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Northborough library presents health-and-wellness engagement report, calls out social isolation and digital-literacy needs
Summary
Library Director Jen Bruno presented an ARPA-supported engagement report based on a consultant-led survey of 191 respondents and focus groups, outlining three priorities—be connected, be informed and be active—and proposing a wellness hub, accessibility work on children’s and teen spaces, and new teen programming.
Jen Bruno, the library director, told the Northborough Youth Commission that a library-funded engagement effort documented widespread concern about social isolation and gaps in health and digital literacy.
"We had a 191 people that responded to the survey," Bruno said, adding that the work was ARPA-funded and conducted by an outside consultant. She cautioned the findings "are not a scientific study" because the survey was distributed primarily through library channels and may not represent the entire town.
The report sets three strategic priorities for the library: "be connected," which emphasizes regular, recurring programs and dedicated teen and tween spaces; "be informed," a proposal for a physical and online wellness hub that collects vetted health resources; and "be active," which expands volunteer pathways that also create social connections.
Bruno highlighted programs already in place that the report flagged as effective, including blood drives, CPR and first-aid certification offerings, and "Caitlin's office hours" at the library in partnership with Health and Human Services. She also said the town's community resource guide has been translated into multiple languages through prior partnerships and that the library distributes rack cards and fentanyl test strips.
The report recommends improving accessibility in children's and teen spaces; Bruno said a state library agency has agreed to provide a free consultation on sensory and physical accessibility and that simple changes—better signage, reorganized layouts—might make spaces more welcoming without large new expenditures.
Digital and health literacy overlap was another theme. Bruno suggested the library can help residents evaluate online health information and raised privacy concerns about using generative AI for health data, saying some users may upload sensitive information without understanding risks.
Commissioners asked about timing and next steps. Bruno said the survey closed late last year, noted that some conditions have already shifted since then, and invited the commission to suggest pilot programs the library might try or to help shape a wellness hub. The commission agreed to review the report and revisit specific recommendations at a future meeting.
The presentation was delivered remotely; the commission set its next meeting for Jan. 6 at the library (with a remote option).
