform.” These early libraries developed in what is now Syria. Libraries also developed in the state of Sumer—an ancient region that is now southern Iraq. These were both within the “Fertile Cresent,” from Mesopotamia to the Nile. But the earliest libraries were private and not open to the public.

Early public libraries are known to have existed throughout the ancient world—in Rome, in Athens, and in the Middle East. The earliest library of clay tablets dates back to about 2600 BCE. It is reported that writing was invented a little before 3000 BCE (BCE means “before the common era”). The earliest inscribed clay tablets were of commercial transactions and inventories; they were not items for public distribution or works of literature.

The Evolution of Writing Materials

Developments were made in the materials that could be written upon and preserved. During a long period of change papyrus was used, and over the centuries manuscripts made use of materials such as vellum, calf skin, and leather. The first paper-like material was made from papyrus in Egypt in the third millennium—2560 to 2550 BCE.

The production of paper is known to have first occurred in China, and the earliest archaeological evidence of paper is from Gansu Province dating to about 179 BCE. Prior to the invention of paper, the Chinese were writing on bone and bamboo. Paper is made primarily from wood pulp, which is prepared in such a way as to create a smooth writing surface, and, of course, it took centuries to improve this process.

Modern Libraries and Everyday Access

Nowadays paper is cheap and available everywhere. We take it for granted. And we take public libraries for granted as well, because Americans have fairly easy access to both public and, with permission, private libraries. In most libraries that we have access to today, people can find pretty much any information they want, whether general or mental health-related information.

A Personal Connection

I know quite a bit about libraries because I have spent so much time in them over the years. My interest in reading didn’t actually take off until I was in 9th grade, when we started reading books and plays in English class that were of interest to me. Before that year, I thought the range of material we had to read in school was the most boring stuff on Earth. I not only learned to love reading and libraries, my first career was as a professional reference librarian, having gotten a Master’s in Library and Information Studies at Syracuse University.

Libraries and Mental Health Support

Libraries have a wealth of information and resources in the realm of mental health. Just about anything you want to find you can find, whether in books, magazines, journals, brochures and in online resources. Most librarians are not specialists in helping people find mental health resources, but most of them will be able to point you in the right direction.

Whether you are searching for information on anxiety, depression, ADHD, or some type of general or serious mental illness, most public libraries will either have materials for you to look at, or they can order through inter-librarian loan the materials you want. And, of course, a lot of what our readers may be looking for can be found online and printed off for you, sometimes for free and sometimes for a nominal fee, which is to offset the cost of paper. Plus there are digital printed resources and audio books and videos that you can access from your home—you don’t even need to visit your local library.

Go Beyond the Public Library

Don’t stop at public libraries. There are numerous academic libraries in the Capital District. College and university libraries will generally have more specific and technical materials and resources than do public libraries. And the rule of thumb is that academic libraries can be used by people in the community; they are not restricted to being used only by members of the academic community.

By: Terry McMaster, LMSW, EAP Clinician