Longwood University has been awarded a $19,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for a project to serve student and community needs related to mental health and well-being. In collaboration with Longwood’s Counseling and Psychological Services and the Dean of Well-Being, Maureen Walls-McKay, the Greenwood Library will provide well-being programming and materials for students, faculty and staff members, and members of the Farmville and Prince Edward communities.
Research Services Librarian Natalie Browning leads the project entitled “Well-Being in the Heart of Campus: Community Connections at Greenwood.” Activities, which began in November, consist of programs focused on stress management; lifelong skills workshops such as journaling, gardening and knitting; and other well-being opportunities such as speaker events and a mental health town hall.
“We are so excited to be a part of this IMLS-funded initiative. It is especially exciting because it is so inclusive, providing opportunities to learn about and improve well-being for Longwood students, faculty, staff and our friends from the larger Farmville and Prince Edward communities,” said Brent Roberts, Dean of Greenwood Library.
“As we move past the Covid-19 pandemic that has caused an increase in mental health issues and isolation, it is important to address mental health needs and re-engage community members,” Browning added. She believes the Greenwood Library is the perfect place to welcome community members back to campus and provide them with resources to support their mental health needs.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. They advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Their vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
