The public library as therapeutic landscape: a qualitative case study

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Environmental Psychology
• Mental Health Studies

Background:

• The concept of therapeutic landscapes explores the connection between physical environments and mental health.
• Public libraries are often viewed as service providers, with their environmental benefits less recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of public libraries as therapeutic landscapes for individuals with mental health problems.
• To highlight the environmental qualities of libraries that contribute to mental well-being.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study utilizing data from individuals with mental health problems.
• Analysis of the public library as a physical and social environment.

Main Results:

• Public libraries function as familiar, welcoming, comforting, and empowering spaces.
• These environmental aspects offer significant, previously unrecognized mental health benefits.
• Proposed library closures threaten these crucial therapeutic environmental contributions.

Conclusions:

• Public libraries serve as essential therapeutic landscapes, fostering mental health through their environmental characteristics.
• Recognizing libraries as environments, not just service providers, is critical for understanding their community value.
• The potential loss of these therapeutic environments due to closures warrants serious consideration.