More Good Days, Together: Mental Health Month at SJPL

Every May, organizations across the country come together to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month and to highlight the role mental health plays in our overall wellbeing. This year, Mental Health America’s theme, “More Good Days, Together,” invites us to think about what a “good day” looks like for each of us and how community can help make those days possible. At San José Public Library (SJPL), we know that mental health isn’t just an individual concern, it’s a community one. Our branches are gathering places where people come to learn, rest, connect, and get support, and we’re committed to helping our community have More Good Days,Together.

What Is Mental Health Awareness Month?

Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the United States since 1949 and provides a dedicated time each year to talk openly about mental health, share resources, and challenge stigma. While mental health matters year-round, this month offers a reminder that support is available, it is okay to ask for help, and no one has to navigate challenges alone. Mental health is an essential part of overall health, and everyone deserves access to care, resources, and understanding.

“More Good Days, Together”: What Does That Mean? 

Mental Health America’s 2026 theme, “More Good Days, Together,” focuses on helping people have more good days by meeting them where they are, supporting them as whole people, and respecting that “good” looks different for everyone. A good day might mean feeling safe and stable, having a meaningful conversation, managing symptoms with the right tools, or simply getting through a to-do list without feeling overwhelmed. This theme also emphasizes that we rarely do this alone. Our relationships, environments, and communities all shape our mental health, and connecting people to the right support at the right time can make more good days possible. Libraries play a unique role in this work by offering free access to information, safe spaces to be, and programs that bring people together.  

Take a moment to consider: What does a “good day” look like for you right now? Who or what helps you get there? 

How SJPL Supports Mental Wellness 

At SJPL, we approach mental wellness through multiple lenses: information, connection, creativity, and direct support. Here are a few ways we’re working to foster more good days in our community. 

• TIROC: Trauma-Informed Resilience-Oriented Care - Through our Trauma-Informed Resilience-Oriented Care (TIROC) blog series, SJPL explores how understanding trauma and building resilience can make our library spaces more supportive for everyone. Posts like “Goal Setting and Building Resilience” and “Building Resilience Through Poetry” share practical strategies for navigating stress, setting realistic goals, and using creative expression to process difficult experiences. These resources are designed for both library users and staff, offering tools to recognize how trauma can affect daily life and to respond with compassion. Reading about resilience, self-care, and creativity can be a gentle first step toward caring for your own mental health.  
• Social Workers in the Library  - Sometimes, what we need for our mental health is help with the basics: housing, food, healthcare, legal issues, or navigating complex systems. SJPL’s Social Work Services team offers free, judgment-free support to connect people with resources that can address these needs. Through Social Workers in the Library drop-in hours, community members can meet with trained staff to get referrals and information about social services, mental health support, and more. While these services are not a substitute for emergency or clinical care, they can be an important part of reducing stress, building stability, and feeling less alone while facing challenges. 
• Library Spaces and Programs - Our branches offer more than books. They provide calm, welcoming spaces where you can study, work, or simply take a break in a comfortable environment. Throughout the year, SJPL also hosts programs that support mental wellness, such as mindfulness and meditation sessions, arts and crafts programs, book clubs, and opportunities for creative expression. These programs create low-pressure ways to connect with others, try something new, and build routines that support your wellbeing.
• Mental Health Resources in Our Collection - Learning more about mental health can make it easier to recognize what you are experiencing, understand options for support, and feel seen in others’ stories. SJPL’s collections include books, audiobooks, and digital resources for all ages that explore mental health from many perspectives. A great place to start is our staff-created list, “SJPL Picks: Mental Health Resources,” which features titles on anxiety, depression, trauma, college mental health, stress management, and more.   

If You Need Help Right Now 

Library resources are an important part of mental wellness, but they are not a substitute for professional care, especially in a crisis. If you or someone you know is thinking about self-harm, feels unsafe, or is in immediate danger, please contact emergency services or reach out to a crisis support line right away. 

You Are Not Alone 

Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder that everyone deserves support, understanding, and the chance to have more good days. At San José Public Library, we are honored to be part of your journey - whether you’re checking out a book that helps you feel seen, attending a program that sparks joy, meeting with a social worker, or simply spending time in our spaces. Together, we can keep building a community in which talking about mental health is normal, asking for help is welcomed, and more good days are possible for everyone.