A bit of comfort, in the form of Community Comfort Carts, are now available at all Rock Island Public Library physical locations. The goals are to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health by discussing it openly, leading people to resources, and letting people know that they are not alone.
Each multi-drawer rolling cart contains beneficial items and activities that may help someone having a bad day or struggling to get back on track. All are freely available, without judgment. Currently, that includes a mix of light snacks, personal care supplies, sensory and fidget items, mini mental health journals, mental health resource cards and informational articles. Contents will be evaluated and adjusted by library staff as needed.
"Focusing on improving the community is a core value of the library. This project aligns with our transformative and inclusive goals of our strategic plan,” said Angela Campbell, Rock Island Public Library director. “For more than a century we've been a referral service to those in need. Our Community Comfort Carts are one more way people can begin their search for answers here at the library.”
Mental health resources were among the top five priorities in a 2022 community survey for using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. A stakeholder focus group, chaired by Second Ward Alderman Randy Hurt, identified unmet needs, potential partnerships and programs. In May, the Rock Island City Council granted ARPA dollars to the Rock Island Public Library for the purpose of providing mental health resources.
The ARPA-funded project extends beyond comfort carts. Upcoming mental health and wellness programming are planned for November and December. (See attached PDF or visit the library calendar.) In 2025, the library will introduce ongoing coffee and conversation meetups to increase connection.
“We are very pleased with the partnership between the City and the Library that made these comfort carts possible. We take mental health seriously and hope these bring encouragement and relief,” said Fourth Ward Alderwoman Jenni Swanson, who serves as president of the RIPL Board of Trustees.
The mental health partnership first launched during Mental Health Awareness Month in May. Since then, the library has raised awareness with complimentary “Stop the Stigma” wristbands, pins, mental health resource cards and QR code stickers. The mental health resource cards and stickers are available on the new Comfort Carts.
Mental Health Matters Flyer
Upcoming programs and reading ideas for mental health, stress reduction, and connection.