When was the last time you visited your local public library? Maybe you are a regular. Maybe you drop by infrequently but wish you could find time to go more often. Or maybe you have not been to a library in a really long time.
If you fall into that last group, you might find a lot has changed since the last time you were in a library. In keeping with advances in technology and shifting community needs over time, many libraries have greatly expanded their offerings beyond housing hundreds and hundreds of books that can be checked out at no cost.
If you are a person in recovery from a substance use disorder, many of those expanded services and opportunities could be useful to you as you work to maintain your sobriety. Let’s take a look at some of the ways a trip to the local library can help support your sobriety.
And let’s start with the obvious.
Find Recovery Information and Inspiration on the Library Shelves
Make no mistake. Any library—even in these days of e-readers and discounted books offered online—is going to have a generous helping of books on its shelves. A trip to your library provides an opportunity to find books that might be helpful to you in recovery.
You might look for nonfiction titles that offer strategies for staying sober. You might check out a memoir by someone who has struggled with drugs or alcohol and now hopes to encourage others with their story. Or you might find a novel or a book of poetry that addresses themes related to recovery.
In addition, the odds are pretty good that your library might offer movies and documentaries that address similar topics.
Of course, sometimes you want material that has nothing to do with substance use disorders and recovery.
Find Great Options for Rest and Relaxation on the Library Shelves
Maybe you really love learning about history. Perhaps you are a big fan of mysteries or westerns or thrillers or sci-fi or fantasy novels. Maybe you have a taste for poetry—the classics or the modern or both. Maybe you just feel like binging a television show even though you are not subscribed to all of the various streaming services.
Whatever your taste in entertainment, the library more than likely has you covered. And taking some time to rest and relax by diving into a diverting book or movie actually supports your recovery by lowering your stress levels and allowing you to recharge.
But what if reading or watching television and movies is not your idea of a good time? The library can help with that, too.
Learn a New Hobby—And Maybe Find What You Need to Pursue It
We are big advocates of having an engaging hobby in recovery. And your local library can be a great way to take a deeper dive into something you are interested in. Your library likely has books on everything from chess to woodworking, fishing to baseball card collecting, gardening to cooking.
And increasingly, you might find that your library offers various things that might be helpful. The library might check out board games or hand tools or baking pans. Whatever your interest, there is a good chance the library will have some resources that will help you pursue it.
Heck, you might even get a group together and learn something new with each other. Or you might just hang out.
Set Up a Meet Up at the Library—Or Sign Up to Volunteer
You are far less likely to get shushed at the library than you might think. These days, many libraries have plenty of space set aside for groups to get together to work on a project or to play a game or just to socialize. There might even be a coffee shop in your community’s library.
Having a positive social life is a great way to support your sobriety, and the library can be an appealing, low-to-no cost spot to get together with friends. Many libraries are open in the evening and on weekends, so you and your friends can find a time that works for all of you to gather.
Your library might also offer volunteer opportunities—and volunteering for an organization that is important to you is another great way to give a boost to your recovery efforts. Ask any library employee what opportunities might be available at your location.
Just for Reference: We Can Help You Get and Stay Sober
At French Creek Recovery Center—located in Meadville, Pennsylvania—we are committed to helping people who are struggling with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders.
Our personalized approach to treatment can help you take back control of your life. Through our medically supervised detoxification program, therapeutic rehabilitation efforts, and our continuum of care, we help you get sober, give you the resources to help you stay sober, and provide ongoing support.